NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier Returns to Washington in Fight Against Tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Tim Houston will return to Washington, D.C., this week on another important mission to exchange information with business and government representatives in the United States. The Premier will attend the National Governors Association winter meeting, where he will share information on the benefits of continuing current trade relations with the United States.

    “My meetings in Washington last week were productive, and I believe Americans are realizing the negative impact these tariffs would have on both sides of the border,” said Premier Houston. “We can’t take our foot off the gas – we must continue discussions on how this valued partnership has benefited both Canada and the United States. It is my sincere hope and my primary focus to avoid tariffs altogether and continue with a mutually beneficial trade relationship.”

    On February 12, a delegation of 13 premiers met with political and business leaders in Washington to remind them of how both countries significantly benefit from free trade. Premier Houston also continues to have discussions with other premiers and the federal government on efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers, improve labour mobility and diversify to new markets.

    As part of Budget 2025-26, the Province will work to strengthen Nova Scotia’s self-reliance by investing in critical minerals, wind resources and the seafood sector, in addition to more money to grow the Nova Scotia Loyal program. The Province will also develop a comprehensive trade action plan to facilitate internal trade, enhance productivity and drive critical sectors with input from businesses and industry.

    Quick Facts:

    • Budget 2025-26 includes a $200 million contingency fund to help respond if the United States does impose tariffs that affect Nova Scotians
    • Canada is the top U.S. export destination for more than half of all goods produced in the United States.
    • motor vehicles, machinery, metals and minerals, and agri-food made up more than 50 per cent of U.S. exports to Canada in 2023
    • in 2024, Nova Scotia exports to the U.S. were $4.6 billion and imports were $528.3 million; the top exports were:
      • tires – $1.5 billion
      • fish and seafood – $1.2 billion
      • forest products – $430.4 million
      • agriculture and agri-food products – $278.6 million
      • plastics – $217.3 million
      • electrical machinery and equipment – $159 million
      • motor vehicles and parts – $132.7 million
      • machinery and mechanical appliances – $120.9 million
      • non-metallic mineral mining and quarrying (mostly gravel and gypsum) – $118.7 million
      • articles of iron and steel – $97.6 million
    • mission delegates are Premier Houston; Nicole LaFosse Parker, Chief of Staff and General Counsel; Sean Joudry, Principal Secretary; and Executive Deputy Minister Tracey Taweel

    Additional Resources:

    Budget 2025-26 – Unlocking Our Potential: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/18/budget-2025-26-unlocking-our-potential

    Tariff Response survey hotline: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/06/tariff-response-survey-hotline

    Council of the Federation newsroom: https://www.canadaspremiers.ca/newsroom/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Council’s value for money programme gains momentum

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council has recorded $43.2 million in savings so far this year – two-thirds of the annual savings target of $66 million.

    The council’s savings initiative is part of an ongoing programme to ensure ratepayers get value for money and cost-effectiveness across the organisation, through clear targets set in the Long-term Plan.

    Council savings is supported by Value for Money reviews and a new Better Value Projects initiative which will ensure investments in projects are good value for money.

    Through the mayoral proposal for the Annual Plan 2025/2026, Mayor Wayne Brown sought further measures on how council procures and effectively spends ratepayer money on projects.

    The new Better Value Projects programme was presented at this week’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee.

    “This is very positive progress. We have a responsibility to ensure ratepayers’ money is used efficiently – we need to spend council money like it is our own,” says Mayor Brown.

    “I’ve always been clear that we need to stop wasting money. That’s why as a council we need to follow basic rules like setting a maximum price and having a clear definition of the problem you’re trying to solve, before spending ratepayer money. 

    “We need to consistently deliver every project for Aucklanders effectively and affordably.  I’m pleased to see this piece of work coming to life – as a result, Aucklanders can be more assured that council projects are ensuring best value for money.”

    Better Value Projects identifies 10 areas that will make the biggest difference to improving value ratepayers receive from the council procuring and delivering capital projects, as well as some operational programmes.

    This includes increased use of standard designs; setting maximum prices; added rigour to scoping and design work; additional problem definition and value assessments; and careful selection of providers, across location and performance measures.

    Over $150 million savings this year
    Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee chair Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says in addition to Better Value Projects, the council has made great progress on savings, with $43.2 million already achieved.

    The $66 million savings target this financial year builds on ongoing savings of $90 million per year, totalling over $150 million savings this year.

    “We are looking at every opportunity to ensure cost-efficiency, and it’s paying off. This work directly rewards our ratepayers, helping rates to remain affordable and ensuring every dollar goes as far as it can,” says Cr Simpson.

    “Achieving 65 per cent of our 2024/2025 savings target so far is a positive sign that we’re striving hard to deliver on our commitments. Alongside savings, we’re continuing additional programmes to deliver value for money to ratepayers.”

    All savings are directly used to keep rates and debt down. For every $25 million of planned savings in the council’s budget, rates rise of around 1 per cent is avoided. 

    Value for Money reviews
    The Revenue, Value and Expenditure Committee is also overseeing the council’s ongoing programme of Value for Money reviews.

    The reviews approved by the committee this week mean 10 Value for Money reviews will have been undertaken this council term, and in total 20 reviews since the start of the programme in 2017.

    Under Section 17a of the Local Government Act, the council’s Value for Money team works across the council group to consider current services and recommend new ways to deliver, while optimising council’s investment in assets, achieving greater integration and cost-effectiveness.

    “Continuing to build our savings and value for money work, alongside new options through Better Value Projects, is one way the council demonstrates its efficiency and its focus on delivering value for ratepayers,” says Cr Simpson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZCTU welcomes passage of wage theft bill

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill passing committee stage in the House is a win for workers, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff. The Bill, which amends the Crimes Act 1961 to clarify that not paying an employee their wages is theft, will now head to Third Reading.

    “We are thrilled that this Bill is making its way through the House and looks set to become law,” said Wagstaff.
     
    “Theft is theft. It’s past time that the legal system recognises that ‘theft by employer’ is every bit as serious and criminal as any other type of theft.
     
    “Currently, workers who suffer theft of their wages or minimum entitlements only have civil remedies available to them. Workers must spend their own money to argue their case in the court or the Authority, a cost that is too high for many. Too often cases of ‘theft by employer’ go unpunished and unresolved.
     
    “We acknowledge Camilla Belich and Ibrahim Omer for their leadership on this issue and thank all political parties who have supported it.
     
    “At a time when the workers’ rights in Aotearoa are under attack, we welcome this win for working people,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: #StopRansomware: Ghost (Cring) Ransomware

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    Summary

    Note: This joint Cybersecurity Advisory is part of an ongoing #StopRansomware effort to publish advisories for network defenders that detail various ransomware variants and ransomware threat actors. These #StopRansomware advisories include recently and historically observed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help organizations protect against ransomware. Visit stopransomware.gov to see all #StopRansomware advisories and to learn more about other ransomware threats and no-cost resources.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) are releasing this joint advisory to disseminate known Ghost (Cring)—(“Ghost”)—ransomware IOCs and TTPs identified through FBI investigation as recently as January 2025.

    Beginning early 2021, Ghost actors began attacking victims whose internet facing services ran outdated versions of software and firmware. This indiscriminate targeting of networks containing vulnerabilities has led to the compromise of organizations across more than 70 countries, including organizations in China. Ghost actors, located in China, conduct these widespread attacks for financial gain. Affected victims include critical infrastructure, schools and universities, healthcare, government networks, religious institutions, technology and manufacturing companies, and numerous small- and medium-sized businesses.

    Ghost actors rotate their ransomware executable payloads, switch file extensions for encrypted files, modify ransom note text, and use numerous ransom email addresses, which has led to variable attribution of this group over time. Names associated with this group include Ghost, Cring, Crypt3r, Phantom, Strike, Hello, Wickrme, HsHarada, and Rapture. Samples of ransomware files Ghost used during attacks are: Cring.exe, Ghost.exe, ElysiumO.exe, and Locker.exe.

    Ghost actors use publicly available code to exploit Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and gain access to internet facing servers. Ghost actors exploit well known vulnerabilities and target networks where available patches have not been applied.

    The FBI, CISA, and MS-ISAC encourage organizations to implement the recommendations in the Mitigations section of this advisory to reduce the likelihood and impact of Ghost ransomware incidents.

    Download the PDF version of this report:

    For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see:

    Technical Details

    Note: This advisory uses the MITRE ATT&CK® Matrix for Enterprise framework, version 16.1. See the MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques section of this advisory for a table of the threat actors’ activity mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques.

    Initial Access

    The FBI has observed Ghost actors obtaining initial access to networks by exploiting public facing applications that are associated with multiple CVEs [T1190]. Their methodology includes leveraging vulnerabilities in Fortinet FortiOS appliances (CVE-2018-13379), servers running Adobe ColdFusion (CVE-2010-2861 and CVE-2009-3960), Microsoft SharePoint (CVE-2019-0604), and Microsoft Exchange (CVE-2021-34473, CVE-2021-34523, and CVE-2021-31207— commonly referred to as the ProxyShell attack chain).

    Execution

    Ghost actors have been observed uploading a web shell [T1505.003] to a compromised server and leveraging Windows Command Prompt [T1059.003] and/or PowerShell [T1059.001] to download and execute Cobalt Strike Beacon malware [T1105] that is then implanted on victim systems. Despite Ghost actors’ malicious implementation, Cobalt Strike is a commercially available adversary simulation tool often used for the purposes of testing an organization’s security controls.

    Persistence

    Persistence is not a major focus for Ghost actors, as they typically only spend a few days on victim networks. In multiple instances, they have been observed proceeding from initial compromise to the deployment of ransomware within the same day. However, Ghost actors sporadically create new local [T1136.001] and domain accounts [T1136.002] and change passwords for existing accounts [T1098]. In 2024, Ghost actors were observed deploying web shells [T1505.003] on victim web servers.

    Privilege Escalation

    Ghost actors often rely on built in Cobalt Strike functions to steal process tokens running under the SYSTEM user context to impersonate the SYSTEM user, often for the purpose of running Beacon a second time with elevated privileges [T1134.001].

    Ghost actors have been observed using multiple open-source tools in an attempt at privilege escalation through exploitation [T1068] such as “SharpZeroLogon,” “SharpGPPPass,” “BadPotato,” and “GodPotato.” These privilege escalation tools would not generally be used by individuals with legitimate access and credentials. 

    See Table 1 for a descriptive listing of tools.

    Credential Access

    Ghost actors use the built in Cobalt Strike function “hashdump” or Mimikatz [T1003] to collect passwords and/or password hashes to aid them with unauthorized logins and privilege escalation or to pivot to other victim devices.

    Defense Evasion

    Ghost actors used their access through Cobalt Strike to display a list of running processes [T1057] to determine which antivirus software [T1518.001] is running so that it can be disabled [T1562.001]. Ghost frequently runs a command to disable Windows Defender on network connected devices. Options used in this command are: Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring 1 -DisableIntrusionPreventionSystem 1 -DisableBehaviorMonitoring 1 -DisableScriptScanning 1 -DisableIOAVProtection 1 -EnableControlledFolderAccess Disabled -MAPSReporting Disabled -SubmitSamplesConsent NeverSend.

    Discovery

    Ghost actors have been observed using other built-in Cobalt Strike commands for domain account discovery [T1087.002], open-source tools such as “SharpShares” for network share discovery [T1135], and “Ladon 911” and “SharpNBTScan” for remote systems discovery [T1018]. Network administrators would be unlikely to use these tools for network share or remote systems discovery.

    Lateral Movement

    Ghost actors used elevated access and Windows Management Instrumentation Command-Line (WMIC) [T1047] to run PowerShell commands on additional systems on the victim network— often for the purpose of initiating additional Cobalt Strike Beacon infections. The associated encoded string is a base 64 PowerShell command that always begins with: powershell -nop -w hidden -encodedcommand JABzAD0ATgBlAHcALQBPAGIAagBlAGMAdAAgAEkATwAuAE0AZQBtAG8AcgB5AFMAdAByAGUAYQBtACgALABbAEMAbwBuAHYAZQByAHQAXQA6ADoARgByAG8AbQBCAGEAcwBlADYANABTAHQAcgBpAG4AZwAoACIA… [T1132.001][T1564.003].

    This string decodes to “$s=New-Object IO.MemoryStream(,[Convert]::FromBase64String(“” and is involved with the execution of Cobalt Strike in memory on the target machine.

    In cases where lateral movement attempts are unsuccessful, Ghost actors have been observed abandoning an attack on a victim.

    Exfiltration

    Ghost ransom notes often claim exfiltrated data will be sold if a ransom is not paid. However, Ghost actors do not frequently exfiltrate a significant amount of information or files, such as intellectual property or personally identifiable information (PII), that would cause significant harm to victims if leaked. The FBI has observed limited downloading of data to Cobalt Strike Team Servers [T1041]. Victims and other trusted third parties have reported limited uses of Mega.nz [T1567.002] and installed web shells for similar limited data exfiltration. Note: The typical data exfiltration is less than hundreds of gigabytes of data.

    Command and Control

    Ghost actors rely heavily on Cobalt Strike Beacon malware and Cobalt Strike Team Servers for command and control (C2) operations, which function using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) [T1071.001]. Ghost rarely registers domains associated with their C2 servers. Instead, connections made to a uniform resource identifier (URI) of a C2 server, for the purpose of downloading and executing Beacon malware, directly reference the C2 server’s IP address. For example, http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:80/Google.com where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx represents the C2 server’s IP address.

    For email communication with victims, Ghost actors use legitimate email services that include traffic encryption features. [T1573] Some examples of emails services that Ghost actors have been observed using are Tutanota, Skiff, ProtonMail, Onionmail, and Mailfence.

    Note: Table 2 contains a list of Ghost ransom email addresses.

    Impact and Encryption

    Ghost actors use Cring.exe, Ghost.exe, ElysiumO.exe, and Locker.exe, which are all ransomware executables that share similar functionality. Ghost variants can be used to encrypt specific directories or the entire system’s storage [T1486]. The nature of executables’ operability is based on command line arguments used when executing the ransomware file. Various file extensions and system folders are excluded during the encryption process to avoid encrypting files that would render targeted devices inoperable.

    These ransomware payloads clear Windows Event Logs [T1070.001], disable the Volume Shadow Copy Service, and delete shadow copies to inhibit system recovery attempts [T1490]. Data encrypted with Ghost ransomware variants cannot be recovered without the decryption key. Ghost actors hold the encrypted data for ransom and typically demand anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency in exchange for decryption software [T1486].

    The impact of Ghost ransomware activity varies widely on a victim-to-victim basis. Ghost actors tend to move to other targets when confronted with hardened systems, such as those where proper network segmentation prevents lateral moment to other devices.

    Indicators of Compromise (IOC)

    Table 1 lists several tools and applications Ghost actors have used for their operations. The use of these tools and applications on a network should be investigated further.

    Note: Authors of these tools generally state that they should not be used in illegal activity.

    Table 1: Tools Leveraged by Ghost Actors
    Name Description Source
    Cobalt Strike Cobalt Strike is penetration testing software. Ghost actors  use an unauthorized version of Cobalt Strike. N/A
    IOX Open-source proxy, used to establish a reverse proxy to a Ghost C2 server from an internal victim device. github[.]com/EddieIvan01/iox
    SharpShares.exe SharpShares.exe is used to enumerate accessible network shares in a domain. Ghost actors use this primarily for host discovery. github[.]com/mitchmoser/SharpShares
    SharpZeroLogon.exe SharpZeroLogon.exe attempts to exploit CVE-2020-1472 and is run against a target Domain Controller. github[.]com/leitosama/SharpZeroLogon
    SharpGPPPass.exe SharpGPPPass.exe attempts to exploit CVE-2014-1812 and targets XML files created through Group Policy Preferences that may contain passwords. N/A
    SpnDump.exe SpnDump.exe is used to list service principal name identifiers, which Ghost actors use for service and hostname enumeration. N/A
    NBT.exe A compiled version of SharpNBTScan, a NetBIOS scanner. Ghost actors use this tool for hostname and IP address enumeration. github[.]com/BronzeTicket/SharpNBTScan
    BadPotato.exe BadPotato.exe is an exploitation tool used for privilege escalation. github[.]com/BeichenDream/BadPotato
    God.exe God.exe is a compiled version of GodPotato and is used for privilege escalation. github[.]com/BeichenDream/GodPotato
    HFS (HTTP File Server) A portable web server program that Ghost actors use to host files for remote access and exfiltration. rejitto[.]com/hfs
    Ladon 911 A multifunctional scanning and exploitation tool, often used by Ghost actors with the MS17010 option to scan for SMB vulnerabilities associated with CVE-2017-0143 and CVE-2017-0144. github[.]com/k8gege/Ladon
    Web Shell A backdoor installed on a web server that allows for the execution of commands and facilitates persistent access. Slight variation of github[.]com/BeichenDream/Chunk-Proxy/blob/main/proxy.aspx
    Table 2: MD5 File Hashes Associated with Ghost Ransomware Activity
    File name MD5 File Hash
    Cring.exe c5d712f82d5d37bb284acd4468ab3533
    Ghost.exe

    34b3009590ec2d361f07cac320671410

    d9c019182d88290e5489cdf3b607f982
    ElysiumO.exe

    29e44e8994197bdb0c2be6fc5dfc15c2

    c9e35b5c1dc8856da25965b385a26ec4

    d1c5e7b8e937625891707f8b4b594314
    Locker.exe ef6a213f59f3fbee2894bd6734bbaed2
    iex.txt, pro.txt (IOX) ac58a214ce7deb3a578c10b97f93d9c3
    x86.log (IOX)

    c3b8f6d102393b4542e9f951c9435255

    0a5c4ad3ec240fbfd00bdc1d36bd54eb
    sp.txt (IOX) ff52fdf84448277b1bc121f592f753c5
    main.txt (IOX) a2fd181f57548c215ac6891d000ec6b9
    isx.txt (IOX) 625bd7275e1892eac50a22f8b4a6355d
    sock.txt (IOX) db38ef2e3d4d8cb785df48f458b35090

    Ransom Email Addresses

    Table 3 is a subset of ransom email addresses that have been included in Ghost ransom notes.

    Table 3: Ransom Email Addresses
    Email Addresses
    asauribe@tutanota.com ghostbackup@skiff.com rainbowforever@tutanota.com
    cringghost@skiff.com ghosts1337@skiff.com retryit1998@mailfence.com
    crptbackup@skiff.com ghosts1337@tuta.io retryit1998@tutamail.com
    d3crypt@onionmail.org ghostsbackup@skiff.com rsacrpthelp@skiff.com
    d3svc@tuta.io hsharada@skiff.com rsahelp@protonmail.com
    eternalnightmare@tutanota.com just4money@tutanota.com sdghost@onionmail.org
    evilcorp@skiff.com kellyreiff@tutanota.com shadowghost@skiff.com
    fileunlock@onionmail.org kev1npt@tuta.io shadowghosts@tutanota.com
    fortihooks@protonmail.com lockhelp1998@skiff.com summerkiller@mailfence.com
    genesis1337@tutanota.com r.heisler@skiff.com summerkiller@tutanota.com
    ghost1998@tutamail.com rainbowforever@skiff.com webroothooks@tutanota.com

    Ransom Notes

    Starting approximately in August 2024, Ghost actors began using TOX IDs in ransom notes as an alternative method for communicating with victims. For example: EFE31926F41889DBF6588F27A2EC3A2D7DEF7D2E9E0A1DEFD39B976A49C11F0E19E03998DBDA and E83CD54EAAB0F31040D855E1ED993E2AC92652FF8E8742D3901580339D135C6EBCD71002885B.

    MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques

    See Table 4 to Table 13 for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques in this advisory. For assistance with mapping malicious cyber activity to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, version 16.1, see CISA and MITRE ATT&CK’s Best Practices for MITRE ATT&CK Mapping and CISA’s Decider Tool.

    Table 4: Initial Access
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Exploit Public-Facing Application T1190 Ghost actors exploit multiple vulnerabilities in public-facing systems to gain initial access to servers.
    Table 5: Execution
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Windows Management Instrumentation T1047 Ghost actors abuse WMI to run PowerShell scripts on other devices, resulting in their infection with Cobalt Strike Beacon malware.
    PowerShell T1059.001 Ghost actors use PowerShell for various functions including to deploy Cobalt Strike.
    Windows Command Shell T1059.003 Ghost actors use the Windows Command Shell to download malicious content on to victim servers.
    Table 6: Persistence
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Account Manipulation T1098 Ghost actors change passwords for already established accounts.
    Local Account T1136.001 Ghost actors create new accounts or makes modifications to local accounts.
    Domain Account T1136.002 Ghost actors create new accounts or makes modifications to domain accounts.
    Web Shell T1505.003 Ghost actors upload web shells to victim servers to gain access and for persistence.
    Table 7: Privilege Escalation
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Exploitation for Privilege Escalation T1068 Ghost actors use a suite of open source tools in an attempt to gain elevated privileges through exploitation of vulnerabilities.
    Token Impersonation/Theft T1134.001 Ghost actors use Cobalt Strike to steal process tokens of processes running at a higher privilege.
    Table 8: Defense Evasion
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols T1071.001 Ghost actors use HTTP and HTTPS protocols while conducting C2 operations. 
    Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools T1562.001 Ghost actors disable antivirus products.
    Hidden Window T1564.003 Ghost actors use PowerShell to conceal malicious content within legitimate appearing command windows.
    Table 9: Credential Access
    Technique Title  ID Use
    OS Credential Dumping T1003 Ghost actors use Mimikatz and the Cobalt Strike “hashdump” command to collect passwords and password hashes.
    Table 10: Discovery
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Remote System Discovery T1018 Ghost actors use tools like Ladon 911 and ShapNBTScan for remote systems discovery.
    Process Discovery T1057 Ghost actors run a ps command to list running processes on an infected device.
    Domain Account Discovery T1087.002 Ghost actors run commands such as net group “Domain Admins” /domain to discover a list of domain administrator accounts.
    Network Share Discovery T1135 Ghost actors use various tools for network share discovery for the purpose of host enumeration.
    Software Discovery T1518 Ghost actors use their access to determine which antivirus software is running.
    Security Software Discovery T1518.001 Ghost actors run Cobalt Strike to enumerate running antivirus software.
    Table 11: Exfiltration
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Exfiltration Over C2 Channel T1041 Ghost actors use both web shells and Cobalt Strike to exfiltrate limited data.
    Exfiltration to Cloud Storage T1567.002 Ghost actors sometimes use legitimate cloud storage providers such as Mega.nz for malicious exfiltration operations.
    Table 12: Command and Control
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Web Protocols T1071.001 Ghost actors use Cobalt Strike Beacon malware and Cobalt Strike Team Servers which communicate over HTTP and HTTPS.
    Ingress Tool Transfer T1105 Ghost actors use Cobalt Strike Beacon malware to deliver ransomware payloads to victim servers.
    Standard Encoding T1132.001 Ghost actors use PowerShell commands to encode network traffic which reduces their likelihood of being detected during lateral movement.
    Encrypted Channel T1573 Ghost actors use encrypted email platforms to facilitate communications. 
    Table 13: Impact
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Data Encrypted for Impact T1486 Ghost actors use ransomware variants Cring.exe, Ghost.exe, ElysiumO.exe, and Locker.exe to encrypt victim files for ransom.
    Inhibit System Recovery T1490 Ghost actors delete volume shadow copies.

    Mitigations

    The FBI, CISA, and MS-ISAC recommend organizations reference their #StopRansomware Guide and implement the mitigations below to improve cybersecurity posture on the basis of the Ghost ransomware activity. These mitigations align with the Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) developed by CISA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CPGs provide a minimum set of practices and protections that CISA and NIST recommend all organizations implement. CISA and NIST based the CPGs on existing cybersecurity frameworks and guidance to protect against the most common and impactful threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures. Visit CISA’s CPGs webpage for more information on the CPGs, including additional recommended baseline protections.

    • Maintain regular system backups that are known-good and stored offline or are segmented from source systems [CPG 2.R]. Ghost ransomware victims whose backups were unaffected by the ransomware attack were often able to restore operations without needing to contact Ghost actors or pay a ransom.
    • Patch known vulnerabilities by applying timely security updates to operating systems, software, and firmware within a risk-informed timeframe [CPG 1.E].
    • Segment networks to restrict lateral movement from initial infected devices and other devices in the same organization [CPG 2.F].
    • Require Phishing-Resistant MFA for access to all privileged accounts and email services accounts.
    • Train users to recognize phishing attempts.
    • Monitor for unauthorized use of PowerShell. Ghost actors leverage PowerShell for malicious purposes, although it is often a helpful tool that is used by administrators and defenders to manage system resources. For more information, visit NSA and CISA’s joint guidance on PowerShell best practices.
      • Implement the principle of least privilege when granting permissions so that employees who require access to PowerShell are aligned with organizational business requirements.
    • Implement allowlisting for applications, scripts, and network traffic to prevent unauthorized execution and access [CPG 3.A].
    • Identify, alert on, and investigate abnormal network activity. Ransomware activity generates unusual network traffic across all phases of the attack chain. This includes running scans to discover other network connected devices, running commands to list, add, or alter administrator accounts, using PowerShell to download and execute remote programs, and running scripts not usually seen on a network. Organizations that can successfully identify and investigate this activity are better able to interrupt malicious activity before ransomware is executed [CPG 3.A].
      • Ghost actors run a significant number of commands, scripts, and programs that IT administrators would have no legitimate reason for running. Victims who have identified and responded to this unusual behavior have successfully prevented Ghost ransomware attacks.
    • Limit exposure of services by disabling unused ports such as, RDP 3398, FTP 21, and SMB 445, and restricting access to essential services through securely configured VPNs or firewalls.
    • Enhance email security by implementing advanced filtering, blocking malicious attachments, and enabling DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to prevent spoofing [CPG 2.M].

    Validate Security Controls

    In addition to applying mitigations, the FBI, CISA, and MS-ISAC recommend exercising, testing, and validating your organization’s security program against the threat behaviors mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise framework in this advisory.

    To get started:

    1. Select an ATT&CK technique described in this advisory (see Table 3 to Table 13).
    2. Align your security technologies against the technique.
    3. Test your technologies against the technique.
    4. Analyze your detection and prevention technologies’ performance.
    5. Repeat the process for all security technologies to obtain a set of comprehensive performance data.
    6. Tune your security program, including people, processes, and technologies, based on the data generated by this process.

    Reporting

    Your organization has no obligation to respond or provide information back to the FBI in response to this joint advisory. If, after reviewing the information provided, your organization decides to provide information to the FBI, reporting must be consistent with applicable state and federal laws.

    The FBI is interested in any information that can be shared, to include logs showing communication to and from foreign IP addresses, a sample ransom note, communications with threat actors, Bitcoin wallet information, and/or decryptor files.

    Additional details of interest include a targeted company point of contact, status and scope of infection, estimated loss, operational impact, date of infection, date detected, initial attack vector, and host and network-based indicators.

    The FBI, CISA, and MS-ISAC do not encourage paying ransom as payment does not guarantee victim files will be recovered. Furthermore, payment may also embolden adversaries to target additional organizations, encourage other criminal actors to engage in the distribution of ransomware, and/or fund illicit activities. Regardless of whether you or your organization have decided to pay the ransom, the FBI and CISA urge you to promptly report ransomware incidents to FBI’s Internet Crime Complain Center (IC3), a local FBI Field Office, or CISA via the agency’s Incident Reporting System or its 24/7 Operations Center (report@cisa.gov) or by calling 1-844-Say-CISA (1-844-729-2472).

    Disclaimer

    The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. The FBI, CISA, and MS-ISAC do not endorse any commercial entity, product, company, or service, including any entities, products, or services linked within this document. Any reference to specific commercial entities, products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the FBI, CISA, and the MS-ISAC.

    Version History

    February 19, 2025: Initial version.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proposes $125 million in mortgage relief to benefit victims of recent natural disasters

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 19, 2025

    Survivors of the Park Fire, Franklin Fire, and the recent Palisades and Eaton fires would be eligible for direct mortgage relief

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom is proposing an over $125 million package that includes disaster mortgage relief for homeowners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by natural disasters since 2023 and are at risk of foreclosure, as well as mortgage counseling services.

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Newsom today announced a new proposal to create an over $125 million mortgage relief program to assist homeowners whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged by recent natural disasters, placing them at risk of foreclosure. The proposal also includes funding to extend an existing counseling services program which would help affected homeowners navigate their recovery. The package would utilize existing mortgage settlement funding, and would not impact the proposed 2025-2026 budget. 

    “As survivors heal from the trauma of recent disasters, the threat of foreclosure should be the last thing on their minds. This disaster mortgage relief program would help lift this burden and give families more time to focus on recovery.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The package will be administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalFHA) and includes over $100 million in direct mortgage assistance, with an additional $25 million to extend an existing program that provides mortgage counseling and serves survivors by offering guidance on FEMA disaster assistance and other related needs. The program will provide mortgage relief for homeowners at risk of foreclosure and whose property was destroyed or substantially damaged as a result of declared emergencies since January 1, 2023. The proposal will be considered at CalHFA’s next meeting on February 20. Survivors of natural disasters since 2023, including those affected by the Park Fire, Franklin Fire, and the recent Palisades and Eaton Fires, would be eligible for mortgage assistance. Once approved, the direct assistance program and eligibility criteria will be developed and announced in more detail.

    The Governor last month announced that five major lenders (Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo) and recently announced that there are now 420 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders who have committed to offering impacted homeowners a 90-day forbearance of their mortgage payments, without reporting these payments to credit reporting agencies, and the opportunity for additional relief.

    Funding for the mortgage relief program comes from settlement funds California secured from big banks resolving allegations of misconduct during the mortgage crisis.

    This adds to the Governor’s work to provide tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the Los Angeles area firestorms. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state– and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes.

    Historic recovery and rebuilding efforts — faster than ever before 

    As the Los Angeles community recovers from the firestorm disaster, Governor Newsom is removing barriers and helping survivors quickly by: 

    • Cutting red tape to help rebuild Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.

    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 

    • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.

    • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. The Governor also launched LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts. Governor Newsom announced that individuals and families directly impacted by the recent fires living in certain zip codes may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.

    • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.

    • Protecting survivors from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm survivors from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.

    • Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet. The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.

    •  

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News State continues raising awareness of dangerous drug  What you need to know: California is using a multifaceted approach to tackle illicit fentanyl, including seizing nearly $300 million of illicit fentanyl since 2023 and increasing public education in schools…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Melissa Stone, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Child Support Services. Stone has been Deputy Director of the Disability Insurance Branch at…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: California’s work to pre-deploy resources ahead of this week’s major storms paid off with successful rescue efforts and no major damage reported. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today praised the proactive emergency response efforts that…

    Feb 19, 2025

    What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most serious mental health and substance use issues, who are too often experiencing homelessness. They also fund more than 11,150 new behavioral health beds and supportive housing units and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots.

    Los Angeles, California – California took a major step forward in correcting the damage from 50 years of neglect to the state’s mental health system with the passage of Proposition 1. This historic measure — a signature priority of Governor Gavin Newsom — adds rocket fuel to California’s overhaul of the state’s behavioral health systems. It provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse care, with new accountability metrics to ensure local governments deliver for their communities.

    This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform – working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    newsom-news-template
    IMG_3682-min
    contact-governor-landing
    workers-FxAJ5fkakAAtVI3
    priorities-and-progress-image
    economy-F-isBKpbsAAxdab
    gun-violence-San Diego Guns Package 2.18.22_2

    What they’re saying: 

    • Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, original author of the Mental Health Services Act: “Twenty years ago, I never could have dreamed that we would have the strong leadership we have today, committing billions and making courageous policy changes that question the conventional wisdom on mental health. Now, with the passage of Proposition 1. California is delivering on decades old promises to help people living with brain-based illnesses, to live better lives, to live independently and to live with dignity in our communities. This is a historic moment and the hard work is ahead of us.“
    • Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), author of Senate Bill 326: “Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness – many of whom are living unhoused. I am tremendously grateful to my fellow Californian’s for passing this important measure.  And I am very appreciative of this Governor’s leadership to transform our behavioral health care system!”
    • Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of Assembly Bill 531: “This started as an audacious proposal to address the root cause of homelessness and today, Californians can be proud to know that they did the right thing by passing Proposition 1. Now, it’s time for all of us to get to work, and make sure these reforms are implemented and that we see results.”

    Bigger picture: Transforming the Mental Health Services Act into the Behavioral Health Services Act and building more community mental health treatment sites and supportive housing is the last main pillar of Governor Newsom’s Mental Health Movement – pulling together significant recent reforms like 988 crisis line, CalHOPE, CARE Court, conservatorship reform, CalAIM behavioral health expansion (including mobile crisis care and telehealth), Medi-Cal expansion to all low-income Californians, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (including expanding services in schools and on-line), Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, Veterans Mental Health Initiative, Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program, Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, Health Care Workforce for All and more.

    More details on next step here

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News State continues raising awareness of dangerous drug  What you need to know: California is using a multifaceted approach to tackle illicit fentanyl, including seizing nearly $300 million of illicit fentanyl since 2023 and increasing public education in schools…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Melissa Stone, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Child Support Services. Stone has been Deputy Director of the Disability Insurance Branch at…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: California’s work to pre-deploy resources ahead of this week’s major storms paid off with successful rescue efforts and no major damage reported. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today praised the proactive emergency response efforts that…

    Feb 19, 2025

    What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most serious mental health and substance use issues, who are too often experiencing homelessness. They also fund more than 11,150 new behavioral health beds and supportive housing units and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots.

    Los Angeles, California – California took a major step forward in correcting the damage from 50 years of neglect to the state’s mental health system with the passage of Proposition 1. This historic measure — a signature priority of Governor Gavin Newsom — adds rocket fuel to California’s overhaul of the state’s behavioral health systems. It provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse care, with new accountability metrics to ensure local governments deliver for their communities.

    This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform – working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    newsom-news-template
    IMG_3682-min
    contact-governor-landing
    workers-FxAJ5fkakAAtVI3
    priorities-and-progress-image
    economy-F-isBKpbsAAxdab
    gun-violence-San Diego Guns Package 2.18.22_2

    What they’re saying: 

    • Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, original author of the Mental Health Services Act: “Twenty years ago, I never could have dreamed that we would have the strong leadership we have today, committing billions and making courageous policy changes that question the conventional wisdom on mental health. Now, with the passage of Proposition 1. California is delivering on decades old promises to help people living with brain-based illnesses, to live better lives, to live independently and to live with dignity in our communities. This is a historic moment and the hard work is ahead of us.“
    • Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), author of Senate Bill 326: “Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness – many of whom are living unhoused. I am tremendously grateful to my fellow Californian’s for passing this important measure.  And I am very appreciative of this Governor’s leadership to transform our behavioral health care system!”
    • Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of Assembly Bill 531: “This started as an audacious proposal to address the root cause of homelessness and today, Californians can be proud to know that they did the right thing by passing Proposition 1. Now, it’s time for all of us to get to work, and make sure these reforms are implemented and that we see results.”

    Bigger picture: Transforming the Mental Health Services Act into the Behavioral Health Services Act and building more community mental health treatment sites and supportive housing is the last main pillar of Governor Newsom’s Mental Health Movement – pulling together significant recent reforms like 988 crisis line, CalHOPE, CARE Court, conservatorship reform, CalAIM behavioral health expansion (including mobile crisis care and telehealth), Medi-Cal expansion to all low-income Californians, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (including expanding services in schools and on-line), Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, Veterans Mental Health Initiative, Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program, Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, Health Care Workforce for All and more.

    More details on next step here

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News State continues raising awareness of dangerous drug  What you need to know: California is using a multifaceted approach to tackle illicit fentanyl, including seizing nearly $300 million of illicit fentanyl since 2023 and increasing public education in schools…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Melissa Stone, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Child Support Services. Stone has been Deputy Director of the Disability Insurance Branch at…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: California’s work to pre-deploy resources ahead of this week’s major storms paid off with successful rescue efforts and no major damage reported. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today praised the proactive emergency response efforts that…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala to members: Use the WTO as a platform to engage

    Source: World Trade Organization

    “It is imperative that we continue to strengthen the multilateral trading system, ensuring that it remains a source of stability and opportunity for all members,” DG Okonjo-Iweala said. “The WTO was created precisely to manage times like these — to provide a space for dialogue, prevent conflicts from spiralling, and support an open, predictable trading environment.”

    “Let us make full use of this platform to engage with one another in good faith, address concerns constructively and calmly, and explore cooperative solutions that uphold and enhance the balance of global trade relations.”

    A total of 32 members took the floor following the Director-General’s remarks. Overall, members emphasized the importance of the WTO in fostering global economic growth and development, particularly for developing and least developed countries. Many who took the floor called for restraint in actions that could undermine the system and stressed the importance of upholding the WTO’s principles and rules.

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said she has been meeting with WTO members to discuss the broader geopolitical landscape and explore how the organization can approach the situation. “The key message I have shared is that amid the current uncertainties, we must maintain cool heads and remain open to dialogue,” she said.

    She informed members that Secretariat staff is upgrading the WTO’s Tariff Analysis Online database based on member feedback. The new database, to be called WTO Tariff And Trade Data, will be launched in the WTO’s Committee On Market Access on 4 March.

    “This will be a much more user-friendly system that will facilitate tariff and trade analysis,” she said. As you consider today’s emerging tariff issues, the Secretariat is there to assist any member requiring assistance in analysing the tariff situation.”

    In her intervention, DG Okonjo-Iweala underlined the importance of using the current situation to push ahead with reform of the WTO.

    “I encourage all of you to view this moment as an inflection point — an opportunity to think more strategically and purposefully about what we want from this organization and how we can make it more results-driven,” she added.

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said leaders, ministers and stakeholders she has met with in recent weeks “expect the WTO to address longstanding issues and respond to today’s global trade landscape … it’s time to return to the negotiating table in earnest.”

    This means making substantial progress in the agriculture negotiations a top priority. It also means members should use early 2025 to ensure the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies; make a concerted effort to wrap up the second wave of the fisheries subsidies negotiations; reach a mutually agreeable solution regarding the incorporation of the plurilateral Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO legal framework; continue progress on dispute settlement reform; and move ahead on development issues, DG Okonjo-Iweala said.

    “The world has changed,” DG Okonjo-Iweala said. “We cannot come here to continue doing the same things we’ve been doing.”

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process

    Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama led the high-level delegation in Geneva. Several government officials from a wide range of ministries and agencies joined virtually from Mogadishu. Mr Jama said that Somalia’s first Working Party meeting marks “a historic moment in the country’s journey toward economic recovery, integration into the global trading system, and the realization of the nation’s aspirations for sustainable development and prosperity.
    “Somalia today is a nation on the rise, one that departed with the challenges of the past and has keenly focused on a prosperous future. Our government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud, has indeed embarked on very transformational changes,” he said.
    “For Somalia, WTO membership is not merely an end goal but a vital mechanism to achieve sustainable economic growth, attract investment, and create meaningful opportunities for our people. We are dedicated to aligning our trade policies with global standards, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring that our economic transformation is inclusive and equitable, benefiting all segments of society,” he added.
    Sadiq Abdikarim Haji Ibrahim, WTO Chief Trade Negotiator, recognized WTO accession as a rigorous process requiring transparency, policy coherence, and sustained engagement. He said that Somalia approaches this process with openness and a constructive spirit. “We are ready to work closely with WTO members to address concerns, provide necessary clarifications, and reaffirm our commitment to a rules-based trading system,” he stated.
    WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted Somalia’s strong political will and commitment to moving the accession process forward. “Today is a historical moment for Somalia, but it is just the beginning of a journey where I am sure Somalia will make its own history, as Comoros and Timor-Leste did recently. They are both least developed countries and fragile and conflict-affected states, who can serve as a good model and inspiration for Somalia.” His statement is available here.
    The Chair of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia, Ambassador Nina Tornberg of Sweden, stated that Somalia has advanced technical work and stepped up its political engagement in the past few years, recalling her meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in June 2024.
    She added that the Working Party noted Somalia’s strong commitment to economic integration, both at the multilateral and regional level. “As Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2024, it is crucial to ensure coordination at all levels between EAC membership and WTO accession, to enable Somalia to focus on priority reforms and reinforce its economic resilience,” she said.
    Members welcomed Somalia’s renewed commitment to joining the WTO, emphasizing the importance of the accession for the country’s integration into global trade and for its stability. Delegations acknowledged Somalia’s constraints as an LDC and committed to supporting Somalia’s accession process. Members said they are looking forward to discussing Somalia’s efforts to align its regulations with WTO rules, while providing support and guidance throughout the accession process.
    Moving forward, Ambassador Tornberg invited the WTO Secretariat to prepare a Factual Summary of Points Raised based on the exchanges held, which will guide the continued examination of Somalia’s trade regime. Somalia was requested to submit a comprehensive set of negotiating inputs before the next Working Party meeting. The Chair said that, given Somalia’s interest in advancing its accession process, the aim would be for the next meeting to take place towards the end of the year, subject to the availability of the required inputs.
    The Working Party meeting took place immediately before the 4th edition of the Trade for Peace Week, which has featured several sessions focused on Somalia and has discussed the private sector’s role for sustainable peace and stability.  
    The Working Party meeting was followed on 18 February by a Round Table on Technical Assistance for Somalia’s WTO Accession. The round table was attended by several members and developing partners, including the East African Community Secretariat, the European Investment Fund (EIF), the International Trade Centre (ITC), UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank, which provide capacity-building support to Somalia. The discussions aimed at presenting Somalia’s accession-related needs in terms of technical assistance and capacity building and coordinating available and future support.
    Background
    Somalia has the longest coastline on the African continent and a population of approximately 18 million. With an economy highly dependent on livestock production, the government has committed itself over recent years to developing key sectors of the Somali economy, with special emphasis on economic enablers such as energy, transportation and financial markets.
    Somalia submitted its application for WTO accession, signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in December 2015 during the 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) in Nairobi, Kenya. The General Council established the Working Party on 7 December 2016. Somalia was a central part of the g7+ WTO Accessions Group launch during the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017, inspiring the vision for the creation of the Trade for Peace Programme.
    More information on this accession is available here.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala meets Ethiopia’s PM, Steering Committee to accelerate WTO accession

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DG Okonjo-Iweala meets Ethiopia’s PM, Steering Committee to accelerate WTO accession

    During her stay in the Ethiopian capital, DG Okonjo-Iweala met with a number of African Heads of State and Government and engaged on WTO matters.
    DG Okonjo-Iweala and  Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali exchanged views on Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reforms, noting how the recent liberalization of key sectors such as banking and telecommunications and the introduction of market-based foreign exchange policies can advance the accession process.
    The meeting took place ahead of the 5th meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Ethiopia, to be held at the WTO on 19 March. The Working Party will formally resume its work following a five-year pause since the 4th meeting in 2020.
    The Prime Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to integrating into the global trading system. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to finalize the necessary requirements for WTO accession, including through the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda. DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Prime Minister’s strong support for the process, expressing the WTO’s readiness to work together with Ethiopia to achieve its goal of WTO membership.
    DG Okonjo-Iweala also met with members of Ethiopia’s Steering Committee on WTO Accession, chaired by Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Chief Negotiator Kassahun Gofe Balami. The Steering Committee, which comprises senior officials from key ministries and government bodies, is tasked to take policy decisions linked to the accession process. It recently visited the WTO in preparation for the reactivation of the accession negotiations.
    DG Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation for the serious engagement by the Steering Committee to drive the necessary work toward its conclusion by MC14 in Cameroon. The meeting discussed various steps in the accession roadmap which would guide the finalization of the negotiations.    
    On the margins of the AU Summit, DG Okonjo-Iweala also met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia to exchange views on the accession of Somalia to the WTO. On 17 February, the delegation of Somalia, led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, successfully concluded the 1st meeting of the Working Party.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Need to deepen discussions on WTO reform highlighted at General Council meeting

    Source: World Trade Organization

    “We are facing a new reality,” Ambassador Ølberg, the outgoing Chair of the General Council, told members. “We must all understand that some of our fundamental values and principles are being challenged. It’s not business as usual anymore for any of us. It’s not the time for any of us to insist on old positions or speaking points. We must engage in real dialogue.”

    Ambassador Ølberg said the new reality underlined the need for fundamental reform of the WTO. At MC12, WTO members for the first time agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the WTO’s functions in order to ensure the organization is capable of responding more effectively to both the challenges facing the multilateral trading system and the opportunities provided by contemporary developments in global trade.

    “We should be open to reform, real reform, not baby steps,” he said. “Only then can our common WTO have a future. It’s up to us.” Channelling a Bob Dylan song, he warned members that “the times, they are a-changing”.

    The need to accelerate and deepen the reform as the WTO marks the 30th anniversary of its founding was highlighted by a number of members under several agenda items during the two-day General Council meeting.

    Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), who took over as General Council chair towards the conclusion of the meeting, said he was also “keenly aware of the significant challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”

    “The global trading landscape is undergoing profound changes, driven by economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, technological advancement and an urgent imperative for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Ambassador Almoqbel said. “These dynamics demand that we, as a membership, work together with renewed momentum and unity to ensure that the WTO remains a cornerstone of the rules based multilateral trading system.”

    The new Chair declared that the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) set to take place in Cameroon in March 2026 “must be a transformative event that delivers tangible results, reinforces our shared values, and strengthens the WTO’s relevance in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

    Earlier in the meeting, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also underlined the importance of WTO reform.

    “It seems to me an opportune time to launch some serious reflections on the system, with a view to seeing what works, what doesn’t work, and how we reform it,” she told members. “I know that we’ve been engaged in reforms here in Geneva, especially the work of reform by doing … but I think it’s time to elevate the level, depth and breadth of the reforms, to take a thorough look at the organization and make sure it’s really fit for 21st century global trade challenges.”

    Such an in-depth look, she suggested, would be best carried out by an independent panel of eminent persons, chaired by a respected political leader and comprising experts in both technical trade issues as well as the political economy of trade. Members would have a chance to nominate persons to this group to enable balance and ownership, but the group would operate independently.

    The independent panel’s recommendation or interim report could be sent to ministers to deliberate over at MC14 if ready, depending on how quickly the work could be done, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. This is not a new idea, she said, noting that similar work was undertaken by former GATT and WTO Directors-General Arthur Dunkel and Supachai Panitchpakdi during their terms, albeit at a more technical level. Furthermore, during a recent development retreat, members also suggested the need for such a reform exercise, DG Okonjo-Iweala noted.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Welcome the Philippines’ Human Rights Commitments , Ask about Attacks on Human Rights Defenders, Indigenous Land Rights and Drug Use Policies

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the seventh periodic report of the Philippines, with Committee Experts welcoming the State’s human rights plans and commitments, and asking about attacks on human rights defenders, indigenous land rights and drug use policies.

    Asraf Ally Caunhye, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for the Philippines, in opening remarks, welcomed the State party’s human rights plans and commitments.

    Hesaid, however, that there had been 305 killings of human rights defenders in the Philippines since the last review. The Philippines ranked third globally for killings of human rights defenders. What measures were in place to ensure that those responsible for these crimes were prosecuted and sanctioned?

    Mr. Caunhye said indigenous peoples continued to face violations of their economic, social and cultural rights through the destruction of ancestral lands by extractive industries approved by the State. How would the State party protect the rights of indigenous peoples?

    Ludovic Hennebel, Committee Vice-Chair and Member of the Taskforce for the Philippines, asked about plans to decriminalise drugs for personal use and implement alternatives to imprisonment for drug users. What measures were in place to put an end to the “war on drugs” and to provide reparations to victims?

    Rosemarie G. Edillon, Undersecretary, Policy and Planning Group, National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines and head of the delegation, introducing the report, said economic development, resilience building, and poverty reduction were central to the Government’s human rights agenda. From 2015 to 2023, the poverty rate dropped from 23.5 to 15.5 per cent of the population. The State was providing social protection to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

    There was no State policy to attack human rights defenders, the delegation said. There were remedies to address violations of the right to life, and freedom of association and assembly.

    On indigenous land rights, the delegation said the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act protected designated ancestral grounds and cultural heritage as “no-go zones” for development projects and emphasised free, prior and informed consent for all such projects. The Government was mapping and registering indigenous cultural assets to protect them.

    Regarding drug policies, the delegation said the Government was adopting a humanitarian approach to drug use and rehabilitation. Many drug users were treated in communities rather than in rehabilitation centres. Persons who participated in rehabilitation programmes were removed from criminal offender lists.

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Caunhye said discussions had brought to light issues that needed to be addressed to strengthen the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights in the Philippines. This information would inform the Committee’s concluding observations.

    Ms. Edillon, in her concluding remarks, said the State party was united in its goal of advancing economic, social and cultural rights. It would continue with actions that would create change and realise the economic, social and cultural rights of all citizens.

    In her concluding remarks, Laura-Maria Craciunean-Tatu, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for participating in the dialogue and for providing comprehensive answers.

    The delegation of the Philippines was comprised of representatives from the National Security Council; the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; the National Council on Disability Affairs; the Philippine National Police; the Department of Health; the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat; the Dangerous Drugs Board; the Department of Justice; the Department of Health; the National Economic and Development Authority; the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Department of Education; the Department of Labour and Employment; the Department of Social Welfare and Development; the Department of Foreign Affairs; and the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee’s seventy-seventh session is being held until 28 February 2025. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage . Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here , and meetings summaries can be found here .

    The Committee will next meet in public at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, 28 February, to close its seventy-seventh session.

    Report.

    The Committee has before it the seventh periodic report of the Philippines (E/C.12/PHL/7).

    Presentation of Report

    ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON, Undersecretary, Policy and Planning Group, National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines and head of the delegation, said that through the Philippine Development Plan, which she led, the Government aimed to enable and empower every Philippine citizen to achieve a comfortable lifestyle and a secure future. The 1987 Constitution served as a firm foundation for the protection and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights. This foundation was reinforced by laws, policies and programmes that supported workers, promoted equitable economic participation, and provided social protection.

    The Government had put in place a plan for economic and social transformation that accelerated economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic toward a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Economic development, resilience building, and poverty reduction were central to the Government’s human rights agenda. From 2015 to 2023, the poverty rate dropped from 23.5 per cent to 15.5 per cent of the population. The State had been employing a multi-dimensional strategy to reduce poverty, expanding the economic pie, facilitating access by the poor to the drivers of economic growth, and providing social protection to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. It had broad-based programmes like the conditional cash transfer programme, which benefitted over 4.4 million households. Beneficiaries were also covered by other social development programmes.

    The labour market had made a strong recovery after the pandemic. Employment figures were favourable, but there was much volatility and uncertainty in domestic and external fronts. For this reason, Congress had passed legislation that mandated a 10-year labour market development plan, which promoted a dynamic, efficient and inclusive labour market environment.

    Legislative measures had been enacted to institutionalise and expand social protection. In healthcare, the universal health care law ensured automatic PhilHealth coverage for all citizens. Family planning initiatives had prevented an estimated 774,000 unsafe abortions and 1,400 maternal deaths annually. The Mental Health Act expanded services to ensure informed consent in treatment, prohibit shackling, and provide culturally sensitive care. Ongoing efforts focused on breaking barriers such as attitudinal biases, inadequate modifications in public spaces, and employment challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

    Following disruptions caused by the pandemic, the Department of Education launched the basic education development plan 2030 and the learning recovery continuity plan to reverse learning loss. Enrolment had rebounded to 28.5 million learners in the 2022–2023 school year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Government was also strengthening access to special education through policies like Department of Education order no. 44, which provided clear guidance for implementing programmes tailored for learners with disabilities.

    Free, prior and informed consent was a cornerstone of the State’s indigenous peoples’ rights. Although challenges persisted in its effective enforcement, the Philippines continued to collaborate with key stakeholders and communities to ensure that indigenous rights and sustainable development initiatives were effectively upheld. It continued to promote and safeguard the cultural integrity of indigenous peoples by conducting initiatives that highlighted traditional knowledge, practices and crafts.

    Building on these initiatives, the Government, in collaboration with civil society, had launched the fourth Philippine human rights plan, a comprehensive roadmap for protecting and promoting human rights. Its second thematic chapter focused on the country’s commitment to the Covenant, integrating human rights into national development efforts and prioritising marginalised communities. The plan was aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The Philippines reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Covenant and its principles. The dialogue with the Committee was an opportunity for introspection and growth. The Committee’s feedback and recommendations would serve as a valuable guide as the State strived to build a society where every citizen could progressively realise their economic, social and cultural rights; and no one was left behind.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ASRAF ALLY CAUNHYE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about measures taken to incorporate the Covenant into the domestic legal system and to ensure the primacy of Covenant rights. In which court cases had Covenant rights been invoked? The Committee welcomed the State party’s human rights plans and commitments. What steps had been taken to ratify the Optional Protocol? 

    What system was in place to ensure that the judiciary was free from political influence? There had been 305 killings of human rights defenders since the last review. The Philippines ranked third globally for killings of human rights defenders. The existing legal institution was reportedly unable to prevent the red-tagging and killing of human rights defenders, including persons from indigenous communities and minority groups. What measures were in place to ensure that those responsible for these crimes were prosecuted and sanctioned?

    How did the Government prevent the abusive use of the Anti-Terrorism Act to restrict the activities of human rights defenders? What had barred the enactment of the bills on human rights defenders and the Human Rights Charter? How would the national human rights institution be enabled to function independently in accordance with the Paris Principles?

    Indigenous peoples continued to face violations of their economic, social and cultural rights through the destruction of ancestral lands. They were being deprived of their land management and food systems by extractive industries approved by the State. How would the State party protect the rights of indigenous peoples? What measures were in place to ensure that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples expedited the issuance of land titles?

    What steps had been taken to ensure that free, prior and informed consent was obtained for extractive projects? What progress had been made in developing a national action plan on business and human rights? How did the State ensure that enterprises exercised due diligence when carrying out extractive activities and provided reparations for indigenous peoples affected by such activities?

    What measures were in place to implement the State’s commitments under the Paris Agreement? What resources had been allocated to addressing climate change? How was the State party addressing environmental pollution caused by extractive and logging activities?

    Despite a decline in poverty levels, 18 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line. Prevailing inequality in wealth remained high. The top 10 per cent of the population earned 45 per cent of gross national income, while the bottom 50 per cent earned only around four per cent. What measures would the State party take to eradicate poverty and support households living in poverty, rationalise fiscal policy, and introduce a progressive tax base that increased taxes for the wealthiest?

    Corruption was reportedly rampant in the police, the judiciary and other State institutions. What measures were in place to combat corruption? Were there cases in which politicians had been sentenced for corruption offences? Were there measures to allow citizens to access information held by Government bodies? Would the State party set up an anti-corruption commission or court?

    There was no anti-discrimination law in the Philippines. What steps had been taken to adopt an anti-discrimination bill? How would the State party protect vulnerable persons from discrimination? What measures had the State party taken to increase the representation of women in politics and decision-making positions, and in high income sectors of the economy? How was the State party providing childcare services to empower women to take part in the workforce?

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the judiciary was independent and the Judicial Bar Council nominated judges independently. Justice programmes had been included in Government fiscal programmes to ensure that they were appropriately funded.

    The conditional cash transfer programme benefitted the poorest households with family members who were still in school. The poverty rate was at 15.5 per cent as of 2023. This rate had decreased thanks to State support programmes. The State party was investing in physical and digital connectivity for island provinces, which facilitated poor households’ access to growth centres.

    The Philippines was vulnerable to natural disasters. The Government was investing in disaster risk reduction and mitigation. Concerning the Paris Agreement, the State’s goals were to reduce emissions by 75 per cent, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and increase the use of renewable energy. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act reduced tariffs on electric vehicles to encourage their import and use.

    The State party had specific laws on anti-discrimination in different fields. It did not have a bill on sexual orientation and gender identity, but had issued an executive order that concerned discrimination on the basis of gender preferences.

    The State party’s justice system, including the Supreme Court, and its national human rights institution, the Commission on Human Rights, effectively addressed complaints of human rights violations. There was thus no need to ratify the Optional Protocol.

    There were many non-governmental organizations in the Philippines that had expressed opposition to the current bill on human rights defenders. The State party had engaged with civil society organizations on the revision of the bill. The bill called for human rights defenders to not advocate for the violent overthrow of the Government.

    The State party was supporting the participation of women in the labour force. It had advocated for policies and legislation that allowed for nighttime work for women, safe spaces in workplaces, lengthened maternity and paternity leave and telework, and was conducting studies on inclusive work arrangements for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

    The Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act supported the country’s response to terrorism and safeguarded the rights of those accused of the crime. The State had issued guidelines on detentions and surveillance that ensured that persons’ rights were not violated. The Philippines’ rank in the Global Terrorism Indexhad fallen thanks to implementation of the Act. Investigations had been launched into all claims of misuse, and arrest warrants had been issued for officers who had misused the law. Enforcement of the Act was carried out with the highest level of responsibility. The State party ensured that its actions adhered to due process and the rule of law.

    The Philippines was a State party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and had implement a national corruption prevention programme. Recently, it had hosted a regional conference on open governance and enacted a revision to the Government Procurement Act, which closed loopholes. An electronic procurement service had been launched to increase transparency. Many Government processes had been digitised, lessening opportunities for corruption.

    The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act protected designated ancestral grounds and cultural heritage as “no-go zones” for development projects and emphasised free, prior and informed consent for all such projects. The Government was mapping and registering indigenous cultural assets to protect them.

    The State had an indirect taxation system, as many families relied on overseas remittances for their income, which were not being taxed. The tax system punished undesirable behaviours such as the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Revenues from these taxes were being allocated to the health sector.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts 

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on measures to ensure that internally displaced persons had access to adequate food, basic housing, healthcare, education and social protection services; the status of the bill on the protection of internally displaced persons; measures other than the tax system to reduce disparities in wealth and income; steps to ensure gender parity in Government bodies; whether the State party had an implementation mechanism for recommendations issued to it by international bodies; how the State party linked climate adaptation policies with the land registration system to compensate people affected by natural disasters; how the State party could receive income from major emitters to fund climate adaptation plans; the ramifications of tax policies on economic, social and cultural rights; projects to strengthen anti-corruption bodies; and whether the State party trained judges and prosecutors on the Covenant.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples was revising guidelines on the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. The Commission had issued 272 approved ancestral domain titles to indigenous peoples.

    The national disaster risk reduction management framework addressed preparedness, rescue, response, recovery and rehabilitation. The State party conducted post-disaster needs assessments and tried to compensate for economic loss. A “digital locker” was being developed to allow citizens to store land titles, which would support reparation claims in cases of disasters.

    Discussions on the national action plan on business and human rights were in advanced stages. The State party sought to develop business and human rights policies that addressed specific issues related to children, indigenous peoples and environmental protection.

    The Government was interested in generating revenues from major emitters. It had developed a law that allocated resources to measuring loss and damage from climate change, which would help in this regard. The State party hosted the Loss and Damage Fund, and there were many international investments in environmental, social and governance projects in the Philippines.

    The Philippines had been recognised by the United Nations for its national recommendations tracking database. Judges were provided with training on the Covenant.

    Women parliamentary members had pushed for policies promoting women’s rights and inclusive governance. Community consultations and education programmes were in place to promote women’s participation in politics.

    The State party had proposed bills to amend taxes on passive income. It provided tax incentives to businesses that chose to operate outside of Manila.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    SEREE NONTHASOOT, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for the Philippines , expressed concerns about high levels of unemployment and informal employment in the Philippines. The informal sector provided livelihoods for about 60 per cent of the population, the majority of whom were female. What measures were in place to regularise the informal sector? The Committee was concerned about the quality of employment provided to persons with disabilities.

    What measures were in place to inspect sweatshops and to issue sanctions to employers who violated workers’ rights? What measures were in place to address workplace harassment and gender-based violence. Who was excluded from the social security system? It reportedly did not cover persons in street situations.

    There was significant variation between minimum wages in the capital and other regions. How did the State party support adequate living and working standards outside the capital? Did workers who were not paid minimum wages have access to a complaints mechanism? There had been a significant increase in child labour in the State party. How was this being addressed?

    The Committee was concerned by reports of red-tagging and killing of trade union workers. How was the Government promoting freedom of association? What was the role of relevant agencies in protecting trade union rights and the right to strike?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the unemployment rate for 2023-2024 was 4.3 per cent. The rate quickly recovered after the pandemic. The State party had determined that less than 40 per cent of workers were in the informal sector. It was developing policy recommendations related to protecting the rights of informal sector workers and revising occupational safety and health standards to protect against accidents. The State was expanding opportunities for skills training and upskilling to help citizens increase their employability. There was a policy and regulatory framework in place to protect the rights of workers in the “gig economy”.

    The Government was encouraging investment outside of the capital. It conducted consultations and examined trends in real wages before setting regional minimum wages. Setting a standard minimum wage for the entire State would discourage businesses from investing in remote provinces.

    There was no State policy to attack human rights defenders. There were remedies to address violations of the right to life, and freedom of association and assembly. The Government rejected the word red-tagging due to the absence of such a policy.

    The “Reach Out” programme aimed to reach out to families in street situations, welcoming them in temporary shelters. Abandoned children were placed in foster families. Over 2,000 individuals had benefitted from the programme in 2023.

    The National Commission against Child Labour had inspected over 10,000 establishments in 2020, identifying violations of child labour laws. Many children identified as labourers were provided with educational materials and support. Family cash transfer programmes included seminars for parents which discouraged child labour. Parents who engaged their children in child labour could be taken off the programme.

    The Government was providing training for persons with disabilities to help them pass eligibility requirements for public sector jobs. It also conducted skills matching to help persons with disabilities access work in the private sector.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on whether regional minimum wages were indexed and reviewed regularly; the role of the Government in protecting Filipino national migrant workers overseas; the number of labour inspections conducted annually; whether the Commission on Human Rights received complaints from workers; whether the State party would adopt policies mandating businesses to adopt diversity and inclusion regulations; plans to revise the Labour Code to remove barriers to forming and joining trade unions; and disaggregated data collected on persons not in employment, education or training.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Government considered regional poverty lines when setting provincial minimum wages. This was a starting wage, and the Government was supporting workers to receive higher wages.

    The State party had created a Department of Migrant Workers, which protected the rights of national migrant workers overseas. The Department was forming bilateral agreements with other countries to protect migrant workers from abuse. Several thousands of workers had been repatriated during the pandemic, many of whom had received assistance. Their children were provided with scholarships.

    Collecting data on persons not in employment, education or training was a goal of the Philippine Development Plan. There were special employment programmes for students and alternative learning systems in place to reduce the number of such persons.

    The State party had intensified efforts to identify and prevent child labour. More than 50,000 child labourers had been provided with necessary services and more than 30,000 child labourers had been removed from labour.

    The Philippines had several thousands of trade unions and workers’ associations with over four million members in total. The State engaged in dialogue with the International Labour Organization regarding incidents in which workers were killed or disappeared, and had adopted measures to prevent such incidents in the future. A committee had been formed to investigate these cases, and investigations into several cases had been concluded.

    In 2023, the State party had inspected more than 400,000 establishments to ensure they complied with health and safety standards.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    LUDOVIC HENNEBEL, Committee Vice-Chair and Member of the Taskforce for the Philippines , asked about progress made in implementing recommendations from other treaty bodies on polygamy. What measures were in place to reform divorce procedures? 

    Had the State party received complaints regarding the violation of children’s rights during conflict or on the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict? What sanctions were imposed for persons who forced children to work? How was the State party preventing sexual and online exploitation of children, and supporting birth registration for children from indigenous and Muslim communities? What measures were in place to protect victims of rape and to repeal laws allowing perpetrators to avoid punishment by marrying victims?

    How did the State party promote equal access to civil unions for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community and protect the bodily integrity of intersex persons?

    How were people in the informal sector supported to access housing? What measures were in place to prevent evictions? How did the State party promote access to health for vulnerable groups, to mental health care in rural areas, and to emergency contraception and post-abortion care? How did it promote education on sexual and reproductive health for rural and young people?

    Was the State party planning to decriminalise drugs for personal use and implement alternatives to imprisonment for drug users? What protection was in place to prevent stigmatisation and criminalisation of persons receiving treatment for drug addiction? What measures were in place to put an end to the “war on drugs” and to provide reparations to victims of the war?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Philippines recognised several types of contractual employment, including for work performed outside the employer’s facilities and independent contractors. These workers were able to file complaints with the Government in cases of violations of labour rights.

    A law on agrarian emancipation had freed 6,000 farmers from debt. The State was also implementing agricultural support programmes. The area under the Verde Island Passage would be declared as a protected area, and the State would allocate resources to protecting the area. The State’s Blue Economy Bill would mandate policies for managing marine and coastal resources. The State party had also enacted a law on seafarers’ rights.

    The natural disaster risk reduction and management act regulated support for persons displaced by natural disasters. Such persons could access State-funded shelters. The Government continued to provide support to persons displaced by the 2017 Marawi siege. The Marawi Compensation Board ensured tax-free compensation for housing and property lost during the siege. The State also provided livelihoods, healthcare and educational support for victims.

    The Executive Branch had been advocating for a law on freedom of information, which would be passed soon. A freedom of information programme had been established to grant public access to official, non-confidential documents of public concern. A witness protection programme was also in place. The Anti-Red Tape Authority promoted transparency in Government operations, while the Ombudsman acted on confidential complaints of corruption. Punitive actions for corruption offences were severe.

    In State law, polygamy was illegal, and bigamy was a criminal offence. However, Muslim men with financial ability and their wives’ permission could marry multiple wives under traditional law, which also mandated divorces.

    The Philippines advocated for the protection of children in armed conflict. It had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Members of the Armed Forces under the age of 18 did not take part in combat. When violations occurred, investigations were carried out. However, the New People’s Army continued to recruit children. There were over 500 documented cases of this terrorist group’s use of children. The Government continued to exert efforts to ensure that schools were not used to exploit children.

    The State was strengthening efforts to address adolescent pregnancy through the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education and referral networks to reproductive health facilities. Over 100 schools were implementing the education programme, and over 1.1 million leaners had participated. Behavioural change materials had also been developed for schools and health facilities.

    The Philippines remained a prime target for online sexual abuse of children. Legislation had been implemented in 2022 to penalise all forms of online abuse of children. State agencies were cooperating to identify perpetrators.

    The Government was collecting data on malnutrition and stunting. Stunting in children under five had decreased from 33 per cent in 2018 to 23 per cent in 2024.

    Housing had been declared as a national concern by the current Government. The national housing programme had provided an average of 35,000 social housing units per year in recent years. Around 75,000 housing units had been provided to persons living in areas vulnerable to natural disasters and to indigenous peoples.

    The Government was adopting a humanitarian approach to drug use and rehabilitation. The drug clearing project sought to take away drugs from the people and discourage people from using drugs. Rehabilitation support was provided to drug users. Over 60 per cent of regions had been declared “drug cleared”, and over 40 per cent “drug-free”.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on the passage of the extrajudicial killing bill and its relationship with the State drug policy; whether police were prohibited from reporting drug-related deaths to the media; whether detentions of drug users were voluntary; how the State supported people with drug-use records, who were criminalised, to access the work market; issues with the coverage of social security and nutrition programmes; measures to expedite agrarian reform to address high levels of poverty among farmers; measures to protect small-scale fishers from large-scale fishing businesses; indicators to assess multi-dimensional poverty and inform policies to tackle poverty; measures to support and protect the children of overseas workers from domestic abuse; how the energy market was regulated to make access to energy affordable; the impact of the prohibition of abortion on maternal mortality rates and measures implemented to respond to treaty bodies’ recommendations on increasing access to pre- and post-natal care services; and measures to legalise abortion in cases where there was risk to the health of the mother.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there were several programmes supporting children in their first 1,000 days of life, including conditional cash transfers. Health workers were provided with training on caring for newborns and there were pre- and post-natal care programmes in place.

    The Philippines was an early adopter of a multidimensional poverty index, which helped to identify areas in which increased support was needed. A community-based monitoring system had been set up to collect data on multidimensional poverty.

    The State party had observed that for families with mothers who migrated overseas, grandparents typically cared for children and family circles also provided support. The Government had instructed teachers on identifying evidence of domestic abuse. Migrant workers were required to develop financial plans before leaving the country. The reintegration programme was being strengthened to help returning migrant workers.

    The State had reached 100 per cent electrification of rural regions, and was now working to address pockets of households that did not have electricity, supporting their access to renewable energy.

    Maternal deaths had been steadily decreasing in recent years. The Government was continuing to strengthen maternal and newborn care programmes, including by upskilling birthing nurses and reducing unsafe abortions.

    The State party prevented commercial fishers from fishing in waters reserved for municipal fishers and spawning grounds. The Clean and Healthy Oceans Programme aimed to reduce illegal and unregulated fishing by improving compliance with regulations. Programmes were in place to develop aquatic parks to support small-scale fishers, who could also access support for livelihoods and fishing tools.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    LAURA-MARIA CRACIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Chair and Member of the Taskforce for the Philippines , commended the State party on the constant increase in the budget allocated to education, which had reached 3.2 per cent of gross domestic product. However, this was well below the United Nations’ recommendation of at least four per cent of gross domestic product. Were there further plans to increase the education budget? The Philippines’ global ranking in terms of quality of education was in the bottom 25 of 172 nations, the lowest score in Asia. What measures were envisioned to increase access to quality education for all?

    The State party had put in place a five-year development plan for children with disabilities, which ended in 2019. What results were achieved by the plan and what measures were in place to address limited access to education for children with disabilities and indigenous children? In one region, 56 per cent of children were not attending school. What measures were in place to address this issue? What measures were in place to address the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on access to education? How was the national policy framework on schools as zones for peace implemented? Legislation had been implemented that discontinued mother tongue education for minority groups. What was the rationale behind the adoption of this law?

    There was increasing disparity in access to the internet across different regions. What measures were in place to improve access to the internet for poor households and regions?

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said that the Constitution mandated that education needed to be given priority in the budget. Overall spending on education amounted for around 5.5 per cent of gross domestic product. The State party had made kindergarten education compulsory and extended compulsory education by two years, and the curriculum had been revised recently to improve education quality. The Government was working to address the inadequate supply of textbooks and computers in schools through decentralisation. The Philippines had over 100 languages and it was difficult to develop learning materials in each of these languages. The State thus decided to discontinue mother tongue language instruction and standardise English as a medium of instruction from grade five.

    The State party was also working to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning outcomes. Recently, legislation had been passed on remedial education. During the pandemic, the Government adopted learning continuity plans to support access to education through online and broadcast education.

    The Government had implemented many measures to manage culturally sensitive education in Muslim and indigenous communities. Education on peace and conflict resolution was being promoted, and the State party was working to repair schools damaged by conflicts. The Government promoted the concept of schools as zones of peace in conflict-affected areas such as Mindanao. Local governments and security forces contributed to protecting schools in peace zones from being used in military activities through measures such as school escorts. The Government continued to provide psychosocial support for children affected by armed conflict.

    The indigenous education programme promoted quality, culturally relevant education for indigenous peoples. It had been implemented in over 3,000 schools. Over 75 indigenous languages were used in instruction, and an additional 4,000 teachers, 95 per cent of whom were indigenous, had recently been hired to provide education to indigenous children.

    The Government was working to improve access to education and healthcare for children with disabilities. Legislation mandating inclusive education for children with disabilities had been adopted and disability support officers had been established in educational institutions.

    The State party had improved the policy and regulatory framework on internet access. The national fibre-optic cable network was being expanded to southern regions. The State party was collaborating with Starlink to allow southern provinces to access the internet via satellites. Telecommunications companies were provided with incentives to operate in the Philippines, and wi-fi access points were being set up in schools and public places.

    The State’s campaign against illegal drugs was now geared towards rehabilitation and reintegration of drug users. The House of Representatives had investigated extrajudicial killings occurring in the context of the war on drugs and the Government had decided to amend the Penal Code to increase penalties for extrajudicial killings.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on how the State party promoted education in Spanish and Arabic; the results of the education programme on Islamic values; how the State party protected the expression of indigenous culture and indigenous cultural sites; whether indigenous leaders participated in creating policies impacting their communities; legal and administrative provisions to protect indigenous languages; the number of legal cases invoking economic, social and cultural rights in which reparations had been granted for violations; the role of the Commission of Human Rights in investigating complaints from workers and places of detention; how the State party would protect fishing zones for small-scale fishers; measures for reducing threats and attacks against human rights defenders; plans to decriminalise abortion; and measures to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there were schools in Mindanao that provided Arabic and Islamic education. Education in Spanish and Arabic was an option in mainstream schools. Four-year courses on Arabic teaching were provided in local universities.

    There was no legal framework on cultural misappropriation, but the Government was working to protect intellectual property rights by registering the cultural assets and expressions of indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities needed to be consulted regarding all projects and policies affecting them. Indigenous leaders were included in local development councils.

    Courts had cited the Covenant in decisions upholding standards of living and access to economic, social and cultural rights, including in cases in which remedies were granted for environmental harm caused by mining operations. There needed to be a new Charter governing the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights, which had traditionally focused on civil and political rights but was recently working to promote economic, social and cultural rights.

    Court cases were underway into violations of regulations on fishing zones by commercial fishers. The Government protected the rights of legitimate environmental defenders. Protection of the environment was included as a pillar of the national security policy.

    The State party had pivoted to a community-based approach to illegal drugs. Many drug users were treated in communities rather than in rehabilitation centres. Persons who participated in rehabilitation programmes were removed from criminal offender lists, but not drug user lists.

    The State party had not yet developed a comprehensive bill on the rights of internally displaced persons. Persons affected by the Marawi siege had been provided with access to water and electricity, and reconstruction efforts were ongoing in affected areas.

    The State had created a committee on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex affairs, which was developing policies and programmes to promote equality and inclusion of the community. The Constitution and various State legislation prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The police had formulated a gender sensitivity programme to ensure protection of this community.

    Pre-natal checkups were provided free of charge in primary health facilities, and mobile clinics provided maternal health services in isolated areas. The Government, while maintaining the prohibition of abortion, had taken measures to ensure quality post-abortion care was provided without stigmatisation.

    Closing Remarks

    ASRAF ALLY CAUNHYE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for the Philippines , said the dialogue had been fruitful and constructive, addressing a range of issues confronting the Philippines. Discussions had brought to light issues that needed to be addressed to strengthen the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights, and would inform the Committee’s concluding observations. Mr. Caunhye expressed thanks to all persons who had contributed to the dialogue.

    ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON, Undersecretary, Policy and Planning Group, National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue. The State party was united in its goal of advancing economic, social and cultural rights. The President had a clear vision for national development that focused on improving access to all economic, social and cultural rights. The State party would continue with actions that would create change and realise the economic, social and cultural rights of all citizens.

    LAURA-MARIA CRACIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Chair , thanked the delegation for participating in the dialogue and for providing comprehensive answers. In some instances, additional data would have been appreciated. Human rights mechanisms were not mutually exclusive; they all served to enhance protections of rights holders. The Committee thanked civil society organizations for submitting information to the Committee and called for further cooperation between civil society and the Government.

    __________

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    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.

     

    CESCR25.006E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New UN Mediator for Libya — Tenth in 14 Years — Must Avoid Past Failures, Delegate Warns Security Council

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    UN Political Chief Says Libyans’ Dream Unfulfilled after February Revolution 14 Years Ago

    Libya’s leaders and security actors are prioritizing political and personal gain over national interests, the United Nations’ top political official told the Security Council today, as the country’s delegate blamed proxy wars for its instability.

    Fourteen years on since the 17 February 2011 Revolution in Libya, “the dream of a civil, democratic and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled” due to “entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations and competing domestic and external interests”, said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.  Highlighting efforts by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to revive the political process, she noted the establishment of an Advisory Committee comprising legal and constitutional experts to provide proposals supporting efforts towards holding national elections.

    Pointing to the lack of progress on a unified budget or an agreed spending framework, as well as disagreement over the leadership of the Libyan Audit Bureau, she said it is critical to support the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilize the financial situation.  The dispute over the position of President of the High Council of State remains unresolved.  “Politicization and political divisions are also hindering progress on national reconciliation,” she said, noting that amendments to a draft law on that topic have raised concerns over the independence of a future National Reconciliation Commission.

    Following successful local elections in 56 municipalities in November 2024, the High National Elections Commission is preparing for the next 63 elections.  “Funding from the Government is crucial to enable the High National Elections Commission to implement this next phase of municipal council elections,” she stressed.  On the security front, the activities of non-State and quasi-State armed actors continue to pose a threat to Libya’s fragile stability, she said, noting that the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement has only been partially implemented.

    She also expressed concern about the continuing trend of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances across Libya.  Drawing attention to “the alarming and tragic discovery of mass graves” earlier this month in north-east and south-east Libya, she said:  “This is yet another reminder of the urgent need to protect migrants and combat human trafficking.”  Calling for support to the 2025 Libyan chapter of the Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan, which requires $106 million, she urged Council members to support the newly appointed Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, who will be taking up her functions in Tripoli on 20 February.

    In December 2024, a senior UN official announced a new UN-mediated process aimed at breaking the political deadlock — marked by the presence of rival Governments — and facilitating elections.  (See Press Release SC/15938.)

    Libya Battleground for Proxy Wars

    Libya’s delegate, who spoke at the end of today’s meeting, pointed out that Ms. Tetteh will be the tenth Special Representative of the Secretary-General assigned to his country in 14 years, calling this “a record”.  The Council must reflect on whether this indicates a “problem” with the imposition of solutions, UN mechanisms or the officials themselves.  He added:  “We hope that she will harness the lessons from the past and will not repeat the same misgivings by trying the same things and expecting different results.”  He also raised several concerns about the Advisory Committee established by UNSMIL, including whether it was expected to put forward a single proposal or numerous proposals, and how exactly political stakeholders would contribute to this process.

    “My country has become a ground for the settlement of disputes” in proxy wars, he said, adding that it is influenced by instability in the region, including “political and security-based changes”.  However, he pointed out, the recent holding of municipal elections around the country is a good example of Libya’s ability to ensure electoral processes where there is support and political will.  Any reconciliation must be based “on transitional justice, on accountability, on truth and on redress and compensation”, he stressed, while reiterating a request for the removal of individuals on the Sanctions List for humanitarian reasons or if their “listing was erroneous, or because their file was used to further political friction”.

    Many Council members welcomed the establishment of the Advisory Committee and the appointment of the new Special Representative as positive steps towards relaunching the political process.

    The representative of the United States said Ms. Tetteh’s prior experience in Sudan and South Sudan can inform her approach in Libya.  A political solution is the path to long-term stability, and time is of the essence, she said, noting “destabilizing activities from external actors” and the need for “east-west security integration”. Recalling the visit of a delegation from her country to Libya, she urged all parties to reach agreement on a unified budget to end persistent conflicts over revenue-sharing.

    The Russian Federation’s delegate expressed hope that the new Special Representative will adopt an impartial approach, informed by a sober assessment of the political climate.  Ms. Tetteh will have the difficult task of redressing imbalance and revitalizing UN mediation efforts, he said.  This month marks the fourteenth anniversary since the “egregious Western intervention and the virtual destruction of Libyan Statehood”, he observed, adding:  “The collapse of the country took place and is ongoing to this date.”

    Updating Sanctions Regime

    The United Kingdom’s delegate welcomed the recent adoption of new designation criteria for the UN sanctions regime to hold those exploiting Libyan crude oil and petroleum accountable and help to safeguard its resources.  “Until a unifying political agreement is achieved in Libya, it will be impossible to unlock its great potential,” she added.  (See Press Release SC/15967.)  Along similar lines, France’s delegate said:  “Libyan money needs to benefit the Libyan people”, adding that a unified budget and a unified Government go hand in hand.  Such a Government, capable of organizing presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible, is crucial.

    “Good-faith engagement and demonstrating compromise” will be essential in overcoming all outstanding, contentious issues, Slovenia’s speaker advised, adding that the political process must include Libyans from all walks of life, with women and young people.  Denmark’s delegate added:  “No woman should fear reprisals as a consequence of political engagement — neither online, nor offline.”  Further, organizations promoting women’s rights should be able to operate freely.

    The representative of Panama acknowledged the enormous political challenges in Libya, where “the crisis has fragmented the social fabric and institutions in the country”, as he expressed support for efforts to hold elections representing different factions of Libyan society.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that stability in Libya remains key for the region, and even more so for immediate neighbours like his own country which are impacted by the significant increase of irregular migration flows.

    Communications between East-West Security Institutions

    On security, the representative of Pakistan highlighted the reported agreement between Eastern and Western security institutions to establish a joint centre for communication and information exchange.  Noting that these are preliminary steps, he added:  “This will need a well-defined comprehensive peacebuilding and reconciliation strategy”.  Also welcoming the establishment of the joint centre for border security, the representative of the Republic of Korea noted that efforts to unify military institutions will be essential for strengthening Libya’s security.  Calling on “foreign Powers” to refrain from providing arms to Tripoli “for their narrow geopolitical interests”, he said that those weapons destabilize the broader region and bolster terrorism.

    Several speakers echoed the need to avoid external interference and respect the leadership of the Libyan people.  The representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said the Advisory Committee’s proposals are meant to foster further consultations between UNSMIL and the relevant Libyan decision makers and stakeholders.  She called for “careful attention to how this work is undertaken, so that it “avoids creating any additional challenges”.  She also expressed concern about the lack of progress in convening national elections.

    The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, stressed the need to avoid undue external interference, while Libya is on the path to elections and national reconciliation.  UNSMIL must strengthen its communication with Libyan parties and put forward practical proposals, he said, hoping that the Special Representative will advance the political process.  The Mission should monitor the ceasefire, he said, noting that improving the security situation and fighting the crime trajectory are imperative.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Deputy ferries commissioner appointed to BC Ferry Commission

    Carol Bellinger has been appointed deputy ferries commissioner of the BC Ferry Commission.

    The commission sets price caps on the maximum allowable annual increase in fares and approves major capital expenditures for BC Ferries.

    Bellringer has been appointed for a six-year term, effective Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, following a competitive and public application process. She is a full-time governance professional who chairs the University of Victoria Foundation board and sits on boards and audit committees of organizations in the energy, transportation and public sectors.  

    Bellringer is retired from a career in auditing, having worked as the president and CEO of the Canadian Audit and Accountability foundation. Her previous experience includes serving the legislature as the auditor general for the provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba.

    The BC Ferry Commission is a quasi-judicial regulatory agency operating under the Coastal Ferry Act, and is independent of the provincial government and BC Ferry Services Inc.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Screening of “American Coup: Wilmington 1898” Explores History of Massacre and Insurrection

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Screening of “American Coup: Wilmington 1898” Explores History of Massacre and Insurrection

    Screening of “American Coup: Wilmington 1898” Explores History of Massacre and Insurrection
    jejohnson6

    ELIZABETH CITY

    The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Museum of the Albemarle, and Elizabeth City State University, in partnership with PBS North Carolina and Working Films invite teachers and community members to a free screening of American Coup: Wilmington 1898. The film shares the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city, Wilmington, in 1898. The screening is part of a statewide effort to better equip educators to share the story of the massacre, its place in US history, and its lasting impact. The screening will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. in the Gaither Auditorium of the Museum of the Albemarle.

    American Coup: Wilmington 1898 documents this story, which was the only successful coup d’état in the history of the US. Stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government. Black residents were murdered and thousands were banished. The story of what happened in Wilmington was suppressed for decades until descendants and scholars began to investigate. Today, many of those descendants — Black and white — seek the truth about this intentionally buried history.

    “American Coup: Wilmington 1898 is a cautionary tale about a breakdown of a cornerstone of our democracy: fair and free elections,” says Rachel Raney, PBS North Carolina’s Director of National Productions and co-executive producer of the film. “When we started researching these events in Wilmington, we quickly discovered that many North Carolinians are not aware of this important history, in part because it was intentionally buried. The more we learned, the more it became clear that all Americans need to know what happened.”

    The screening will include North Carolina 2024 Teacher of the Year, Kim Jones, who will speak to available resources for educators to incorporate 1898 into lesson plans. These resources include a curriculum for incorporating the film into the classroom, as well as a virtual “Community of Practice” for continued support and conversations for teachers. This will be a place where teachers can go with questions as they undertake the curriculum.

    A panel discussion and audience Q&A will follow the screening and will include three historians with Elizabeth City State University: Dr. Glen Bowman, Dr. Latif Tarik, and Dr. Tomiko Ballentyne. They will be joined by LeRae Umfleet, a historian and author featured in the film.

    The American Coup: Wilmington 1898 screening and discussion will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Teachers and community members are invited to join us at 5 p.m. for refreshments before the event starts. More event details can be found here and more details about the documentary and educational resources can be found here.

    For high-resolution images and additional media assets, visit this link.

    About PBS North Carolina

    As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    About Working Films

    Founded in 1999, Working Films is a national nonprofit organization based in North Carolina that leverages the power of documentary films to advance social justice and environmental protection. For more information, visit www.workingfilms.org.

    About the Museum of the Albemarle

    The Museum of the Albemarle is located at 501 S. Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC. (252) 335-1453. www.museumofthealbemarle.com. Find us on Facebook! Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and State Holidays. Serving Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties, the museum is the northeast regional history museum of the North Carolina Division of State History Museums within the N.C.

    Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural, and economic future. Information is available 24/7 at www.dncr.nc.gov.   

    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 N.C. 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.

    Feb 13, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament and member states agree on new support plan for Moldova

    Source: European Parliament 3

    EU member states and MEPs have agreed on essential improvements to a new support facility for Moldova, focusing on better financing and democratic oversight.

    Negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached a provisional agreement on Wednesday on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova. The Facility aims to support Moldova in facing significant challenges, notably to mitigate the profound impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on Moldova’s security, economy, and citizens’ livelihoods and to strengthen its resilience against the ongoing and unprecedented hybrid attacks and foreign malign interference targeting the country and democratic processes and institutions.

    Key improvements:

    Increased grant-based support: Negotiators agreed to allocate €520 million in grants – a €100 million increase compared to initial proposals – alongside €1.5 billion in low-interest loans. This adjustment ensures Moldova can implement reforms without unsustainable debt accumulation.

    Accelerated funding access: The Facility provides 18% pre-financing, up from 7% originally, of total support, enabling rapid deployment of resources to address energy security, anti-corruption infrastructure, and public service modernisation.

    Administrative capacity building: A dedicated 20% of grant funds will strengthen Moldova’s institutions through digital governance systems, civil service training, and judicial reforms – prerequisites for effective EU fund management.

    Reinforced oversight framework: To ensure full parliamentary scrutiny the agreement establishes a Dialogue between Parliament and the Commission to review implementation progress regularly.

    Also agreed was to make available additional voluntary contributions in the form of external assigned revenue from other donors such as international financing organisations for further financial support to Moldova, and that the Facility shall not support activities or measures which undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

    Quotes

    Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Budgets: “With a €200 million increase in pre-financing and €100 million in total allocations, we are mobilizing enhanced immediate support to assist Moldova in advancing reforms, accelerating its European integration, and countering the economic and energy repercussions of Russian aggression. This ambitious agreement underscores Europe’s capacity to respond decisively to escalating geopolitical challenges.”

    Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Foreign Affairs: “This Facility underscores our commitment to Moldova’s EU accession journey and supports the country in undertaking necessary reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance energy security, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of its citizens. Raising the grant component to 20.5% and the pre-financing rate to 18% secures €520 million in non-repayable support for Moldova and ensures rapid access to funding.”

    Next steps

    The provisional agreement will be submitted to Parliament’s plenary (March) and the Council for final approval.

    Background

    Between 2025 and 2027, the maximum resources to be made available to Moldova through the Facility will amount to €1.785 billion (in current prices). This includes up to €1.5 billion in concessional loans and €385 million in non-repayable financial support. Additionally, €135 million will be set aside to provision the loans.

    The Reform and Growth Facility is part of a broader EU Growth Plan for Moldova aimed at doubling its economy within a decade while fostering socio-economic stability. The facility is modelled after similar initiatives in other EU candidate regions, such as the Western Balkans Facility, representing a significant step forward in Moldova’s path toward EU membership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Floridian Sentenced for Role in Money Laundering Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Ocala, Florida, has been sentenced to time served, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction for money laundering conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Charles Wilson Stout, 66, who had served approximately six months of imprisonment for his crime.

    According to information presented to the Court, Stout engaged in a money laundering conspiracy from in and around April 2022 until in and around June 2022. The Court was advised that a Washington, D.C.-based university was the victim of a business email compromise that resulted in the fraudulent transfer of more than $603,000 from a bank account located in the Western District of Pennsylvania into a separate bank account owned by Stout.

    To obfuscate the source of the fraudulent funds, Stout and his co-defendant, David Kakra Mensah, created a shell company and transferred portions of the fraudulently obtained proceeds into a cryptocurrency account that Mensah owned. In addition to participating in the business e-mail compromise, Mensah was also involved in a romance fraud scheme in which he obtained and moved money through individual victims living in Pennsylvania, Oregon, and elsewhere. Mensah previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stout.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General Travel, Deputy Secretary-General & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    – Secretary-General Travel
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Children in Eastern and Southern Africa
    – Sudan
    – Libya
    – Myanmar
    – Central America
    – Ukraine
    – Guest Tomorrow
    – Financial Contribution

    SECRETARY-GENERAL TRAVEL
    The Secretary-General traveled to Bridgetown, Barbados today where, this evening, he will speak at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, also known as CARICOM. 
    In his remarks, he is expected to highlight three key areas where, together, we must drive progress – peace and security, the climate crisis and sustainable development.
    Also today, the Secretary-General will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.
    Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will have a closed session with CARICOM Heads of Government, to exchange views on pressing issues in the region, such as Haiti. 
    He is expected back in New York later tomorrow.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa today to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting on behalf of the Secretary-General. Ms. Mohammed will underline support for multilateral cooperation and the South African G20 Presidency and reinforce the case for dialogue and joint action to address common challenges, including trade, tax, debt, and financing climate action. On the margins of the meeting, she is expected to meet with senior government officials from G20 members and guest countries.
    From Johannesburg, Ms. Mohammed will proceed to Nairobi, Kenya, to hold meetings with a wide range of stakeholders and UN entities in preparation of the second UN Food System Summit Stocktaking and to meet with senior government officials.
    On 26 February, Ms. Mohammed will return to South Africa – this time to Cape Town to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and open the Finance in Common Summit 2025 on behalf of the Secretary-General.
    The Deputy Secretary-General will return to New York on 27 February.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The World Health Organization and UNICEF say that the emergency polio outbreak response in the Gaza Strip is continuing, with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled to begin on Saturday and continue until 26 February. The novel oral polio vaccine type 2 will be administered to more than 591,000 children under 10 years of age to protect them from polio. The campaign aims to reach all children under 10 – including those previously missed – to close immunity gaps and end the outbreak.
    Meanwhile, partners supporting water, sanitation and hygiene services are working to increase the production and distribution of water for drinking and domestic purposes to improve living conditions in the Strip and minimize public health risks.
    There are now more than 1,780 operational water points across Gaza. Over 85 per cent of them are used to support water trucking activities by UN partners. 
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that UN partners are also training and deploying mobile teams and volunteers at aid distribution points to ensure that vulnerable groups – including people with disabilities – have safe and dignified access to humanitarian assistance. More than 100 such teams are operating at nearly 70 aid distribution points throughout Gaza.
    Turning to the West Bank, OCHA says that Israeli forces’ operations in northern areas continue, causing further destruction and displacement among Palestinian residents.
    Yesterday, in Tulkarm refugee camp, Israeli forces demolished at least five homes, with several others also slated for demolition.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=19+February+2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0iEq-V8ZyE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Express Concern, Demand Transparency Regarding Termination of Forest Service and Department of the Interior Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent two letters to the Trump Administration regarding his recent decision to terminate several thousand employees at the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). The senators expressed deep concerns about the risks that these mass firings could have on the millions of acres of public lands in Nevada and demanded transparency about the projects the terminated employees had been responsible for. 
    “President Trump’s reckless firing of thousands of employees at the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service raises serious concerns about the impacts this could have on Nevada’s public lands,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m joining Senator Cortez Masto in pushing back and requesting more information from the Trump Administration to understand how this will impact ongoing projects across our state.”
    “The Trump administration has made the chaotic decision to fire thousands of hard-working federal employees who keep Nevadans safe from wildfires and protect their access to clean water,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The federal government is responsible for managing over 80% of the land in Nevada, and our families deserve answers about how this decision will impact their communities.”
    Nevada has the highest percentage of land managed by DOI – more than any other state. Specifically, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 60 percent (approximately 48 million acres) of Nevada’s land. Nevada is also home to prominent lands managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Additionally, the USFS manages approximately 5.9 million acres of land in Nevada, including some of our most cherished landscapes such as the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Ruby Mountains within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area outside of Las Vegas. Many Nevadans rely on the services provided by Forest Service staff. 
    The Senators asked that the following information about the terminated employees be made public:
    The number of employees terminated. 
    A description of the position and responsibilities of each terminated employee.
    A list and description of the projects to which each terminated employee was assigned.
    A description of what information the terminated employees were provided.
    The letter to the USFS can be found here and the letter to the DOI can be found here. 
    Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto are champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They recently joined Nevada’s Congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to preserve national monument designations in Nevada. The Senators passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. They also passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and they delivered critical funding to protect Lake Tahoe in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last year, Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto announced over $375 million for recreation and conservation projects across Nevada.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Employment of people on the autism spectrum in the EU – E-000626/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000626/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kosma Złotowski (ECR)

    People on the autism spectrum are successfully employed in many EU countries, and their unique abilities are often utilised in tasks involving the gathering and analysis of information. For this reason, they are also employed in the security sector. Neurodiverse people are able to analyse many seemingly similar images and identify very small differences, which can be a source of important intelligence. In the current geopolitical situation, any action to strengthen Europe’s security should be a priority for the European Union.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Do current EU laws allow for the recruitment and employment of people on the autism spectrum in EU institutions, agencies and bodies, and if not, what legislative changes would need to be made to make this possible?
    • 2.Is it possible, on the basis of current EU legislation, to create a programme for people on the autism spectrum, which would involve employing such people in European institutions to perform tasks related to the protection of cyberspace, the detection of security threats in various contexts and the collection of intelligence – OSINT?
    • 3.Has the Commission, in the course of its activities, undertaken initiatives, commissioned analyses or adopted positions relating to the employment of people on the autism spectrum?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Calviño’s interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Interview by Matthias Kolb and Alexander Mühlauer (Süddeutschen Zeitung)

    Nadia Calviño is President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the largest promotional bank in the world. On behalf of the EU Member States, it is tasked with ensuring stability through investments within and beyond the European Union. So it’s little wonder that the former Deputy Prime Minister of Spain would attend the 61st Munich Security Conference. Shortly before the event, Calviño visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, signing investment agreements totalling around  €1 billion. Before beginning her interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 56-year-old wanted to get one thing straight, right from the start: Europe must realise that we are at a turning point in history.

    Something seems to have ruptured between the United States and the European Union. Trump is talking with Putin about the future of Ukraine, without the EU at the table. The US Secretary of Defense says that America will no longer guarantee security in Europe. And US Vice President J.D. Vance says the greatest risk for Europe is not Russia or China, but the alleged internal threat to freedom of expression. How shocked are you by this?

    Calviño: I’m not shocked, or even surprised. I was certain we would see a fundamental change in transatlantic relations. We Europeans need to remember where our strengths lie, stand up for our interests and defend the rules-based world order from which we have benefited so richly over the past 80 years. And the Americans even more so.

    Isn’t the new US government threatening to destroy this world order?

    I am convinced that good transatlantic relations are strategically important for both sides. We must work to create a new foundation for them. In such turbulent times, it is more important than ever for Europe to stand for stability and reliability – not just within our own borders, but also for the rest of the world. That Europe should do even more to uphold a rules-based world order is something I hear often from our partners across the globe.

    But again, do the United States pose a risk to the global order?

    It is in their interest to preserve the things that have made America great. Institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund or the World Trade Organization, which we founded together. That’s one reason the US dollar is a global reserve currency. There are many win-win situations to be had from working together, and with Europe. But the most important thing is for us to accept that the world of tomorrow is very different from the world of yesterday.

    “We are at a turning point in history.”

    The European Investment Bank is the world’s largest promotional bank. As its president, what can you do to help Europe stand the test of time in this new world?

    We are at a crucial moment in history. And at a turning point in the geopolitical order. The future will depend on the decisions we make today, and every decision counts.

    What does that mean exactly?

    Since I joined the EIB as president in 2024, I have held talks with all 27 EU Member States and our European and international partners, but also with civil society and industry. For the first time, we have set out a clear Strategic Roadmap. 2024 was a record year for us, in which the EIB signed €89 billion in financing to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and security. These funds will go, for example, to energy infrastructure and renewable projects, to new technologies like artificial intelligence or quantum computers, and to supporting the transport and automotive industries. In 2024, we invested a record amount in energy networks. We also doubled our support for security and defence – to €1 billion – and we expect to double it again in 2025.

    At the Munich Security Conference, we kept hearing the question of where Member States could get the many billions of euros they would need to invest in their armies, including under pressure from Trump. Are they all coming to you now?

    Ursula von der Leyen has already proposed relaxing the rules under the Stability Pact so that EU countries can finance their defence spending. Olaf Scholz has similar ideas. The EIB is not a defence ministry, but there is a lot we can do to help in this area. For example, if Member States want to renovate their roads and bridges to improve military mobility, we can fund that, just like we can fund protection of critical infrastructure like submarine cables, or investments in cybersecurity. We are doing this, and are exchanging with Europe’s finance and defence ministries and with industry.

    What is the EIB financing in Germany in this domain?

    We are currently looking into 14 specific projects across Europe. In 2021, for example, we granted the Munich-based drone startup Quantum Systems a loan of €10 million. Their products are now used by the Ukrainian military, and have both civilian and military applications, so they can be supported by the EIB. The Lithuanian government has just applied to us with a proposal that we are now evaluating. It seeks financial assistance to build the base for the new German army brigade in Rūdninkai, near the border with Belarus.

    Soon 5 000 German soldiers will be permanently stationed in Lithuania, as a deterrent to Russia. Cost projections by the German Defence Ministry for this brigade are over €10 billion. Lithuania would like to invest around €1 billion in the new base. How much money could come from the EIB?

    This is a very important and demanding project, and we’ve only just started looking into the details. Another good example is the EIB support for the expansion of the Danish port in Esbjerg. Going forward, it will be better able to accommodate NATO vessels and the transport of materials for offshore wind farms.

    You just came from a visit to Ukraine. How is the EIB supporting that country?

    The trip to Ukraine was my first one outside the EU as EIB President. We are probably Ukraine’s most important investment partner, and our role is one that our partners value greatly. During my visit, we signed agreements for investment totalling around €1 billion. They will allow major Ukrainian banks to grant more loans to medium-sized companies. And with the country’s government, we have signed packages to finance infrastructure for energy, transport, water and district heating, as well as the construction of bunkers in schools and nurseries. So we are actively investing in all of the important areas for the Ukrainian people to lead normal lives, as far as possible. And, of course, we aim to strengthen the country’s resilience.

    Are you also supporting Ukraine’s defence industry?

    We support the European security and defence industry, which also helps Ukraine. In 2024 we expanded the dual-use approach, so that we can now support a wide range of projects, such as border security, cybersecurity, satellites and drones, and mine clearance.

    The CEO of the Italian arms company Leonardo recently told our reporters that Europe has one main problem: Member States spend more and more money on defence, but don’t work together enough. Is he right?

    It is clear that a common European procurement system would make us stronger and more efficient, especially when it comes to our flagship projects. And yes, I think the European Investment Bank can contribute by acting as an independent appraiser for projects. In 2024, to bring in top expertise, we signed agreements with the NATO Innovation Fund and the European Defence Agency so that we can draw on their technical knowledge in this regard.

    Is there any dispute at the EIB due to differing positions on Ukraine, with member countries like Hungary or Slovakia that have pro-Moscow governments?

    No, not at all.

    “I would never presume to tell a Member State what to do.”

    So you are president of one of the only EU institutions that aren’t divided?

    I told you that I visited the 27 Member States, and listened very carefully to them. On that basis, we drew up our strategy, which was unanimously supported. We are therefore well aligned with the EU priorities and the expectations of the Member States. There is strong support for what we are doing. Including in Ukraine.

    When it comes to Europe’s future, one word always comes up: competitiveness. What does Europe need to do to avoid falling even further behind the US and China economically?

    The different reports, for example by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, are quite unanimous: We need market integration, streamlining and investment. So what we need to do is clear. And I think the new Commission is willing to go in that direction. On streamlining, for example, we have teamed up with the Commission to adapt environmental reporting standards so that we can pursue the Paris Agreement and our green transformation objectives in a way that promotes the competitiveness of European industry, as well as green finance and green investment.

    How optimistic are you that Europe will finally begin to react more quickly and actually make decisions? With the capital markets union, we’ve been waiting ten years for things to finally happen. And that’s just one example of many.

    As Spain’s Minister of Finance and its Deputy Prime Minister, I saw lots of things. The euro area crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. And I have seen how Europe can succeed: Together, we developed the vaccines, and we dealt with the crisis. With the NextGenerationEU package, Spain has made some very far-reaching reforms and, thanks to mobilising investment, it is now the best-performing economy in Europe and a driver of growth and prosperity on the continent. We succeed when we unite, act decisively, truly focus and bring all our energy together.

    In contrast to Spain and other countries, Germany’s economy has been hit hard. Many experts see the debt brake as an obstacle to further growth. What does Germany have to do for things to start looking up again?

    I would never presume to tell a Member State what to do. I simply wish for a strong Germany with a stable, pro-Europe government – because we need a strong Germany at the centre of our union.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Condemns President Trump’s Comments About Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 19, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement after President Donald Trump publicly attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the post, President Trump claimed the U.S. was “duped” into spending billions to help Ukraine defend itself following Russia’s 2022 full-scale military invasion and that President Zelenskyy is a “dictator without elections.” Further parroting a Kremlin propaganda point, President Trump also falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war against Russia.

    “The 46,000 Ukrainians who have died defending their country from Putin’s invasion deserve more than the insulting rant President Trump delivered this morning.

    “I would call on President Trump to apologize to the people of Ukraine, but it would be a waste of breath. Donald Trump is a pushover for Putin.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish meddling in the Turkish Cypriot community’s education system – E-000614/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000614/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    According to recent revelations, the Turkish-controlled teachers’ union KIB-TES is attempting to influence and alter the character of the Turkish Cypriot community’s education system. A report by KIB-TES to the President of Türkiye was recently revealed, calling on Türkiye to intervene in specific ways to make the educational programme in Turkish Cypriot schools more conservative.

    This development is an extension of Türkiye’s increased interference in the internal affairs of Turkish Cypriots. As a result, among other things, transfers of teachers from Türkiye are being promoted, religious schools are being strengthened, and pressure is being exerted to establish compulsory religious education in the Occupied Territories of Cyprus.

    All of this, however, contradicts the identity and will of the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriot community and its representatives (political parties, educational unions, etc.).

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission acquainted with the positions of the Turkish Cypriots on the above issue?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to support the right of the Turkish Cypriots to an independent education system?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Illegal use of spyware in Serbia – P-000686/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000686/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE)

    A recent report by Amnesty International entitled ‘A Digital Prison: surveillance and the suppression of civil society in Serbia’ has revealed that Serbian authorities have engaged in widespread illegal surveillance practices by using spyware against activists, journalists and members of civil society.

    These alarming revelations emerge at a time when Serbia is witnessing its largest protests in decades, fuelled by growing concerns over widespread corruption and the increasing authoritarianism of its government.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the reported use of spyware and abuse of digital forensic tools targeting activists and journalists in Serbia and what steps, if any, has it taken so far?
    • 2.What further actions, if any, is the Commission considering in response to these allegations and do these include the possibility of calling for an independent investigation and ensuring accountability?
    • 3.To the Commission’s knowledge, has the EU been involved in the procurement of any equipment – such as forensic tools, software or other technologies – for Serbian institutions or agencies in the security sector that could potentially be misused to undermine or threaten human rights? If so, could it provide details on the EU’s involvement and specify which tools or technologies were procured?

    Submitted: 13.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Budget: Discussed and decided

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A budget for the next financial year has been decided at a meeting of the City Council.

    The three hour meeting at City Hall (Wednesday 19 February) saw the budget backed with a vote of 44 councillors in favour and 17 against.

    From April the Council Tax for day-to-day services, which raises around £16 of every £100 the council spends, will rise by 2.49 per cent. This is to help fund hundreds of city services from waste collection to parks and street lighting.

    The Adult Social Care Precept will rise by 2 per cent and the council has joined with other local authorities to lobby the Government on reforming social care funding and to end this local precept.

    Leader of the City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey said: “We have worked very hard to ensure this is a positive budget, which allows us to continue with our ambitious social and economic regeneration plans for the city, whilst ensuring we continue to protect and support our residents most in need.”

    The majority of city households are in Council Tax Band A and have a £0.99p weekly increase to help pay for city services and social care. The national benchmark Band D increase is a weekly city rise of £1.48p.

    With increasing demand and cost pressures for adult social care, the 2 per cent precept is expected to raise around £2.6m. More spending on adult social care is a key part of the new budget with an extra £15.8m allocated for the next year.

    While outlining a more positive settlement from the new Government, Cllr Mordey said that to achieve a balanced budget the council would be using £9m of reserves and continue to introduce and achieve more savings and cost efficiencies.

    He said: “Raising council tax remains one of the most difficult decisions for all councils. However, if we don’t raise it, we will need to cut services and reduce our investment into key priority areas.

    “That would mean cuts in services to those most vulnerable in our communities and to the services which residents tell us are a high priority.

    “Our budget proposals for next year confirm that we will continue to invest in our city. We will continue to invest to protect the most vulnerable people in Sunderland, and we will continue to invest in services that our residents tell us are important to them such as tackling anti-social behaviour and increasing community safety.”

    The council has a programme of ambitious investments of more than £400m over the four years and more than £250m of this is programmed for the next year. Projects due for completion in coming months include the new Wear footbridge open for the hosting of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Culture House opened, while a school buildings solar panel programme will get underway alongside further investments in the city’s infrastructure.

    Budget reports can be viewed at: Meetings and Events

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on treaty commissioner appointment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has released the following statement on a newly appointed commissioner to the BC Treaty Commission:

    “I wish to congratulate George Abbott on being appointed by the Government of British Columbia to a two-year term at the BC Treaty Commission as the commissioner.

    “In recent years, First Nations, Canada and B.C. have been focused on creating innovative agreements that are strong but flexible, and better suited to addressing the needs of individual Nations.

    “Abbott is a seasoned diplomat who has significant experience of working with First Nations, local governments, labour and business, and has a track record of engaging shoulder to shoulder with First Nations on agreements that advance reconciliation and self-determination to build a stronger province.

    “First elected in 1996, Abbott served with distinction as a member of the legislative assembly for 17 years, including 12 years as a cabinet minister. Over his many years of public service, Abbott led portfolios in Indigenous relations, sustainable resource management, health and education.

    “Throughout his time in elected office, Abbott had many notable achievements, including introducing the historic Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act in 2010 and working with First Nations leaders to officially name the large area of coastal waters off the southern coast as the Salish Sea. During his role as minister of Aboriginal relations and reconciliation (now the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation), Abbott regularly engaged in the work of the Treaty Commission as the Province’s principal in the tripartite treaty negotiations process.

    “He served as chair for the Institute for Health System Transformation and Sustainability until December 2024. He is the current board chair at Technical Safety BC. He completed his doctorate in political science at the University of Victoria in April 2019.

    “I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Angela Wesley, who is serving her third term as the provincially appointed commissioner, for her important contributions to advancing reconciliation through treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.

    “Since her initial appointment in December 2018, she has brought her wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of commissioner. Thanks to her years of service to the Treaty Commission, she has helped shape many significant moments in treaty negotiations in B.C., including the initialling of three treaties last summer with K’ómoks, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations.

    “The success of the treaty negotiations process is possible because of the hard work and dedication of individuals like Angela Wesley, George Abbott and all the other treaty commissioners.

    “I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors, by working in partnership with the Treaty Commission and alongside my colleagues in the federal government and the First Nations Summit, to support progress in negotiations of modern treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Indictment Charges Suburban Chicago Man With Trafficking Firearms and Drugs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a suburban Chicago man for allegedly trafficking firearms and drugs.

    An indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges EFRAIN JACOBO, 42, of Prospect Heights, Ill., with federal firearm and drug offenses.  He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment this morning in federal court.  Jacobo is currently detained in federal custody.

    According to the indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case, Jacobo dealt six handguns, a rifle, ammunition, and narcotics in a series of transactions last fall in Joliet, Ill.  The drugs in the deals included methamphetamines and cocaine. Unbeknownst to Jacobo, the individual to whom he sold the guns and drugs was an undercover law enforcement officer, the charges allege.

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 150 kilograms of methamphetamines from a truck that had traveled from Texas to Bolingbrook, Ill.  Law enforcement also seized fentanyl and cocaine from a storage facility used by Jacobo in Wheeling, Ill., and additional cocaine from Jacobo’s vehicle, the charges allege.

    The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Mike Rompa, Chief of the Bolingbrook, Ill. Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Steindorf.

    The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Lummis Addresses Wyoming Legislature 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis
    Cheyenne, WY — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) on Friday addressed her former colleagues in two speeches to the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate.  
    Senator Lummis discussed the excitement in Washington surrounding President Trump’s agenda, important policy changes that will positively impact Wyoming, and the progress that DOGE and Elon Musk are making in rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse from within our government. 
    Click here to watch Sen. Lummis’ remarks to the Wyoming Senate
    Click here to watch Sen. Lummis’ remarks to the Wyoming House of Representatives
    Excerpts from Sen Lummis’ Wyoming Senate Remarks:
    “It’s such an honor for me to come and get to visit with you. Thank you for allowing me to serve you, and this state, in the United States Senate. It’s an absolute new day in Washington. 
    …
    “Three hundred executive orders. One that we are all proud of is to reverse the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP), and the Buffalo RMP, there is recognition by this president that we need all sources of energy, including hydrocarbons to run this nation. 
    “Artificial intelligence is going to double the demand we have now for energy – and we don’t have enough baseload energy to meet that need. Well Wyoming does – we export about twelve times more energy than we consume. So, my office is working with AI companies to encourage them to bring their computing needs here and use our energy to produce the computer capacity to make the United States number one in AI – and keep it that way. 
    “I want you to know that I’ve invited three of our new cabinet members to Wyoming. The Senate, as they say, is so different from the U.S. House – the Senate is in the personnel business. And that’s about all we’ve done since January 20th. We’ve confirmed more cabinet members than have been confirmed by this time in recent memory. 
    “One of them, that I’ve invited to Wyoming, is EPA Director Lee Zeldin. Lee has only been to Wyoming once and it was to Teton County. So, he has yet to see the EPA’s impacts on our state. He is anxious to come and anxious to learn. I served in the U.S. House with Lee Zeldin. He is a great guy but he is from New York and our issues are somewhat different than theirs. And he wants desperately to help us through challenging permitting issues and to understand just how clean we can do hydrocarbon energy. No state can do it cleaner than we can.
    “I’ve also invited Sean Duffy, another person with whom I served with in the U.S. House, who is our Transportation Secretary. As you know, the Highway Trust Fund is heading for insolvency in about three years. Part of that is driven by the fact that electric vehicles pay no fuel taxes so the funds are depleted because there are enough vehicles on the road who are not contributing to the safety of our highways because they pay no taxes. Only those of us who drive gasoline and diesel vehicles are contributing. 
    ….
    “The other person I invited out was RFK Jr. RFK Jr. hunts in Sweetwater County and he’s hoping after a pretty grueling process that he has just completed to come out and do a little hunting in Sweetwater County. I asked if while he’s here he might consent to do a healthcare roundtable in Rock Springs. And he said, “absolutely.” 
    And so, unless the president has other plans for his time, we hope to get him this spring to Rock Springs. That is an opportunity to help him understand frontier and rural healthcare in a way that only frontier and rural areas can. 
    ….
    “We are in a new Golden Age in Washington. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. I got to be at the White House when President Trump signed the executive order restricting women’s sports to women. It was just a celebration. There were over a hundred women athletes behind the president on these bleachers. 
    …..
    “It’s been indescribably humbling to be there and see America back in charge – and the people back in charge of America.
    “I want to also tell you what Elon Musk is doing is incredibly important to America. He is ferreting our true waste, fraud, and abuse. And it’s shocking to see the pushback he is getting. He is auditing – he is finding where people were paid who should not have been. Government benefits, our dollars, going to people who should not have had them.
    ….
    “Mr. President – thank you for the privilege of the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA:  Welch Provides Remarks at the Vermont Dairy Producers Conference 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) delivered remarks at the Vermont Dairy Producers Conference on Monday. He discussed the path forward to protect Vermont’s dairy industry from harmful policies put forth by the Trump Administration, including the Administration’s actions on immigration and the Trump Tariffs, which will raise prices for farms, businesses and families.
    “I’m fighting to strengthen Vermont’s dairy farms, but many of President Trump’s actions during his first month in office are hurting farms and rural communities. His policies—threatened and enacted through Executive Order—are already putting pressure on dairy farmers and the USDA. None of us want this to happen, and we have to resist,” said Senator Welch. “A strong dairy industry is a strong Vermont, and I’ll do everything I can to fight for Vermont’s dairy farmers in Washington.” 
    As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has led bipartisan efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy industry. 
    View photos from the event below: 
    In 2023, Vermont imported $76 million worth of livestock feed from Canada. New blanket tariffs proposed by the Trump Administration on Canada and Mexico would increase costs for dairy farmers by raising the cost of livestock feed and eventually reduce the size of their milk check. Additionally, President Trump’s actions on immigration risk limiting Vermont’s agricultural workforce, with farming communities across the state reporting increased presence from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, especially in Addison County. 
    The Trump Administration’s illegal freeze on programs across the federal government have caused serious harm to farmers and producers across Vermont. The unconstitutional funding freeze broke the government’s promise to reimburse farmers for projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, leaving farmers to foot the bill–sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. 
    Last Congress, Senator Welch introduced several bills to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers; strengthen rural development and infrastructure; increase energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption; improve access to nutrition; strengthen our local food systems and expand markets; and make our communities more resilient to flooding—all of which were included in the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. Senator Welch plans to reintroduce many of these bills and policy provisions in the 119th Congress, including his bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would bring nutritious whole milk back into schools. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs and Marine Police detected six large-scale maritime smuggling cases involving cigarettes and drugs during joint anti-smuggling operations (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs and Marine Police detected six large-scale maritime smuggling cases involving cigarettes and drugs during joint anti-smuggling operations (with photo)
    Hong Kong Customs and Marine Police detected six large-scale maritime smuggling cases involving cigarettes and drugs during joint anti-smuggling operations (with photo)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police conducted joint operations from February 12 to 19 targeting large-scale maritime smuggling activities and six cases involving suspected illicit cigarettes and suspected dangerous drugs were detected. During the joint operations, a total of about 16.93 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes and 459 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds were seized.     Customs and police officers conducted anti-smuggling operations in Sai Kung and Lantau Island from February 13 to 16 and detected four suspected illicit cigarettes smuggling cases. A total of 4.1 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $19 million and a duty potential of about $13.5 million, found in four goods vehicles and the waters nearby. The four goods vehicles involved in the cases were also detained.                 At small hours on February 18, Customs found a suspicious unattended fishing vessel in Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized 12.83 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $57 million and a duty potential of about $42 million, inside the compartments of the vessel.      Later on the same day, Customs intercepted a suspicious fishing vessel in the waters off Lamma Island, during which persons onboard the fishing vessel threw numerous nylon bags into the sea. Customs officers then took immediate action to board the vessel and retrieved the subject nylon bags from the water. Upon inspection, a total of about 459kg suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $118 million, were found inside the nylon bags. Three local men, aged between 44 and 60, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested in the operation.     Investigations on the above mentioned six cases are ongoing.     Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies. Customs will continue co-operating and exchanging intelligence with the Police, Mainland and international law enforcement agencies, with targeted anti-smuggling operations carried out at suitable times to disrupt these activities.     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.      Under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking or illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025Issued at HKT 22:27

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Day of Social Justice – 20th February

    Source: Government of India (2)

    World Day of Social Justice – 20th February

    India’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 6:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    World Day of Social Justice, observed annually on February 20th by the United Nations, serves as a global call to action for addressing poverty, exclusion, and unemployment while promoting solidarity, harmony, and equality of opportunity within and between societies.

    Aligned with the ethos of the World Day of Social Justice, India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has intensified efforts to bridge socio-economic gaps through legislative reforms, grassroots empowerment, and global partnerships.

    Background & Global Context

    Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the 62nd session on November 26, 2007, the World Day of Social Justice has been celebrated annually on 20th Feb since the 63rd session in 2009. This observance stems from the recognition that social development and social justice are indispensable for achieving and maintaining peace and security both within and among nations. The day emphasizes that social justice cannot be attained without peace, security, and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    In the face of global challenges such as financial crises, insecurity, and inequality, the day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for social justice initiatives. It emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities through trade, investment, technological advancements, and economic growth while addressing the obstacles that hinder full participation in the global economy, particularly for developing countries and those in transition.

    The International Labour Organization (ILO) also plays a crucial role in promoting social justice through its Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization, adopted in 2008. This declaration builds upon previous ILO statements and places the Decent Work Agenda at the core of the organization’s policies.

    The day aligns closely with the United Nations’ broader mission to promote development and human dignity. Initiatives like the Social Protection Floor, launched in 2009, demonstrate the UN’s commitment to ensuring basic social guarantees for all.

    The World Day of Social Justice highlights several key principles and objectives:

    Evolution of Social Justice in India

    India has observed the World Day of Social Justice since 2009. The evolution of social justice and empowerment in India has been a gradual but progressive process influenced by historical struggles, constitutional mandates, and policy developments. The vision of social justice and empowerment has been deeply rooted in India’s independence movement and the vision laid down by the Constitution to ensure equality, dignity, and justice for all citizens, especially the marginalized communities.

    The Constitution of India lays a strong foundation for social justice and empowerment through various provisions that aim to eliminate social inequalities and promote the welfare of disadvantaged groups.

    Key Constitutional Provisions on Social Justice and Empowerment

    Preamble

    The Preamble ensures social, economic, and political justice, guarantees equality of status and opportunity, and promotes fraternity to uphold individual dignity and national unity. It establishes the foundation for a just and inclusive society free from discrimination.

    Fundamental Rights (Part III)

    Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour, making such practices punishable by law. Article 24 bans child labour in hazardous occupations, protecting children’s rights to safety and education. These rights safeguard vulnerable groups from exploitation.

    Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)

    Article 37 states that DPSPs, though not legally enforceable, are essential for governance. Article 38 directs the State to reduce social and economic inequalities. Article 39 ensures equal livelihood, fair wages, and protection from exploitation. Article 39A guarantees free legal aid for the disadvantaged. Article 46 mandates special educational and economic promotion for SCs, STs, and weaker sections to prevent discrimination.

    In 1985-86, the Ministry of Welfare was bifurcated into the Department of Women & Child Development and the Department of Welfare, incorporating divisions from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Law. It was later renamed the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in May 1998.

    The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment envisions building an inclusive society where marginalized groups can lead productive, safe, and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development. It strives to empower these groups through educational, economic, and social development programs, along with rehabilitation initiatives where necessary.

    The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects this commitment, allocating Rs 13,611 crores to the MoSJE, a 6 percent increase from 2024-25, to ensure saturation coverage of welfare schemes.

    The department’s mandate focuses on uplifting socially, educationally, and economically marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Senior Citizens, Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Transgender Persons (under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019), individuals engaged in begging, Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), and the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). Through targeted policies and interventions, it aims to foster equity and inclusion in society.

    Key Initiatives by the Government of India

    1. Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)

    The scheme launched in 2021-22, merges three schemes to uplift SC communities through skill development, income generation, and infrastructure in Schedule Caste dominated villages. It has three components: Adarsh Gram development, Grants-in-Aid for socio-economic projects, and hostel construction in higher education institutions. Since January 1, 2024, 5,051 villages have been declared Adarsh Gram, 1,655 projects benefiting 3,05,842 people have been sanctioned, and ₹26.31 crore allocated for 38 hostels.

    2. Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA)

    The SHRESHTA scheme aims to bridge service gaps in Schedule Caste dominant areas by supporting grant-in-aid institutions and high-quality residential schools. It provides financial assistance to top CBSE/State Board-affiliated private schools for SC students in classes 9 and 11, ensuring education till class 12. Additionally, it funds NGOs/VOs to run residential and non-residential schools and hostels with adequate infrastructure and strong academic standards, fostering socio-economic upliftment of SC communities.

     

    3. Purple Fests

    Purple Fests (Festival of Inclusion) have been organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, since 2023. In 2024, the event welcomed over 10,000 Divyangjan and their escorts, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual respect. Purple Fest is a movement towards a more equitable society, championing the values of accessibility, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. The event also saw the launch of significant initiatives, including the India Neurodiversity Platform in collaboration with TATA POWER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST, aimed at early intervention and home care support, a handbook on attitudinal barriers and disability-sensitive language to promote inclusive communication, and a nationwide series of 25 job fairs by the American Indian Foundation and DEPwD.

    Performances from the Purple Fest – 2024

    4. National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)

    The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in FY 2023-24 as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and sustainable livelihood of sanitation workers in urban India. The scheme has integrated components of the former Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) and expanded its coverage to include waste pickers as a target group from FY 2024-25.

     

    5. Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise (SMILE)

    The Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at the rehabilitation of transgender individuals and persons engaged in begging. Its primary objective is to create a ‘Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat’ (Begging-free India) by ensuring the reintegration of beggars into mainstream society. The scheme focuses on area-specific surveys, awareness campaigns, mobilization and rescue operations, access to shelter homes and basic services, skills training, alternative livelihood options, and the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Currently, it is active in 81 cities and towns, including key pilgrimage, historical, and tourist locations, with plans to expand to 50 more cities in the next phase.

      

    As of November 15, 2024, 7,660 individuals engaged in begging have been identified, out of which 970 have been successfully rehabilitated. The scheme continues to work towards its goal by providing shelter, vocational training, and employment opportunities, helping marginalized individuals regain dignity and self-sufficiency.

    6. PM-DAKSH Yojana

    The PM-DAKSH Yojana launched on 7th August, 2021, aims to enhance the skill levels of marginalized communities, including SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and Safai Karamcharis, for economic empowerment through free skill training. The scheme, with a budget of ₹450.25 crore (2021-26), provides short-term and long-term training to facilitate wage and self-employment, ensuring at least 70% placement. Training is conducted through Government and reputed Private Training Institutes, aligned with NSQF and Common Norms of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), targeting individuals aged 18-45 years.

    7. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

    Launched on 15th August 2020, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) aims to make India drug-free by targeting 272 high-risk districts, identified through a national survey and NCB inputs. The campaign follows a three-pronged approach: curbing supply (Narcotics Control Bureau), awareness and demand reduction (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment), and treatment (Health Department). Since its inception, NMBA has reached 13.57 crore people, including 4.42 crore youth and 2.71 crore women, with participation from 3.85 lakh educational institutions.

    Conclusion

    As the world grapples with economic challenges, the World Day of Social Justice renews commitments to equity and inclusion, reminding us that injustice anywhere affects all of humanity. While progress has been made, much remains to be done. India has embraced this vision through legislative reforms, grassroots programs, and targeted welfare initiatives. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) plays a key role in uplifting marginalized communities, aligning its efforts with global frameworks like the Decent Work Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to uphold justice and equality.

    Through initiatives like PM-AJAY, NAMASTE, SMILE, PM-DAKSH Yojana, and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, MoSJE has empowered disadvantaged groups with education, skills, and economic opportunities. Increased budget allocations, inclusive platforms like Purple Fests, and expanded social protection measures highlight the government’s commitment to fostering justice and inclusion. As India observes the World Day of Social Justice, these efforts reaffirm its dedication to bridging socio-economic gaps and ensuring dignity and opportunity for all.

    References

     

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    Santosh Kumar/Ritu Kataria/ Vatsla Srivastava

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to inaugurate first edition of the SOUL Leadership Conclave on 21st February in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    PM to inaugurate first edition of the SOUL Leadership Conclave on 21st February in Delhi

    Conclave to bring together people from different walks of life to discuss aspects relating to leadership

    SOUL: an upcoming leadership institution in Gujarat to enable authentic leaders to advance public good

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first edition of the SOUL Leadership Conclave on 21st February, at around 11 AM, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay will deliver the Keynote Address as the Guest of Honor.

    The two day SOUL Leadership Conclave from 21st to 22nd February will serve as a premier platform where leaders from diverse domains like politics, sports, arts and media, the spiritual world, public policy, business and the social sector will share their inspiring life journeys and discuss aspects relating to leadership. The conclave will foster an ecosystem of collaboration and thought leadership, facilitating learning from both failures and successes, to inspire young audiences.

    School of Ultimate Leadership is an upcoming leadership institution in Gujarat to enable authentic leaders to advance public good. The aim is to broaden the landscape of political leadership in India through formal training and to include those who rise through merit, commitment, and passion for public service and not just from political lineage. SOUL brings in insights, skills and expertise necessary to navigate the complex challenges of leadership in today’s world.

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    MJPS/SK

    (Release ID: 2104792) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –