NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Banner KC review proposes roadmap to speed up delivery of national infrastructure

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New roads, railway lines and offshore windfarms could be delivered more quickly and easily, powering economic growth, according to a new independent report.

    New roads, railway lines and offshore windfarms could be delivered more quickly and easily, powering economic growth, according to a new independent report published today (Monday, 28 October).  

    The Review of Legal Challenges to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, by leading planning barrister Lord Charles Banner KC, aims to reduce delays to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and get Britain building, with ten recommendations set out for government on how to reduce barriers to development and resolve challenges more effectively.

    These include options to streamline the judicial review process, reduce the amount of time it takes for legal challenges against these projects to move through the courts, and improve the way data on case progress is published.

    These major projects, which can include harbours, power stations and waste water management facilities, are often held up by judicial review challenges, sometimes setting them back years in delays, increasing the costs significantly.

    The Government will carefully review recommendations and the responses received in the call for evidence before publishing a response with a focus on ensuring there is a balance between the critical need for projects and maintaining the public’s right to challenge government decisions. 

    Alongside the publication of the review, the Ministry of Justice, has published a call for evidence seeking views on Lord Banner’s recommendations.

    Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said:    

    Building new and improved national infrastructure is essential to delivering the government’s economic growth and clean power missions and we must have planning system fit to deliver it.

    With demands on the consenting process having changed considerably over recent years, I’m grateful to Lord Banner for reviewing how we might speed up the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

    The government will carefully review his recommendations and consider further proposals before determining how we will further improve the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime.

    Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are major infrastructure projects within the categories of energy, transport, water, wastewater, and waste.  

    The publication of this review comes as the government continues to focus on its commitment to break down barriers to building and deliver the investment, growth and 1.5 million homes that the country needs. This includes a consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to fix the foundations of the housing and planning system, new mandatory housing targets for councils to ensure homes are built where they are most needed and the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will turbocharge housebuilding and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors:

    A summary of the ten recommendations in the report include:

    • The cost caps, which limit the legal costs the losing party must pay the winning party in certain judicial review claims, should not be amended.
    • The current rules on ‘standing’ – i.e. who may bring a judicial review – should not be amended. 
    • There should be fewer ‘bites of the cherry’ for claimants seeking permission to bring a judicial review.  
    • The option of raising the permission threshold for a judicial review of a Development Consent Order (DCO) decision requires further consideration. 
    • The option of introducing an NSIP ticket, authorising a small pool of judges to hear DCO judicial reviews, requires further consideration. 
    • DCO Judicial Reviews should be designated as significant planning court claims, which would ensure these cases are dealt with promptly by the Planning Court, in line with target timescales set out in Civil Procedure Rules
    • Case management conferences should be introduced for DCO judicial reviews, requiring parties to come together at an early stage to consider how best to approach these claims.  
    • Target timescales should be introduced for DCO judicial reviews in the Court of Appeal.  
    • Target timescales should be introduced for DCO judicial reviews in the Supreme Court. 

    • The Planning Court and the Court of Appeal should regularly publish data on key performance indicators such as the average length of time taken for DCO judicial reviews to progress through the courts. 

    • The call for evidence will run for nine weeks and can be accessed here.
    • Lord Banner is a leading expert in planning and environmental regulation and was appointed by the previous government to conduct an independent review into the legal challenges causing delays to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Sudan [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

    Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

    The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

    The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

    They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

    A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

    A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.

    A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

    And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.  

    Madam President,

    We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

    But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

    Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

    We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

    But we need action on the ground.

    The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

    Allow me to outline three key priorities. 

    First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

    Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

    At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

    He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

    And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.  

    I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones. 

    And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

    Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

    We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

    I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

    And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

    The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must have space for documenting what is happening on the ground.

    Civil society and journalists must be able to do their jobs safely, without fear of persecution and attacks.

    The direct or indirect flow of weapons and ammunitions into Sudan, which continue to fuel this conflict, must cease immediately.

    Diverse Sudanese voices, human rights organizations and others have called for stepped up measures — including some form of impartial force — to protect civilians.

    These calls are a reflection of the gravity and urgency of the situation facing civilians in the country.

    At present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a United Nations force to protect civilians in Sudan.

    The Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.

    This may require new approaches that are adapted to the challenging circumstances of the conflict.

    Troisièmement, l’aide humanitaire doit pouvoir être acheminée.

    Malgré les difficultés persistantes en matière d’accès et de financement, l’ONU et ses partenaires ont apporté une aide humanitaire à près de 12 millions de personnes entre janvier et septembre de cette année.

    Cela va de l’eau potable, des systèmes d’assainissement et des abris, aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en passant par la nutrition d’urgence. 

    Mais c’est loin d’être suffisant.

    Une grande partie des personnes assistées n’ont pu recevoir de l’aide qu’une seule fois.

    Plusieurs régions où les besoins sont les plus urgents restent totalement inaccessibles.
    Il est impératif de garantir un accès humanitaire rapide, sûr et sans entrave par toutes les voies nécessaires – au-delà des frontières et à travers les lignes de conflit.

    La réouverture du poste frontière d’Adré représente une étape importante – et ce poste doit rester ouvert.

    J’exhorte les parties à faire en sorte que davantage d’aide vitale puisse être acheminée vers les zones les plus démunies et par les voies les plus efficaces.

    Nous avons besoin que le personnel humanitaire puisse se déplacer dans tout le pays rapidement et en toute sécurité.

    Et nous avons besoin de fonds.

    Notre appel de fonds pour l’aide humanitaire — à hauteur de 2,7 milliards de dollars — n’est financé qu’à 56 pour cent, et le niveau de financement du Plan régional d’intervention en faveur des réfugiés est encore plus insuffisant.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à accroître leurs contributions et assurer un financement souple.

    Dans le même temps, je rends hommage à l’héroïsme des nombreuses initiatives soudanaises visant à fournir une aide vitale et salvatrice sur le terrain.

    Les plus de 700 salles d’intervention d’urgence au Soudan sont un exemple admirable d’action humanitaire de proximité.

    Par leur engagement, ces femmes et ces hommes nous montrent une autre facette du Soudan – le meilleur de l’humanité, dans un pays qui endure aujourd’hui le pire.

    Leur mobilisation devrait être une source d’inspiration pour nous tous.

    Madame la Présidente,

    Comme je l’ai souligné dans le rapport présenté à ce Conseil, il est temps d’agir – d’agir avec détermination – en faveur de la paix pour le peuple soudanais.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

    Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

    The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

    The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

    They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

    A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

    A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.
    A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

    And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.  

    Madam President,

    We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

    But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

    Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

    We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

    But we need action on the ground.

    The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

    Allow me to outline three key priorities. 

    First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

    Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

    At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

    He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

    And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.  

    I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones. 

    And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

    Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

    We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

    I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

    And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

    The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must have space for documenting what is happening on the ground.

    Civil society and journalists must be able to do their jobs safely, without fear of persecution and attacks.

    The direct or indirect flow of weapons and ammunitions into Sudan, which continue to fuel this conflict, must cease immediately.

    Diverse Sudanese voices, human rights organizations and others have called for stepped up measures — including some form of impartial force — to protect civilians.

    These calls are a reflection of the gravity and urgency of the situation facing civilians in the country.

    At present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a United Nations force to protect civilians in Sudan.

    The Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.

    This may require new approaches that are adapted to the challenging circumstances of the conflict.

    Third — humanitarian aid must flow.

    Despite continued access and funding challenges, the United Nations and our partners reached about 12 million people with humanitarian assistance between January and September of this year.

    From water, sanitation and shelter — to health care, education and emergency nutrition.

    But huge gaps remain.

    Many of those reached have been assisted just once.

    Some of the areas of most severe needs remain cut off entirely.

    Rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured through all necessary cross-border and cross line routes.

    The re-opening of the border crossing at Adre was an important step — and it must remain open.

    I urge the parties to allow more life-saving aid to flow into areas of greatest need through the most efficient routes. 

    We need humanitarian workers moving around the country rapidly and safely.

    And we need funding.

    Our humanitarian funding appeal of $2.7 billion is only about 56 per cent funded, and coverage of the Regional Refugee Response Plan is even lower.

    I urge donors to step up with additional flexible funding.

    At the same time, I pay tribute to the heroism of the leaders of the many Sudanese-led initiatives providing vital and lifesaving assistance on the ground.

    Sudan’s over 700 Emergency Response Rooms are an inspiring example of grassroots humanitarian action.

    Through their work, they are showing us another side of Sudan — the best of humanity in a country enduring the worst of it.

    We can all draw inspiration from their example.

    Madam President,

    As outlined in my report to this Council, it is time for action — decisive action — for peace for the people of Sudan.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Madame la Présidente, Excellences,

    Je remercie le Conseil de me donner l’occasion d’évoquer ici la catastrophe humanitaire majeure qui frappe le Soudan.

    Dix-huit mois se sont écoulés depuis que de violents affrontements ont éclaté entre les Forces armées soudanaises et les Forces d’appui rapide.

    Les souffrances s’aggravent de jour en jour, et près de 25 millions de personnes ont aujourd’hui besoin d’aide.

    La population du Soudan est plongée dans le cauchemar de la violence : des milliers de civils ont été tués, et un nombre incalculable d’autres personnes sont victimes d’atrocités sans nom, notamment de viols et d’agressions sexuelles à grande échelle.

    Ces derniers jours, nous avons entendu des informations choquantes faisant état de massacres et de violences sexuelles dans des villages de l’État d’Aj Jazirah, dans l’est du pays. 

    Elle est aussi plongée dans le cauchemar de la faim : plus de 750 000 personnes sont en proie à une insécurité alimentaire catastrophique, et la famine s’installe dans les sites de déplacés du Darfour septentrional, tandis que des millions de personnes luttent chaque jour pour trouver de quoi s’alimenter.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar de la maladie : choléra, paludisme, dengue, rougeole et rubéole se propagent rapidement.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar de l’effondrement des infrastructures : les systèmes de santé essentiels, les réseaux de transport, les systèmes d’assainissement et d’approvisionnement en eau, les filières de ravitaillement et la production agricole sont à l’arrêt.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar des déplacements : nous assistons aujourd’hui à la plus grande crise de déplacement de population au monde, puisque plus de 11 millions de personnes ont fui depuis avril de l’année dernière, dont près de 3 millions ont gagné les pays voisins.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar des conditions météorologiques extrêmes : cet été, près de 600 000 personnes ont été touchées par des pluies torrentielles et des inondations.
    Et une fois encore, le Soudan est en passe de sombrer dans le cauchemar des violences ethniques de masse, notamment dans le contexte de l’escalade tragique des combats à El-Fasher. 

    Madame la Présidente,

    Nous avons appelé maintes fois les deux parties à mettre fin aux hostilités et à s’asseoir à la table des négociations en vue d’apaiser les tensions.

    À l’heure où nous parlons, nous assistons au contraire à une escalade de l’action militaire.

    Dans le même temps, des puissances extérieures jettent de l’huile sur le feu.

    Ce conflit risque fortement de déstabiliser l’ensemble de la région, du Sahel à la mer Rouge en passant par la Corne de l’Afrique. 

    La résolution 2736, adoptée en début d’année, a envoyé un signal fort.

    Il est toutefois nécessaire d’agir sur le terrain.

    Dans cette résolution, le Conseil m’a demandé de formuler des recommandations en faveur de la protection des civils au Soudan, recommandations que je lui ai présentées la semaine dernière.

    Permettez-moi de souligner trois priorités essentielles. 

    Premièrement, les deux parties doivent immédiatement s’entendre sur une cessation des hostilités.

    L’accord qui en résulterait devrait se traduire par des cessez-le-feu locaux et des pauses humanitaires, qui permettraient d’ouvrir de nouvelles pistes de dialogue et de jeter les bases d’un cessez-le-feu global.

    Dans le même temps, les efforts diplomatiques doivent être intensifiés pour, enfin, mettre un terme au conflit – notamment en soutenant la mise en œuvre des engagements pris dans la déclaration de Djeddah.

    Mon Envoyé personnel, Ramtane Lamamra, travaille sans relâche à cette fin.

    Il a réuni les parties à Genève en vue de trouver des moyens d’améliorer l’accès humanitaire et de renforcer la protection des civils au Soudan.

    Il a également participé à la coordination des initiatives de médiation, en collaboration avec les partenaires régionaux, en particulier le Groupe de haut niveau de l’Union africaine. 

    Je demande instamment au Conseil de continuer d’appuyer les travaux de mon Envoyé spécial et d’encourager l’établissement d’un dialogue efficace avec des partenaires régionaux tels que l’Union africaine, l’Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement, la Ligue des États arabes et d’autres acteurs clés. 

    Je salue l’action menée par l’Union africaine et l’IGAD en vue d’instaurer un dialogue politique ouvert à toutes les parties au Soudan, qui offrirait aux populations civiles – y compris aux femmes – une tribune importante pour plaider en faveur de la fin de la guerre et faire entendre leur voix pour un avenir pacifique et démocratique.

    Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point : les civils doivent être protégés.

    Nous avons besoin du soutien de ce Conseil pour protéger les civils, dans le respect des droits humains et du droit international humanitaire et conformément aux engagements que les parties elles-mêmes ont pris dans la Déclaration de Djedda.

    Il incombe au premier chef aux parties au conflit de garantir la protection des civils et de s’asseoir à la table des négociations.

    Je suis horrifié par la poursuite des attaques perpétrées par les Forces d’appui rapide contre des civils à El-Fasher et dans les zones environnantes, où se trouvent des sites de déplacés qui connaissent aujourd’hui une situation de famine.

    Je suis également horrifié par les informations faisant état d’attaques contre les populations civiles commises par des forces affiliées aux Forces armées soudanaises à Khartoum et par les pertes civiles considérables que des frappes aériennes menées semble-t-il sans discrimination continuent de provoquer dans des zones peuplées.

    Les auteurs de violations graves du droit international humanitaire doivent être amenés à répondre de leurs actes.

    Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains doivent disposer de l’espace nécessaire pour documenter ce qui se passe sur le terrain.

    La société civile et les journalistes doivent pouvoir faire leur travail en toute sécurité, sans craindre de subir des persécutions ou d’être la cible d’attaques.

    Le flux direct ou indirect d’armes et de munitions vers le Soudan, qui continue d’alimenter ce conflit, doit cesser immédiatement.

    Diverses voix soudanaises, des organisations de défense des droits humains et d’autres acteurs ont appelé à un renforcement des mesures — y compris sous une certaine forme de force impartiale — pour protéger les civils.

    Ces appels reflètent la gravité et l’urgence de la situation à laquelle sont confrontés les civils dans le pays.

    À l’heure actuelle, les conditions ne sont pas réunies pour permettre le déploiement d’une force des Nations unies chargée de protéger les civils au Soudan.

    Le Secrétariat est prêt à engager le dialogue avec le Conseil et d’autres parties sur l’ensemble des modalités opérationnelles qui peuvent contribuer de manière significative à la réduction de la violence et à la protection des civils.

    Cela pourrait nécessiter de nouvelles approches adaptées aux circonstances difficiles du conflit.

    Troisièmement, l’aide humanitaire doit pouvoir être acheminée.

    Malgré les difficultés persistantes en matière d’accès et de financement, l’ONU et ses partenaires ont apporté une aide humanitaire à près de 12 millions de personnes entre janvier et septembre de cette année.

    Cela va de l’eau potable, des systèmes d’assainissement et des abris, aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en passant par la nutrition d’urgence. 

    Mais c’est loin d’être suffisant.

    Une grande partie des personnes assistées n’ont pu recevoir de l’aide qu’une seule fois.

    Plusieurs régions où les besoins sont les plus urgents restent totalement inaccessibles.

    Il est impératif de garantir un accès humanitaire rapide, sûr et sans entrave par toutes les voies nécessaires – au-delà des frontières et à travers les lignes de conflit.
     
    La réouverture du poste frontière d’Adré représente une étape importante – et ce poste doit rester ouvert.

    J’exhorte les parties à faire en sorte que davantage d’aide vitale puisse être acheminée vers les zones les plus démunies et par les voies les plus efficaces.

    Nous avons besoin que le personnel humanitaire puisse se déplacer dans tout le pays rapidement et en toute sécurité.

    Et nous avons besoin de fonds.

    Notre appel de fonds pour l’aide humanitaire — à hauteur de 2,7 milliards de dollars — n’est financé qu’à 56 pour cent, et le niveau de financement du Plan régional d’intervention en faveur des réfugiés est encore plus insuffisant.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à accroître leurs contributions et assurer un financement souple.

    Dans le même temps, je rends hommage à l’héroïsme des nombreuses initiatives soudanaises visant à fournir une aide vitale et salvatrice sur le terrain.
    Les plus de 700 salles d’intervention d’urgence au Soudan sont un exemple admirable d’action humanitaire de proximité.

    Par leur engagement, ces femmes et ces hommes nous montrent une autre facette du Soudan – le meilleur de l’humanité, dans un pays qui endure aujourd’hui le pire.

    Leur mobilisation devrait être une source d’inspiration pour nous tous.
     
    Madame la Présidente,

    Comme je l’ai souligné dans le rapport présenté à ce Conseil, il est temps d’agir – d’agir avec détermination – en faveur de la paix pour le peuple soudanais.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.

    TRAVIS THOMAS, 34, was convicted in June of sex trafficking, including multiple counts of coercing and transporting the victim across state lines to engage in prostitution.  U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. imposed the sentence Friday during a hearing in federal court in Rockford.

    The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The Rockford Police Department, Hoffman Estates, Ill. Police Department, and Winnebago County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincenza L. Tomlinson and Jessica S. Maveus, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica V. Mallory.

    In 2017 and 2018, Thomas targeted the victim, supplied her with crack cocaine that kept her dependent on him, and manipulated her drug addiction to force and coerce her to engage in commercial sex acts for Thomas’s financial benefit. Thomas transported the victim to hotels in Rockford, Wisconsin, and Texas for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.  Thomas also used and threatened physical violence against the victim to force and coerce her to continue to engage in commercial sex.  Thomas then kept all of the proceeds and spent it on himself and others, including a new vehicle, gambling, clothing, and food.

    In addition to the commercial sex, Thomas also used fraud and financial coercion to take the victim’s credit cards, file fraudulent tax returns and insurance claims in her name, empty her bank accounts, and sell her belongings.  The victim was finally able to escape in April 2018, with the help of an individual who took the victim to a hospital after she was severely beaten by Thomas.  While at the hospital, a trained nurse identified her as a victim of sex trafficking and called law enforcement.

    If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1 800-843-5678.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Prison for Forced Labor

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    BOSTON – The owner of Stash’s Pizza, a pizzeria chain in Massachusetts, was sentenced on Oct. 25, 2024 for forced labor charges. The defendant forced or attempted to force six victims to work for him and comply with excessive workplace demands through violent physical abuse; threats of violence and serious harm; and repeated threats to report the victims to immigration authorities for deportation.

    Stavros Papantoniadis, a/k/a “Steve Papantoniadis,” 49, of Westwood, Mass., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 102 months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $35,000 fine. At a jury trial in June 2024, Papantoniadis was convicted of three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Papantoniadis has remained in custody since his arrest on March 16, 2023.

    “Labor trafficking exploits the vulnerable through fear and intimidation, all in pursuit of the almighty buck. That is what Stavros Papantoniadis did when he violated the rights of the people working in his restaurants. He deliberately hired foreign nationals who lacked authorization to work in the United States and then turned their lack of immigration status against them, threatening them with deportation and violence to keep them under his control,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “I commend the bravery of the victims here for speaking out and taking a stand against their trafficker. I hope that their strength to speak out sends a message to others whose rights are being abused that the federal government will not tolerate labor trafficking. The stiff sentence imposed on Mr. Papantoniadis demonstrates that there are grave consequences for employers who engage in this type of conduct.”

    “Stavros Papantoniadis exploited and abused his employees, denying them the basic dignity every person deserves. Today’s significant sentence sends a message to employers — employees deserve to work in safety, free from harassment and abuse and exploitative employers will be held to account,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations, New England. “Labor exploitation targets the disenfranchised in our society but we want employees to know that they have a voice and HSI is working with our partners to uphold and enforce labor laws.”

    “Stavros Papantoniadis used threats of arrest, deportation, reprisals, and physical violence to ensure his employees worked for wages lower than required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Today’s sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to work with our law enforcement and Wage and Hour Division partners to aggressively investigate labor trafficking by individuals who enrich themselves through coercion or force,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

    Papantoniadis forced or attempted to force five men and one woman to work for him through violent physical abuse, threats of abuse, and repeated threats to report victims to immigration authorities to have them deported. Papantoniadis thinly staffed his pizza shops, and purposely employed workers without immigration status to work behind the scenes, for 14 or more hours per day and as many as seven days per week. To maintain control of those undocumented workers, he made them believe that he would physically harm them or have them deported. He monitored the workers with surveillance cameras, which he accessed from his cell phone, and constantly demeaned, insulted and harassed them. When Papantoniadis learned that one victim planned to quit, he violently choked him, causing that victim to flee the pizza shop and run to safety in the parking lot. When other victims separately expressed their intentions to quit, Papantoniadis told one victim that he would kill him and call immigration authorities; and he threatened another worker by telling him he knew where the victim lived. When another worker tried to leave and drive away from one of Papantoniadis’ pizza shops, Papantoniadis chased the victim down Route 1 in Norwood, Mass., and falsely reported the victim to the local police in an effort to pressure the victim to return to work at the pizza shop.

    Papantoniadis is the owner and operator of Stash’s Pizza, a chain of pizzerias with locations in Dorchester and Roslindale, and previously had pizzerias in Norwood, Norwell, Randolph (d/b/a Boston Pizza Company), Weymouth (d/b/a Pacini’s Italian Eatery), and Wareham, Mass.

    Members of the public who believe they are a victim of labor trafficking or have information about labor trafficking, please call 888-221-6023, Option 5 or send an email with contact information to USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HSI SAC Krol and DOL-OIG SAC Mellone made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, the Boston Police Department, and the Norwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran, Chief of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: My family lived the horrors of Native American boarding schools – why Biden’s apology doesn’t go far enough

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rosalyn R. LaPier, Professor of History, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    A photograph archived at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque shows a group of Indigenous students who attended the Ramona Industrial School in Santa Fe. AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan

    I am a direct descendant of family members that were forced as children to attend either a U.S. government-operated or church-run Indian boarding school. They include my mother, all four of my grandparents and the majority of my great-grandparents.

    On Oct. 25, 2024, Joe Biden, the first U.S. president to formally apologize for the policy of sending Native American children to Indian boarding schools, called it one of the most “horrific chapters” in U.S. history and “a mark of shame.” But he did not call it a genocide.

    Yet, over the past 10 years, many historians and Indigenous scholars have said that what happened at the Indian boarding schools “meets the definition of genocide.”

    From the 19th to 20th century, children were physically removed from their homes and separated from their families and communities, often without the consent of their parents. The purpose of these schools was to strip Native American children of their Indigenous names, languages, religions and cultural practices.

    The U.S. government operated the boarding schools directly or paid Christian churches to run them. Historians and scholars have written about the history of Indian boarding schools for decades. But, as Biden noted, “most Americans don’t know about this history.”

    As an Indigenous scholar who studies Indigenous history and the descendant of Indian boarding school survivors, I know about the “horrific” history of Indian boarding schools from both survivors and scholars who contend they were places of genocide.

    Was it genocide?

    The United Nations defines “genocide” as the “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.” Scholars have researched different cases of genocide of Indigenous peoples in the United States.

    Historian Jeffery Ostler, in his 2019 book “Surviving Genocide,” argues that the unlawful annexation of Indigenous lands, the deportation of Indigenous peoples and the numerous deaths of children and adults that occurred as they walked hundreds of miles from their homelands in the 19th century constitute genocide.

    The mass killings of Indigenous peoples after gold was found in the 19th century in what is now California also constitutes genocide, writes historian Benjamin Madley in his 2017 book “An American Genocide.” At the time, a large migration of new settlers to California to mine gold brought with it the killing and displacement of Indigenous peoples.

    Other scholars have focused on the forced assimilation of children at Indian boarding schools. Sociologist Andrew Woolford argues that scholars need to start calling what happened at Indian boarding schools in the 19th and 20th century “genocide” because of the “sheer destructiveness of these institutions.”

    Woolford, a former president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, explains in his 2015 book “This Benevolent Experiment” that the goal of Indian boarding schools was the “forcible transformation of multiple Indigenous peoples so that they would no longer exist as an obstacle (real or perceived) to settler colonial domination on the continent.”

    First- and second-grade students sit in a classroom at the former Genoa Indian Industrial School in Genoa, Neb. Researchers are now trying to locate the bodies of more than 80 Native American children buried near the school.
    National Archives/AP

    Indigenous writers have explained how this transformation at Indian boarding schools occurred. “Federal agents beat Native children in such schools for speaking Native languages, held them in unsanitary conditions, and forced them into manual and dangerous forms of labor,” writes Indigenous law professor Maggie Blackhawk.

    What my grandmother witnessed

    Secretary of the Interior Debra Anne Haaland has stated that every Native American family has been impacted by the “trauma and terror” of Indian boarding schools. And my family is no different.

    One of the more horrific stories that my maternal grandmother shared with her grandchildren was that she witnessed the death of another student. They were both under the age of 10. The student died of poisoning after lye soap was put in her mouth as a punishment for speaking her Indigenous language.

    We know that similar punishments happened and children died at Indian boarding schools. The Department of Interior reported in 2024 that 973 children died at Indian boarding schools.

    Tribes are increasingly seeking the return of the remains of children who died and are buried at Indian boarding schools.

    A worker digs for the suspected remains of children who once attended the Genoa Indian Industrial School, on July 11, 2023, in Genoa, Neb.
    AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

    Lasting legacy

    The U.S. government is beginning to encourage survivors to tell their stories of their Indian boarding school experiences. The Department of the Interior is in the process of recording and documenting their stories on digital video, and they will be placed in a government repository.

    At 84 years old, my mother is the only living Indian boarding school survivor in our family. She shared her story with the Department of the Interior this past summer, as did dozens of other survivors.

    Haaland stated these “first person narratives” can be used in the future to learn about the history of Indian boarding schools, and to “ensure that no one will ever forget.”

    “For too long, this nation sought to silence the voices of generations of Native children,” Biden added at the apology ceremony, “but now your voices are being heard.”

    As a descendant of Indian boarding school survivors, I appreciate President Biden’s apology and his effort to break the silence. But, I am also convinced that what my mother, grandmother and other survivors experienced was genocide.

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

    – ref. My family lived the horrors of Native American boarding schools – why Biden’s apology doesn’t go far enough – https://theconversation.com/my-family-lived-the-horrors-of-native-american-boarding-schools-why-bidens-apology-doesnt-go-far-enough-242249

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester angler prosecuted for fishing offences

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has prosecuted a Leicester angler who was caught fishing in the close season and without a licence on the River Soar in May this year.

    •  Angler caught fishing in close season on River Soar between Abbey Mills and Abbey Park
    • Clamp down on angling offences to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable
    • Case heard at Northampton magistrates on 21 October 2024 

    At Northampton Magistrates Court on 21 October 2024, the charges against Vaidotas Jucaitis, 52, of Highfield Street, were proved in his absence. He was ordered to pay a total of £415 in fines and costs.

    Jucaitis was caught fishing during the close season between Abbey Mills and Abbey Park on 9 May 2024. He was also fishing without a licence. He was fined £100 for each charge, ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim’s surcharge of £80.

    Close season

    The close season restrictions, which run between 15 March-15 June, are to prevent fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England. The restriction helps to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks.

    Environment Agency officers conduct patrols to ensure anglers respect this no fishing period. 

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    We hope these penalties will act as a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing either without a licence or during the close season. 

    The close season is in place to reduce disturbances to protect vulnerable stocks during their peak spawning period. 

    We urge anglers to respect the close season in order to help reduce pressures on our fisheries, benefitting fish and the wider environment. 

    Our fisheries enforcement team work seven days a week to check that anglers are following fishing regulations.

    Fisheries enforcement 

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust. 

    Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported.  

    Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    Fishing licences

    All income from fishing licence sales is used to fund the Environment Agency’s work to protect and improve fish stocks, fisheries and the environment. 

    This includes improving habitats for fish, reinvesting money back to facilities and clubs for anglers and tackling illegal fishing. It also includes working with partners to encourage more people to give fishing a go. 

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.  

    A 1-day licence costs from just £7.10 and an annual licence costs from just £35.80. Concessions are available. Junior licences are free for 13 to 16-year-olds.  

    Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.  

    The charges for Vaidotas Jacaitis

    On 9 May 2024, at Abbey Park to Abbey Mills, River Soar, Leicester, fished for freshwater fish in the close season. This is contrary to byelaw 2 of the Environment Agency National Byelaws made on July 12 210. And contrary to byelaw 6 confirmed 22 March 2010 and made pursuant to section 210 and schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and contrary to Section 211 of the said Act.

    On 9 May 2024, at Abbey Park to Abbey Mills, River Soar, Leicester, in a place where fishing is regulated, fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line. This is contrary to Section 27 (1) (a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Black History Month event to drum up some fun

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen City Council is celebrating Black History Month with a free interactive workshop in which participants will be encouraged to show off their drumming skills.

    The event which takes place in the Town House’s Town and County Hall  at 12,30pm on Thursday 31 October features local drummer and percussionist David Imevbore, also known as Bingo Dave, demonstrate his rhythmic skills and encourage the audience to join in.

    The theme of this year’s Black History Month is Reclaiming Narratives and as well as a reflection on the importance of recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture, the event will also include a keynote address ‘Nostalgic Suspension – the Headwrap Journey’ by Ebun Young.

    Councillor Miranda Radley, Communities, Housing and Public Protection Convener, said:  “The Black History Month event offers all of our communities the opportunity to take part in a collaborative event which promises not only to be educational but also fun.

    “Aberdeen is a welcoming, multicultural city. The event reaffirms the Council’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and our ambition of ensuring that all our communities can prosper.

    “This is sure to be a very popular event, so I would encourage people to book their place as soon as possible.”

    Culture spokesman, Councillor Martin Greig said:” I am delighted that we are hosting this local event to celebrate Black History Month. It is a great chance to enjoy and learn more about the multicultural character of our city. Aberdeen is a tolerant, friendly place where people from all backgrounds are welcome.”

    Councillor Deena Tissera, who will also be at the event, said: As a longstanding supporter of the Black community, I’m honoured to celebrate Black History Month with Aberdeen City Council.

    “This month is a crucial commemoration of the contributions of Black communities in Britain and beyond, yet much remains to be done to increase representation within Scottish politics.

    “Here at Aberdeen City Council, there are calls to improve BAME leadership in the workforce, as seen in our recent Diversity in Recruitment report. As we honour Black History Month, we’re reminded of the ongoing need to advance diversity, inclusion, and equity in our workplaces and communities.”

    To register for the event visit Aberdeen City Council Event Booking System

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Lisa A. Wannamaker, Assistant Crown Attorney at the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario in Peterborough, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Lindsay. Justice Wannamaker replaces Justice D.S. Gunsolus (Lindsay), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective March 28, 2022.

    Robin A. Bellows, a sole practitioner in Huntsville, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Parry Sound. Justice Bellows replaces Justice J. Stothart (Parry Sound), who will be transferred to Sudbury upon the appointment of a new Judge. Due to internal court transfers by the Chief Justice, the vacancy is located in Parry Sound.   

    Quote

    “I wish Justices Wannamaker and Bellows every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve Ontarians well as members of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario”.

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biographies

    Justice Lisa A. Wannamaker was raised in Peterborough. She received an honours degree in political science and economics from the University of Waterloo after which, she travelled and lived abroad in Ireland.  She later attended law school at Queen’s University. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2005.

    Justice Wannamaker worked for Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and the Ontario Securities Commission. She joined the Etobicoke Crown Attorney’s Office in 2006 and joined the Peterborough office in 2012. She has handled complex prosecutions in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice including homicides, sexual assaults, and dangerous offender proceedings.  She was frequently involved in education and training for other crowns and presented to police services across the province on search issues, expert issues and statements. She was an annual director for the crown attorney school on expert evidence. She also taught in the forensic science program at Trent University.

    Justice Wannamaker is highly committed to her community. She was on the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Peterborough and worked as a manager and game day announcer with the Peterborough Wolverines Football Organization and the Kinsmen Minor Football League. She was an articling principal and a mentor to junior lawyers. She has volunteered for student moots, and with the Ontario Justice Education Network.

    Justice Wannamaker enjoys travel with friends, and spending time between the lake and the football fields, with her two wonderful children and her dog.

    Justice Robin A. Bellows was born in Toronto and spent most of her formative years in Newfoundland. She began her undergraduate degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 2003 before obtaining her Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2006. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2007.

    Justice Bellows started her criminal defence practice in Muskoka in 2007, where she worked as a sole practitioner and as duty counsel for 10 years. In 2017, she became the Agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Parry Sound. In 2023, she was appointed as a per diem Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court.

    Justice Bellows served on the Board of the Muskoka Law Association since 2008 and became President in 2020. Additionally, she has been the President of the Parry Sound Law Association since 2021. For several years, she had the joy and privilege of coaching the Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School mock trial team. Outside of her legal pursuits, she shared her creative talents with the Muskoka theatre community, creating costumes and props for local productions.

    Justice Bellows is also a watercolor artist, a keen player of high-strategy board games, and a loving mother to two bright and caring children.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    The Honourable Peter H. Edelmann, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Edelmann replaces Justice P. Willcock, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective June 19, 2024.

    Scott Morishita, Associate Counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Morishita replaces Justice P.H. Edelmann (Vancouver), who was elevated to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia effective October 25, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Justices Edelmann and Morishita every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of British Columbia well as members of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biographies

    Justice Peter H. Edelmann is fluently bilingual and was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2019. He received an undergraduate degree in French literature and philosophy from the University of Toronto and went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. In 2004, he received both LL.B. and Civil Law degrees from McGill University. He was called to the bar of British Columbia in 2005.

    Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2019, Justice Edelmann was a partner at Edelmann and Company, a recognized immigration and refugee law firm in Vancouver. He had begun his career as a sole practitioner primarily focused on criminal defence, in a practice that came to encompass national security, extradition, immigration and refugee law.

    Justice Edelmann appeared before all levels of the federal and provincial courts, as well as the various divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board. He was an active member of the Immigration Section of the Canadian Bar Association and sat on the litigation committee for the Canadian Council for Refugees. He appeared regularly before Parliamentary committees and before the Supreme Court of Canada.

    Justice Scott Morishita was born and raised in Richmond. He is Japanese Canadian and a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and an LL.B. from the University of Victoria. He was called to the British Columbia bar in 2007.

    Justice Morishita was Associate Counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP, where he acted for plaintiffs in personal injury claims. Prior to that, he was Legal Counsel at the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, where he defended local governments in various types of liability claims. He spent his career as a civil litigator, representing a diverse range of clients, including individuals, insurance companies, and local governments.

    Justice Morishita is a passionate volunteer and a strong advocate for lawyers’ mental health. He dedicated his time to numerous legal organizations, serving as President of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia (B.C.) Branch for the 2023-24 term, and as a Law Society of B.C. appointee to the Transitional Board of Legal Professions B.C. He was also a past board member of the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. and an active member of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (B.C.).

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: National Forum explores future of multilingual education in Kyrgyzstan

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

    Headline: National Forum explores future of multilingual education in Kyrgyzstan

    Participants of the National Forum on Multilingual Education held on 25 October in the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic. (OSCE) Photo details

    Policymakers, educators and international experts discussed the future of multilingual education in Kyrgyzstan at the National Forum on Multilingual Education in Bishkek on 25 October 2024. The event was organized by Kyrgyzstan’s Education Ministry of Education with support from the office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.
    Participants explored potential policy avenues to improve and expand multilingual education in Kyrgyzstan. Multilingual education is an excellent tool that can help promote integration in diverse societies while supporting educational excellence. When education is based first in a child’s mother tongue, and additional languages are gradually introduced, children from different linguistic backgrounds have the opportunity to develop academic proficiency in their mother tongue, which is a prerequisite for their overall educational success.
    “Multilingual education is one of the most effective ways to foster integration in our diverse societies. It is not just an educational approach that generates excellent results in the classroom; it is also a powerful tool to increase social cohesion, cultural understanding and economic opportunity.” said Ambassador Marek Szczygiel, Director and Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities during his online address.
    Participants also had the opportunity to discuss how international best practices employed in other countries of Asia, particularly in Singapore and Mongolia, could be adapted for use in Kyrgyzstan. The day included the presentation of a draft roadmap for multilingual education from 2025 to 2030, aimed at ensuring quality and inclusive education across the country.
    The National Forum was the final segment in a series of activities in October, dubbed the “Month of Multilingual Education”. This included an event on learning the Kyrgyz language through multilingual education and a study tour for members of parliament and government officials, supported by the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities. During the study tour, participants visited schools and kindergartens providing multilingual education in the Osh and Chuy regions of Kyrgyzstan. Participants were then able to share their first-hand experiences at the Forum, demonstrating how multilingual education supports social cohesion by providing children from different linguistic backgrounds the opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment.
    “Seeing children interact and learn in multiple languages is truly inspiring. It shows us that multilingual education is not just an abstract policy but a real opportunity to empower the next generation to embrace diversity and thrive together.” said Aigul Omorova, Lecturer at the Republican Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Teaching Staff
    As part of its engagement on multilingual education across the OSCE area, and in Central Asia in particular, the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities is committed to supporting Kyrgyzstan in developing an education system that provides academic excellence and strengthens social cohesion by embracing the country’s linguistic diversity.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Eddie Yue: Keynote address – Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning everyone. Welcome to the 9th Hong Kong FinTech Week, an annual event where vision, inspiration and innovation come together to shape the future of fintech.  It’s wonderful to welcome so many old and new friends today to discuss this exciting topic.

    This year’s theme is “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech”. It captures where we are right now – at a critical juncture on our fintech journey.  We are seeing an unprecedented acceleration in financial development, fuelled by cutting-edge technologies.

    Having arrived at this point after marking a number of significant milestones along the way, it’s perhaps time to take stock and ask ourselves “What’s on the horizon for Fintech?”

    What we have learned from innovation and fintech

    Before I delve into that question, let’s revisit our overarching vision, which is to nurture a vibrant fintech ecosystem. Like instruments in an orchestra, so do individual players in the fintech ecosystem, whether they are agile start-ups or established institutions, each have their own parts to play. 

    But let’s be honest, a vibrant fintech ecosystem cannot be built overnight. Technology is continuously disrupting everything, including our financial markets.  For many of us, embracing change isn’t always easy, and sometimes the process of driving innovation may even feel uncomfortable and disorienting.  But change is often also a good opportunity to reflect on how we can innovate to better serve the greater good.

    Our Fintech 2025 strategy is a powerful testament to our commitment to innovation. Over the last few years, we have driven some positive transformations in our fintech ecosystem, and I would like to take the next few minutes to share three lessons we have learned along the way.

    First, innovation is not an end in itself, but a means to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s faster payments or better banking access for SMEs, technology is a means to help transform everyday experience and bring benefits to the real economy.  One area we’ve been focusing on is enhancing cross-border payments.  The link between our Faster Payment System (FPS) and Thailand’s PromptPay is one example, providing consumers with a seamless cross-border payment experience and bringing us closer to a world of truly borderless transactions.  Another example is the cross-boundary e-CNY pilot, which allows Hong Kong people to set up e-CNY wallets locally, with linkage to the FPS for cross-boundary payments.  Whether you are buying coffee in Bangkok or settling a bill in a Shenzhen restaurant, payment is as simple as if you were in Hong Kong.

    Another example is the use of technology to address long-standing pain points in the data ecosystem. By linking up isolated data islands and combining sources from the public and private sectors, we are expanding and diversifying our data network.  The linkage between HKMA’s Commercial Data Interchange and the Government’s data gateway is now fully operational, helping to address the industry’s need for government data which can be used to support the credit needs of SMEs.  

    The second thing we have learned is the need to be bold in driving innovation. We need to have an “explorer” mindset to try out innovative ideas even if they are only at a formative stage.  One good example is tokenisation, which is just taking shape as we pioneer different use cases and solutions with Project Ensemble to explore and define the tokenisation landscape.  Working with the industry, we hope to showcase how innovation and regulation can work together to create new opportunities for our financial markets. 

    But a major trend like this inevitably comes with a need for clear guidance and market confidence, and we value your feedback and views as we navigate this evolving landscape. That is why we have been engaging with market players through the Ensemble and stablecoin sandboxes to help us formulate regulatory requirements that are risk-based and fit-for-purpose.

    Our third lesson is the importance of collaboration. Innovation thrives when we come together – cross-sector and cross-border partnerships let us tap into network effects and our collective knowledge, while playing to our individual strengths.

    Numerous collaborations are underway between the HKMA, various jurisdictions, and fintech players from both local and global markets. These partnerships, big and small, have proved to be essential building blocks that support further progress.

    I’ve talked about the three lessons we’ve learned so far: focus on real-world problems, be bold and be collaborative. These lessons are steering us into the next phase of our fintech journey.

    “What’s on the horizon for fintech?”

    So what’s this next phase? While we have yet to chart out our Fintech 2030 Strategy, I can think of two areas that the HKMA should focus on in the next few years. 

    Our first area of focus is tokenisation, including the novel idea of “Finternet” coined by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Let me first make clear that tokenisation is not the same as crypto-assets.  There has been some confusion because they both ride on blockchain technology, but don’t mix them up.  Crypto-assets are mostly speculative and our stance is to let the market grow and develop while putting guardrails around it to protect investors.  Tokenisation, on the other hand, is an innovative way to record the value and ownership of money and assets in digital form on a programmable ledger.  This will make it much easier for individuals, corporates, and financial institutions to access and trade these assets, thereby creating a more inclusive ecosystem that benefits everyone, whoever and wherever they are.

    We believe that tokenisation has the potential to create hyper-connectivity among users, data, and services that is essential to drive economic progress. This calls for a visionary shift to align with the constant advances in technology.

    The BIS has also recently introduced the “Finternet” concept. This envisions an internet-like network of interoperable financial ecosystems that places individuals and businesses at the heart of financial interactions.    

    Many of the ideas and concepts from the “Finternet” resonate closely with the HKMA’s tokenisation project. We envision a future where tokenisation integrates seamlessly with financial and real-world assets, enabling operations and transactions otherwise impossible with today’s technology.  Now you might be wondering, how can something as virtual as tokenisation connect with tangible assets?

    Let’s look at trade finance. Imagine you’re an SME importing goods from overseas.  Traditionally, you’d face a mountain of paper documents, like bills of lading and invoices.  With tokenised electronic bills of lading, you can now transfer these digital assets to a financial institution in exchange for funding. 

    Unlike a mere PDF copy of a bill of lading, this approach allows you to track real-time shipment status on the blockchain, eliminates paper, reduces the need for verification, and lowers fraud risks. We are actively exploring this through the Ensemble Sandbox to resolve frictions in trade finance.

    Tokenisation also ties in with green and sustainable finance, as it may open up new business models and opportunities for businesses and investors. For example, tokenised carbon credits traded on blockchain offer better transparency and credibility in carbon data, helping us tackle the issue of double counting that bedevils carbon trading today. 

    Another example can be found in the infrastructure for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. By leveraging real-time data from EV charging stations, we can turn the energy generated into a tokenised revenue stream for institutional investors.  We are looking closely at this model, as it has the potential to be replicated in various settings, mobilising funds to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Our second area of focus is Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and data, which will help build a smarter and data-driven financial future for everyone. I would like to expand on those two keywords “Smarter” and “Data-driven”.  When I say “Smarter”, I’m talking about the need to promote digitalisation in the banking industry, while ensuring we have the right safeguards in place. 

    In recent years, the banking industry has been leveraging A.I. to promote efficiency, analyse data, and enhance customer experience. The HKMA stance is clear: we are committed to encouraging responsible A.I. adoption.  Back in 2019, we already outlined the high-level principles on the use of A.I. by banks, and this policy guidance remains relevant today.

    Then we see the explosive uptake of Generative A.I. (GenA.I.) in the past two years. GenA.I. has the potential to transform how financial institutions operate, innovate, and engage with their customers.  As we stand at the dawn of this revolution, the HKMA recognises the opportunity to provide more targeted support to accelerate GenA.I. development, by collaborating with the best minds from various sectors.  To achieve this, we have launched various cross-sectoral initiatives, including the FiNETech series, research projects, and training sessions, all aimed at expediting digital transformation.

    Financial institutions are actively exploring the vast potential of GenA.I., from risk assessment to anti-fraud measures and customer interactions. In August this year, we launched the GenA.I.  Sandbox in collaboration with Cyberport to unlock the full potential of tailored GenA.I.  applications catering to the unique needs of Hong Kong’s financial market.  This innovative platform allows banks to pilot GenA.I.  use cases in a risk-managed environment, complete with technical support and targeted supervisory feedback.

    As we move forward, the HKMA will take an interactive and iterative approach, carefully evaluating the results of the Sandbox trials and sharing best practices. We will also provide additional supervisory guidance as necessary to ensure that the adoption of GenA.I. promotes responsible innovation, while maintaining the integrity of the banking sector.

    So, what about “Data-driven”? The aim here is to harness the power of data to reinforce Hong Kong’s leading position as a smart digital economy, both locally and globally.  To do that, open data flow is key.  Domestically, our two initiatives – Commercial Data Interchange and Interbank Account Data Sharing – will continue to integrate data networks which used to run in isolated silos.  This will help simplify KYC and credit risk assessments, thereby helping SMEs secure bank financing more easily, faster, and hopefully more cheaply.

    Meanwhile, we are working closely with the Mainland to facilitate cross-boundary data sharing, first by expediting the pilot for cross-boundary credit referencing with Mainland credit reference platforms.  This will allow SMEs with cross-boundary operations to use this full set of credit data to enhance their access to bank financing.  Internationally, we are collaborating with the BIS Innovation Hub on Project Aperta, which aims to connect domestic open finance infrastructures across jurisdictions, to enable secure and consumer-consented sharing of financial data.   Seamless cross-border data portability will allow consumers to open overseas accounts much faster, and speed up international trade at reduced cost.

    Closing

    What the future may hold for us is uncertain, but we are committed to charting the next phase of financial innovation with continuing efforts in the two areas I just talked about: tokenisation and AI.

    Ultimately, we envision a borderless fintech ecosystem where innovation will drive business development.  To realise this vision, we must dream big and push the boundaries of what is possible.   Let’s all embrace the spirit of innovation and collaboration as we move forward together. 

    If we liken our Fintech journey to an orchestra playing a symphony, we are about to begin the next movement of our fintech symphony.  We don’t know whether it will be “allegro”, or “adagio”.  What we know is that the stage is already set, the instruments are tuned, and the world is waiting.  Hong Kong’s commitment to shaping a vibrant and dynamic financial future has never been stronger.

    Thank you and I hope you gain inspiration from the coming week.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov visited the Republic of Belarus on a working visit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government paid a working visit to the Republic of Belarus. Denis Manturov was received by the President of the country Alexander Lukashenko, held talks with the Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, and also visited a number of industrial enterprises.

    During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, Denis Manturov was received by the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko

    October 28, 2024

    During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, Denis Manturov was received by the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko

    October 28, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Republic of Belarus on a working visit

    October 28, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, Denis Manturov was received by the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko

    Alexander Lukashenko and Denis Manturov discussed issues of trade and industrial cooperation between Russia and Belarus. Trade turnover between the countries increased by more than 5% last year and reached almost 47 billion dollars. Positive dynamics also persisted in the first eight months of this year – mutual trade increased by 6% to 32.5 billion dollars.

    Russian enterprises continue to build up cooperation ties with Belarus. All regions of Russia are actively involved in the development of cooperation. Thus, only since the beginning of 2024, 42 regional delegations have visited the republic. In June of this year, the XI Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus was successfully held in Vitebsk, in which 56 Russian regions took part.

    Denis Manturov emphasized that Russia is actively cooperating with Belarusian civil aircraft manufacturing enterprises to produce components. “This concerns both the Il-76 and Tu-214 aircraft. I expect that this trend will continue, and we will expand the aircraft line, the range, and the number of components,” said the First Deputy Prime Minister.

    At the meeting with Roman Golovchenko, issues of implementing a unified industrial policy of the Union State within the framework of the decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in January 2024 were also touched upon, including the issue of mutual access of industrial products of Russia and Belarus to state support instruments. The parties are working progressively in this direction.

    As part of his working trip, Denis Manturov visited the BelAZ OJSC enterprise, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of large and extra-large capacity quarry dump trucks, as well as other heavy transport equipment for the mining industry and construction. The plant, with about 9,000 employees, produces over 100 modifications of dump trucks with a carrying capacity of 30 to 450 tons. In 2023, products worth a total of about $880 million were delivered to Russia, including 904 units of equipment. The First Deputy Prime Minister inspected the main conveyor shop, visited the Museum of Labor Glory, and also got acquainted with innovative and serially produced models of equipment at the enterprise. One of them is the BelAZ-75304 dump truck with a carrying capacity of 220 tons, which consists of more than 90% Belarusian and Russian components.

    In addition, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia visited the joint Belarusian-Chinese enterprise SZAO Belgee, which produces passenger cars under the Belgee brand.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government strongly condemns US lawmakers’ attempt through a so-called “bill” to intimidate HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (January 25) strongly condemned those United States (US) lawmakers again requesting a review, through a so-called “bill”, of including a number of HKSARG officials, and a number of judges and prosecutors, in a so-called list of “sanctions” in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security, as well as the unfounded and biased remarks which deliberately misled the public and smeared the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). 

         A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including western countries such as the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Singapore, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. Turning a blind eye to the fact and making exaggerated remarks, the US politicians have demonstrated typical political hegemony and hypocrisy with double standards.”

         “While the ‘black-clad violence’ and the Hong Kong version of ‘colour revolution’ back in 2019 severely damaged the social stability of Hong Kong, the implementation of the NSL in the past four years has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume as normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. In the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report, Hong Kong ranks as the world’s freest economies among 165 economies. In the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, Hong Kong’s ranking improved by two places to fifth globally. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called ‘sanctions’ against the HKSAR personnel who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns their political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.

         The spokesperson pointed out, “The HKSAR despises any so-called ‘sanctions’ and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

         The spokesperson also pointed out that, “Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The legal framework in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is in line with relevant international human rights standards. The NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law.”

         “The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all prosecution decisions made based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

         “The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the entities involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
          
         “The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.”

         The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The Brighton Bomb: Lord Butler of Brockwell shares his experience on #LordSpeakersCorner

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Forty years ago this month, Robin Butler – Principle Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher – was in the room with the prime minister when the Brighton bomb exploded nearby in their hotel.

    Hear from Lord Butler of Brockwell as he talks to the Lord Speaker about the experience, plus working with five prime ministers, in the latest Lord Speaker’s Corner.

    Watch or listen now – search ‘House of Lords’ on YouTube or visit https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/lord-butler-of-brockwell–lord-speakers-corner/

    #LordSpeakersCorner #HouseOfLords

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #Shorts

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP12TvKo7lU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Georgia parliamentary election

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement on the parliamentary election in Georgia: “As a friend, partner and longstanding supporter of Georgia, Canada notes the official results of the October 26, 2024, parliamentary election as announced by the country’s central election commission.

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement on the parliamentary election in Georgia:

    “As a friend, partner and longstanding supporter of Georgia, Canada notes the official results of the October 26, 2024, parliamentary election as announced by the country’s central election commission.

    “However, Canada is concerned with widespread acts of voter intimidation, vote buying and other election day irregularities reported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and other impartial observers. This must be investigated and addressed. Canada strongly believes that free, fair, and independent elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society.

    “In coordination with our G7 and European partners, and in light of the conduct and results of this election, Canada will reassess its relationship with the Georgian leadership. Canada remains open to cooperation with Georgia, as long as the Georgian leadership respects democracy, human rights, rule of law and addresses the recent democratic backsliding.

    “We call for calm by all parties and for the Georgian authorities to respect the rights and security of individuals in the context of peaceful protests.

    “We commend Georgians for actively participating in the election process, including as voters, polling staff and citizen observers.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pharmacy Owner Sentenced for Role in $6.9 Million Scheme to Bill Insurance for Medications Not Dispensed

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    DETROIT – A licensed pharmacist from Dearborn Heights was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for submitting claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for her role in a scheme to defraud health care insurers by submitting claims for pharmaceuticals that were not actually purchased, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

    Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

    In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds also ordered Zeinab Makki, 61, to pay $6.9 million in restitution imposed of a forfeiture judgment of $6.9 million.

    According to court records, Makki was the pharmacist in charge from 2001 through 2021 at New Millennium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy. She admitted that she led a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by submitting claims for pharmaceuticals which New Millenium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy did not actually purchase.

    “Fraud by health care professionals will be aggressively pursued by our office,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.  “We hope that prosecutions like this one will deter health care professionals from stealing money from those who genuinely need it to order to line their own pockets.”

    “This sentencing underscores our commitment to holding those who defraud Federal health care programs accountable,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency remains dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate fraud allegations.”

    “False medical claims divert much needed funding away from patients in need of life-saving services and Ms. Makki will serve her sentence for orchestrating and participating in this scheme,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners and pursue justice against medical professionals who defraud government healthcare programs.

    The case was investigated by Special Agents of the HHS and FBI, with cooperation and assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip A. Ross. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan is prosecuting the related asset forfeiture matters.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Real Estate Developer Sentenced to Prison for Bribing Former Taylor Mayor

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    DETROIT –Real estate developer was sentenced to one year and a day in prison for bribing former Mayor of Taylor Richard Sollars with cash, home renovations, and other things of value in exchange for obtaining tax-foreclosed properties from the City of Taylor for redevelopment, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. 

    Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Shady Awad, 44, of Allen Park was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.

    According to court documents, between 2016 and 2018,  Awad provided a steady stream of bribes to then-mayor Sollars in the form of cash, home improvements to Sollars’ home and lake house, appliances, and other items of value.  Awad also agreed to charge more than $19,000 to his credit cards, and then convert the charges to cash for Sollars. In total, Awad provided Sollars with goods and services valued at $85,011.73, in exchange for being permitted to acquire tax-foreclosed properties to redevelop through the City of Taylor’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. This was a program designed to allow Taylor to acquire tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County for redevelopment.  As a result of the bribes Awad paid to Sollars, Sollars recommended to City Council that Awad be awarded the vast majority of the City’s ROFR properties.  

    “Mr. Awad’s conviction and sentence should send a strong message that not only will public officials who accept bribes be brought to justice by my office, but also, those who seek to gain an advantage by bribing public officials will face serious consequences as well,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.

    “Mr. Awad and the former Mayor of Taylor unlawfully corrupted the City of Taylor’s real estate redevelopment program, meant to benefit the city and its residents, for their own private gain,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “FBI Michigan’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force remains committed to rigorously investigating public corruption, especially individuals who cheat the system by bribing public officials.”

    The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Taylor Mayor Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Bribery Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    DETROIT –Richard Sollars was sentenced to 71 months in prison for conspiring to accept bribes and engaging in wire fraud while he was the Mayor of the City of Taylor, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

    Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Between 2016 and 2018, Sollars, 50, exercised his authority and influence as Mayor and recommended to the Taylor City Council that Realty Transition, a company owned by his co-defendant, Shady Awad, be awarded the vast majority of the tax-foreclosed properties that the City had or would acquire under its Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. This was a program designed to allow Taylor to acquire tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County for redevelopment. Sollars recommended Realty Transition for the ROFR program, intending to be influenced and rewarded by the free home renovations and other items of value that Awad provided to Sollars for his personal residence, office, and lake house. After an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received bribes from Awad totaling $85,011.73 as part of this bribery scheme. The bribes included items such as home renovations, a humidor, kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, a Dyson vacuum cleaner, a camera, and cash.

    In addition, as part of his election efforts, Sollars established a campaign account entitled, “Committee to Elect Richard Sollars, Jr.” Sollars engaged in a scheme to defraud his donors by fraudulently using donated funds for his personal benefit rather than for his political campaign.  In furtherance of the fraudulent scheme, Sollars directed his campaign treasurer to provide him with signed blank checks from his campaign account. Sollars then made those checks payable to Dominick’s Market in various amounts, each purporting to represent payment for catering services provided to the campaign. As known to Sollars, the owner of Dominick’s Market, Hadir Altoon, prepared false invoices for catering services that were not actually provided. Instead, Altoon would provide Sollars with some or all of the proceeds from the cashed fraudulent checks for Sollars’s personal use. After an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received $70,362.98 from this, and other, wire fraud schemes related to his campaign account.

    “Sollars, as the Mayor of the City of Taylor, pledged to represent the best interests of the citizens he represented and the voters who supported him. Instead, he used his elected office to award city contracts and spend campaign funds for his own personal financial enrichment,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Sollars’s conviction and sentence demonstrate my office’s commitment to ensuring that those elected officials who place their own greed above their duties to the citizens in the community will be held to answer for their breach of trust.”

    “The diligent work of the FBI’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force, working in collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, resulted in the conviction of Richard Sollars, the former mayor of the City of Taylor,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Gibson. “This betrayal of public trust is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in public office. We remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and transparency, ensuring that such actions do not go unpunished. Today’s sentencing of Mr. Sollars brings closure to a lengthy and thorough investigation of the former mayor’s administration.”

    The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 15 years of the Regulatory Policy Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The RPC has now been operating for 15 years. To commemorate this, we have updated the history document originally published for our 10th anniversary.

    15-Year Anniversary Review of the RPC

    PDF, 1.08 MB, 21 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@bis.gsi.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    The document details the changes to the role of the RPC over the last decade and a half, provides some case studies of the regulatory measures we have worked on, and includes suggestions to the new Government on how to make our role even more effective.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Carberry Bus Crash First Responders Inducted into Order of the Buffalo Hunt

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 28, 2024

    Carberry Bus Crash First Responders Inducted into Order of the Buffalo Hunt

    Premier Wab Kinew awarded one of Manitoba’s highest honours, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, to the first responders of the Carberry bus crash to recognize their bravery and courage following a tragic collision, which took the lives of 17 Manitobans on June 15, 2023.

    “We want to honour those whose valour and heroism helped to embody the best of Manitobans,” said Kinew. “When we think of the first responders and how they stepped up and answered the call that day and in a moment of challenge or a moment of danger, they went towards the crisis instead of running away.”

    A total of 134 first responders were inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt following a ceremony held today at the Legislative Building. First responders from the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Shared Health Emergency Response Services, STARS air ambulance and Manitoba RCMP, as well as provincial call takers and dispatchers, were inducted. Pilots and medical staff who were on board two Saskatchewan government fixed-wing air ambulance (Lifeguard) flights that responded and transported patients from Brandon to Winnipeg were also inducted.

    Keith Loney, fire chief of the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire and Rescue, Yves Guillas, fire chief of the Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Terry Parlow, chief, and Kevin Garrioch of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, and Ryan Schenk and Grant Winder from the Office of the Fire Commissioner were on hand to accept the framed certificate and statuette on behalf of all recipients.

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Browning Woman Admits Assaulting Child on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman accused of beating and injuring child in a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to child abuse and assault charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Micah Lynn Brown, 25, pleaded guilty to felony child abuse and to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of an individual under 16 years, as indicted. Brown faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the child abuse charge and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison on the assault charge.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 19, 2025. Brown was detained pending further proceedings.

    In court documents, the government alleged that on March 21, Brown was drinking when she returned home to a residence she shared with a boyfriend and children. The boyfriend confronted Brown about her drinking and then left the house to use the phone at a nearby residence. When he returned about 10 minutes later, the front door was blocked by a couch that had been moved. Upon entering, the boyfriend heard the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was under the age of three, screaming and found her injured in a backroom. Brown was in the same room but didn’t say anything. The boyfriend removed the children from the home and called law enforcement. Witnesses told law enforcement that the victim had soiled her diaper and threw it on the ground, angering Brown, who then assaulted the child. The victim was treated for injuries at the Browning Community Hospital.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the FBI conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK What does Chairman of Ways and Means do during the Budget Statement?

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Nusrat Ghani MP, the Chairman of Ways and Means, will chair the Budget Statement and debate on Wednesday 30 October.

    Watch the #Budget2024 live with #BSL interpretation here.

    12.30pm GMT, Wednesday 30 October.

    Want to find out more? https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/autumn-budget-2024/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3TCbk4lLcs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Announces STEM Engagement Lead, Chief Economist Retirements

    Source: NASA

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Monday Mike Kincaid, associate administrator, Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), and Alexander MacDonald, chief economist, will retire from the agency.
    Following Kincaid’s departure on Nov. 30, Kris Brown, deputy associate administrator for strategy and integration in OSTEM, will serve as acting associate administrator for that office beginning Dec. 1, and after MacDonald’s departure on Dec. 31, research economist Dr. Akhil Rao from NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy will serve as acting chief economist.
    “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Mike Kincaid and Alex MacDonald for their service to NASA and our country,” said Nelson. “Both have been essential members of the NASA team – Mike since his first days as an intern at Johnson Space Center and Alex in his many roles at the agency. I look forward to working with Kris Brown and Dr. Akhil Rao in their acting roles and wish Mike and Alex all the best in retirement.”
    As associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, Kincaid led the agency’s efforts to inspire and engage Artemis Generation students and educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He also chaired NASA’s STEM Board, which assesses the agency’s STEM engagement functions and activities, as well as served as a member of Federal Coordination in STEM, a multiagency committee focused on enhancing STEM education efforts across the federal government. In addition, Kincaid was NASA’s representative on the International Space Education Board, leading global collaboration in space education, sharing best practices, and uniting efforts to foster interest in space, science, and technology among students worldwide.
    Having served at NASA for more than 37 years, Kincaid first joined the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as an intern in 1987, and eventually led organizations at Johnson in various capacities including, director of education, deputy director of human resources, deputy chief financial officer and director of external relations. Kincaid earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree from University of Houston, Clear Lake.
    MacDonald served as the first chief economist at NASA. He was previously the senior economic advisor in the Office of the Administrator, as well as the founding program executive of NASA’s Emerging Space Office within the Office of the Chief Technologist. MacDonald has made significant contributions to the development of NASA’s Artemis and Moon to Mars strategies, NASA’s strategy for commercial low Earth orbit development, NASA’s Earth Information Center, and served as the program executive for the International Space Station National Laboratory, leading it through significant leadership changes. He also is the author and editor of several NASA reports, including “Emerging Space: The Evolving Landscape of 21st Century American Spaceflight,” “Public-Private Partnerships for Space Capability Development,” “Economic Development of Low Earth Orbit,” and NASA’s biennial Economic Impact Report.
    As chief economist, MacDonald has guided NASA’s economic strategy, including increasing engagement with commercial space companies, and influenced the agency’s understanding of space as an engine of economic growth. MacDonald began his career at NASA’s Ames Research Center in the Mission Design Center, and served at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an executive staff specialist on commercial space before moving to NASA Headquarters. MacDonald received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Queen’s University in Canada, his master’s degree in economics from the University of British Columbia, and obtained his doctorate on the long-run economic history of American space exploration from the University of Oxford.
    For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Meira Bernstein / Abbey DonaldsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / abbey.a.donaldson@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Middle East: Foreign Secretary’s statement, 28 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave an oral statement to the House of Commons on the situation in the Middle East.

    Delivered on:

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the Middle East.

    After over a year of horrifying violence, civilian suffering has increased, the conflict has widened, the risks of a yet wider regional war have risen.  

    Today, Mr Speaker, I want to address three elements of this crisis, and outline the urgent steps the Government’s taking in response.

    Mr Speaker, I will first consider events over the weekend. Targeted Israeli strikes hit military sites inside Iran, including a missile manufacturer and an air defence base.

    This was in response to Iran’s escalatory ballistic missile attacks on Israel condemned across the House. These attacks were the latest in a long history of malign Iranian activity. Its nuclear programme, with their total enriched uranium stockpile now reported by the IAEA to be thirty times the JCPoA limit. And political, financial and military support for militias, including Hizballah and Hamas.

    Let me be clear. The Government unequivocally condemns Iranian attacks on Israel. This Government has imposed three rounds of sanctions on Iranian individuals and organisations responsible for malign activity, most recently on the fourteenth of October. And we have consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian attacks, and attacks by Iranian-backed terrorists, whose goal is the complete eradication of the Israeli state. We do not mourn the deaths of the heads of proscribed terrorist organisations.

    The priority now is immediate de-escalation. Iran should not respond. All sides must exercise restraint. We do not wish to see the cycle of violence intensifying, dragging the whole region into a war with severe consequences. Escalation is in no one’s interest as it risks spreading the regional conflict further. We and our partners have been passing this message clearly and consistently. Yesterday, Mr Speaker, I spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Katz and urged both countries to show restraint and avoid further regional escalation.

    Mr Speaker, let me turn to the devastating situation in northern Gaza, where the United Nations estimates over four hundred thousand Palestinian civilians remain.

    Access to essential services worsen by the day. Yet still, very little aid is being allowed in. Israel’s evacuation order in the north has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians. Driven from destruction, disease, and despair. To destruction, disease and despair. Nine in ten Gazans have been displaced since the war began. Some have had to flee more than ten times in the past year. What must parents say to their children? How can they explain this living nightmare? How can they reassure it will ever end?

    There is no excuse for Israeli’s government’s ongoing restrictions on humanitarian assistance – they must let more aid in now. Aid is backed up at Gaza’s borders. In many cases funded by the UK and our partners. But now stuck, out of reach of those who need it so desperately. These restrictions fly in the face of Israel’s public commitments. They risk violating international humanitarian law. They are a rebuke to every friend of Israel, who month after month have demanded action to address the catastrophic conditions facing Palestinian civilians. So let me be clear once again. This Government condemns these restrictions in the strongest terms.

    Since our first day in office, the Government has led efforts to bring this nightmare to an end. We have announced funding for UK-Med’s efforts to provide medical treatment in Gaza, for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza, for Egyptian health facilities treating medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza.

    We are matching donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal. And, together with France and Algeria, we called an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address the dire situation. We sanctioned extremist settlers, making clear their actions do not serve the real interests of either Israel or the region.

    And we have moved quickly to restore funding to UNRWA, overturning the position of the last Government. We did that to support UNRWA’s indispensable role in assisting Palestinians, and to enable them to implement the recommendations of the independent Colonna report.

    All over the world, in every war zone, every refugee camp, the United Nations is a beacon of hope. And so it’s a matter of profound regret that the Israeli parliament is considering shutting down UNRWA’s operations. The allegations against UNRWA staff earlier this year were fully investigated, and offer no justification for cutting off ties with UNRWA.

    This weekend, we therefore joined partners in expressing concerns at the Knesset’s legislation, and urged Israel to ensure UNRWA’s lifesaving work continues. We call on UNRWA to continue its path to reform, demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality.

    And finally, Mr Speaker, I will cover the conflict in Lebanon. A country that has endured so much in my lifetime and now sees fighting escalate once again, killing many civilians, and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes. While in northern Israel, communities live in fear of Hizballah attacks, unable to return home.

    Here too, the Government has led efforts to respond. Our swift call for an immediate ceasefire was taken up by our partners and in the United Nations Security Council. The Defence Secretary and I have visited Lebanon, where Britain’s ongoing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces is widely recognised as an investment in a sovereign and effective Lebanese state.

    At the start of October, I announced ten million pounds for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Last week, my Right Honourable Friend Minister Dodds announced further funding for the most vulnerable amongst those fleeing from Lebanon into Syria, while my Honourable Friend Minister Falconer joined the Lebanon Support Conference in Paris. And today, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister will meet Prime Minister Mikati to reassure him of our support.

    Mr Speaker, across the region, our priorities are clear. De-escalation. Humanitarian assistance. Immediate ceasefires. Upholding international law. Political solutions.

    This is how we save lives. How we liberate hostages, like British national Emily Damari. And how we pull the region back from the brink.

    The Government has stepped up our diplomatic engagement to this end. The Prime Minister has spoken directly to both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Pezeshkian. While I have made five visits to the region in just four months, held around fifty calls and meetings with Ministers and leaders in the region, and spoke this weekend to US Secretary Blinken, just back from the region.

    Mr Speaker, it is a source of deep frustration that these efforts have not yet succeeded. We have no illusions about the deep-seated divisions in this region. A region scarred by fighting and false dawns in the past. But it is never too late for peace. Never too late for hope.

    This Government will not give up on the people of the region. We will keep playing our part in achieving a lasting solution. So that, one day, they might all live side by side in peace and security.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am honoured to address this distinguished gathering in the beautiful city of Manila for this pivotal International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security. I thank the government of the Philippines, UN Women, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy for organizing this event.

    Let me take a few moments to express my deepest condolences for the victims of the recent tropical storm that hit the Philippines and a speedy recovery for everyone affected. As we prepare for the next storm, it is now clear that climate change is real with more frequent and intense events.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    We are at a critical juncture in our shared pursuit of peace, security and sustainable development. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, and though we may not know how to tackle them all, there is one thing we know for certain: it is imperative that women are at the core of our solutions.

    Peace and security decision-making is overwhelmingly dominated by men today. 

    And ending impunity for atrocities against women and girls is still but a distant goal.

    The past year has been especially difficult. 

    From Gaza to Sudan, from Lebanon to Ukraine, the toll on women and girls in conflict zones is devastating. Thousands have been killed, injured, and displaced as they endure extreme suffering.

    In Afghanistan, the stark regression of women’s rights underscores the profound impact of their exclusion from governance and society at large.

    Current pushback on gender equality and women’s empowerment is real and in too many spaces. The weaponization of misogyny for political gain exacts a cost that will reverberate for generations—resulting in more conflicts, prolonged conflicts, and more destructive conflicts.

    Just days ago, I had the honor of speaking at the United Nations Security Council in New York during the annual debate on Women, Peace and Security, where over 100 speakers joined in reiterating their calls for women’s increased participation and for stronger measures to protect them from all forms of violence. Yet, the true measure of our efforts unfolds in places far from the halls of the United Nations, in the lived realities of women in conflict zones across the world.   

    The Philippines offers profound insights as the first Asian nation to adopt a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. And as you adapt and expand the Plan to meet the moment and the evolving challenges that come with it, you are demonstrating commendable leadership.

    This leadership is not a step in a new direction for the Philippines, in fact it is set against the backdrop of a dedicated and rich history of women’s leadership at local and national levels, including the election of multiple women as presidents. I ask you to take a moment to consider how remarkable an achievement that is in a world where more than 100 countries have yet to see a woman in their highest office.

    Likewise, the Philippines’ appointment of the world’s first woman chief negotiator for a major peace agreement stands as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive peace processes: achieving a peace agreement in which half of its articles mentioned mechanisms to engage with women in governance and development, protect them against violence, setting an example by ensuring that one third of the people at the peace table were women, which is the minimum target we have set at the United Nations for all peace processes.

    Yet despite these advancements, the global landscape has not caught up.  In 2023, women constituted less than 10 percent of participants in peace negotiations globally. Let’s call this what it is: a significant barrier to achieving lasting peace and equity in the world.

    Where peace is in short supply, there is an outsize impact on the lives of women and girls the world over. Globally, over 170 conflicts were recorded last year impacting 612 million women and girls – a staggering 50 percent increase from a decade ago.

    The implications are dire: the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts has doubled; conflict-related sexual violence has risen by 50 percent, and the number of women and girls forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, and violence has surged by 70 percent since 2018. Meanwhile, every day, 500 women die from pregnancy and birth complications.

    As military spending continues to increase, funding for gender equality continues to go down, with dire implications, not just for women and girls, but for everyone across our societies.    

    Now is the time to reinforce the urgency of our mission. We must pivot our focus from military investments to empowering women peacebuilders, expanding spaces for civil society, and bolstering the roles of women human rights defenders. Our collective action and cooperation must foster a more inclusive, equitable world.  

    Our UN family, whether in peacekeeping or humanitarian operations, or working to find political solutions, advance sustainable development, or protect human rights, will continue to fight for gender equality, peace and security.

    Last week, the Secretary-General launched a Common Pledge calling on governments, regional organizations, mediation actors to commit to join the United Nations in taking concrete steps on women’s participation in all peace processes they are involved in – from appointing women as lead mediators, to ensuring conflict parties advocate for concrete targets and measures that promotes women’s participation. We are deeply thankful for the Philippine’s support to this Common Pledge.

    The UN family is also actively working with governments, civil society, academia, and various other stakeholders to advance women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making through training, advocacy, policy and fundraising to promote gender equality.

    Over the next few days, let us channel our discussions into concrete actions that lead to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, and let us build a world that is not just peaceful for all but for future generations to come.

    Let me end with a quote by a woman who has dedicated her life to advancing the cause of women and girls the world over – Malala Yousafzai – who said; “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women”. End quote.

    To all of you here today, thank you for embodying the spirit of these words. And for your dedicated partnership and commitment to the Women, Peace and Security.

    Let’s get to work.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: October 25, 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Fly-By: October 25, 2024

    Washington, October 25, 2024

    October 25, 2024

    DOE Cover-Up of LNG Report

    I led forty-five of my colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm raising serious concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability within the agency regarding the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

    In the letter, we write: “The Biden-Harris Administration’s attempt to conceal its findings on liquefied natural gas impacts is troubling. Despite evidence that U.S. LNG benefits both the economy and global energy security, the Department of Energy has imposed an indefinite ban on LNG exports to non-free trade agreement countries without legal justification.”

    The American people deserve accountability on the decision-making process surrounding our energy future. Read more in the Daily Caller here or below.

    CBP Releases Fiscal Year 2024 Border Apprehensions

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released final border encounters for Fiscal Year 2024, ending the year with 3 million illegal alien apprehensions and bringing the numbers under the Biden-Harris Administration up to over 10 million illegal aliens.

    For the past four years, the Biden-Harris Administration has unleashed chaos at American borders by reversing President Trump’s border policies and creating mass-parole programs. Their policies have allowed millions of inadmissible aliens to be released into our communities.

    House Republicans have fought to restore order at the border and enforce the laws on our books. It is four years too late for the Biden-Harris Administration to secure the border and protect Americans. Read the Committee on Homeland Security’s Startling Fact Sheet here or below.

    Federal Judge Orders Virginia to Add Noncitizens to Voter Rolls

    Today, a federal judge ordered the State of Virginia to reinstate 1,600 individuals who identified as noncitizens to their voter rolls. This move is alarming, especially during a presidential election year.

    My legislation preventing illegal aliens and foreign nationals from voting in Washington, D.C., and the Republican-led SAVE Act, which prevents noncitizen voting nationwide, both passed the U.S. House of Representatives. These bills are being held up in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

    This is not a partisan issue. Noncitizens, illegal immigrants, and foreign nationals do not have the right to vote in this country or determine the integrity of our elections. I will continue standing up for free and fair elections to ensure only citizens are voting in the United States of America.

    Meta Suppressing Political Content from Users

    For the past year, I have actively engaged with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and probed its decision to actively opt users out from viewing political content.

    Social media has become a vital tool for government agencies and Members of Congress to communicate with constituents. Preventing users from viewing political or social content is a grave threat, especially during emergencies or times of need. Read more about the letter in The Hill here or below.

    National Retail Federation ‘Crime Fighter Award’

    I am honored to be recognized as a Retail Crime Fighter by the National Retail Federation for my support of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.

    Organized retail crime is out of control across the country, harming small businesses and threatening public safety. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, I have led the charge to address the cause of organized retail crime along with the impact on American businesses. We must continue to aid law enforcement across the country to deter retail crime.

    Female Athletes Lost Nearly 900 Medals to Transgender Athletes

    A U.N. report titled “Violence against women and girls in sports” revealed that female athletes have lost nearly 900 athletic competition medals to transgender athletes.

    As a father to girls in sports, this is unacceptable. I was proud to vote in favor of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which protects female athletes by clarifying that under Title IX, sex shall be recognized solely on a person’s genetics at birth and blocks biological males from competing in school athletic programs for women or girls. It is sad that we must continue to fight for biological men to stay out of women’s sports.

    I will always defend the rights of women and girls to have fair competition in sports. Read more in the New York Post here.

    Biden-Harris Spent $900 Million on Flawed COVID-19 Campaign

    The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce released a report unveiling the failings of a $900 million COVID-19 public relations campaign overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This campaign, funded by taxpayer dollars, was used to amplify flawed messaging on the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic led to prolonged closures of small businesses and schools. I am proud of the Committee for uncovering the truth behind the Administration’s use of taxpayer dollars that led to public distrust in our public health institutions. Read the report here or below.

    Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

    Rep. August Pfluger

    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces FEMA Amends Major Disaster Declaration for August Storm To Include Public Assistance Program

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has received notification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informing him that the major disaster declaration President Joe Biden approved for Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County as a result of the historic rainfall and extreme flooding that region of Connecticut received on August 18, 2024, has been amended to include the governor’s request for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

    Approval of this program means that municipal governments within those three counties, as well as Connecticut state government and certain nonprofit organizations, are now eligible to apply for federal reimbursement of 75% of the costs associated with repairing and rebuilding uninsured damage to public infrastructure caused by the storm – such as roads, bridges, rail lines, schools, parks, and other facilities – and the costs associated with their emergency response and protective measures.

    Previously, the declaration was approved to include the Individual Assistance Program – which makes federal disaster funding available to individuals to cover the costs of uninsured damage to private property and other related emergency actions – and the Hazard Mitigation Program, which supports state and local governments with the costs of taking actions that can reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural disasters. The initial declaration also brought Small Business Administration loan assistance to eligible businesses and individuals.

    In his application to FEMA, Governor Lamont estimates that state and local governments in these counties experienced roughly $14.3 million in damage to public infrastructure from this storm, with much of the damage impacting the transportation system, such as state and local roads and bridges, as well as the Waterbury Branch Line of Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line.

    Governor Lamont said, “Approval of this program will be a relief to many towns that experienced significant damage to public infrastructure from this storm, especially to roads and bridges that were completely destroyed and needed swift rebuilding to ensure that residents who live in these areas have access to critical routes. The Biden-Harris administration has been extremely helpful in their response to this unprecedented flooding event, and I thank FEMA and the Small Business Administration for their on-the-ground actions in Connecticut to help our residents and businesses recover. I also thank the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation for helping our state secure this declaration and the associated resources it provides.”

    U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “We’ve been holding our breath for this decision. In my multiple visits to towns hard hit by catastrophic flooding, I’ve seen the huge costs and consequences of rebuilding that such historic federal aid will support. It will enable public assets like roads and bridges to be rebuilt – better and stronger for the new weather normal – sparing Connecticut taxpayers most of the fiscal burden. It’s a day well worth the wait. Our state will be more resilient with less financial burden.”

    U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said, “The inclusion of the Public Assistance Program in this disaster declaration is a crucial step in helping Connecticut communities recover and rebuild. With this, local governments can now access federal support to cover the costs of restoring essential public infrastructure damaged by the storm. Roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure connect us to our workplaces, schools, and our families. Rebuilding them is key to our recovery. This support from FEMA means that our towns won’t have to bear the financial strain alone. I will continue to fight to ensure our communities receive the resources they need to recover.”

    U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Amending the major disaster declaration will unlock federal reimbursement resources for municipalities, state government and eligible nonprofits – reducing the financial burden in addition to restoring critical infrastructure. When Connecticut was impacted by record flooding, we received swift support from our federal partners. I remain grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for the continued support our residents, businesses, and communities have received to rebuild and recover.”

    U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “So many in southwest Connecticut are still rebuilding from August’s devastating flooding. I was glad to help bring federal disaster relief to repair the damage and support families in need of assistance, and I’m thrilled that the program has been expanded to offer additional aid without raising property taxes. With this change, our towns will have access to the resources they need to restore roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure that Connecticut’s families depend on. Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration, Governor Lamont, and my Congressional colleagues for their continued efforts to support this disaster recovery effort.”

    The Lamont administration, through the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, will be in touch with municipal officials in the impacted areas to ensure they have information on how they can begin applying for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance Program.

    So far under his declaration, FEMA has approved more than $8 million in federal disaster assistance to Connecticut residents through the Individual Assistance Program. The deadline for residents to apply for the Individual Assistance Program is November 19, 2024.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Leads Coalition to Protect Undocumented Family Members of U.S. Citizens

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Texas v. DHS in support of the federal program “Keeping Families Together” which allows certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residence. The brief, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, argues that the federal government has the authority to implement this program to protect family unity. Attorney General James and the coalition also argue that protecting family unity has been a hallmark of U.S. immigration policy for decades and should be upheld.

    “Tearing families apart because of their immigration status is incredibly cruel,” said Attorney General James. “The Keeping Families Together program offers mixed-status families a path to citizenship without having to worry about being separated. It is a common-sense policy and that is why I am leading a coalition of attorneys general to support this program and help mixed-status families in New York and around the country.”

    In August 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a process under which certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens living in the United States can apply for a discretionary grant of immigration parole. The process, Keeping Families Together, allows certain undocumented family members to apply for permanent residence without first needing to depart the United States. 

    The coalition argues in their brief that the federal government has the authority to determine and implement immigration parole programs. The brief points to several previous parole-in-place immigration programs that were implemented going back decades as an example of the federal government’s authority over immigration parole programs. Moreover, Attorney General James and the coalition write that keeping families together is a core principle of U.S. immigration policy and has strong benefits for families as well as neighborhoods, communities, and local economies.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing today’s brief are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First tenants move into pioneering affordable homes in Edinburgh

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Tenants have moved into the first ‘net zero ready’ affordable homes to be delivered in Granton Waterfront.

    A housing emergency was declared in Edinburgh last year and the 75 energy efficient homes for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View built by CCG (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of the Council are part of the local authority’s £1.3bn regeneration of the area to provide much needed affordable housing.  

    The project is part of the major transformation of Granton Waterfront to create a new coastal town in the north of the city with tenants and homeowners also due to start moving into over 400 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social rent, mid-market rent and homes for sale at Western Villages throughout next year.  Work is also well underway to deliver a further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea due for completion in Summer 2026.

    The homes at Granton Station View are the first Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme pilot which is part of a collaborative programme between local and national government, academia and the construction industry that has developed a new model for delivering affordable housing in Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The homes will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the city’s 2030 net zero target. The homes were largely manufactured offsite and have high performance energy efficient features which will help reduce utility bills for tenants. Features include triple glazing, communal zero direct emissions heating as well as solar panels linked to the communal energy centre being provided. The University of Edinburgh will monitor the energy efficiency of the building design for the first year.

    Granton Station View was supported by of over £6.6m funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme (ASHP).  

    Other innovative features in the development include an underground waste collection system, cycle parking twice the capacity of the residents living there and links to existing and established walking, cycling and wheeling routes.

    Three commercial spaces are also situated underneath the homes at Granton Station View providing business and employment opportunities for the area. Two of the spaces have recently been let out ensuring that residents of Granton Station View will have access to a local convenience store with a post office and a fitness gym.

    As well as delivering over 3,500 ‘net zero’ homes in the next 10 years, the wider £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration will include a primary school, a health centre, commercial and cultural space as well as a new public park at the iconic Granton Gasholder, currently being restored.

    Council leader Cammy Day said:

    Today’s announcement is welcome news as the housing emergency we declared last year means we have a chronic shortage of housing in the city.

    Despite Scottish Government cuts in affordable housing, the homes at Granton Station View are part of an exciting pilot project which will not just help us ease this shortage but will provide many individuals and families with comfortable modern homes using the very latest technology to keep energy bills down.

    I wish everyone moving into Granton Station View well and look forward to seeing hundreds of other individuals and families move into the high-quality homes we are delivering at Western Villages and Silverlea as part of our wider £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    I am pleased that the City of Edinburgh Council has delivered 75 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social and Mid-Market Rent in Granton. These homes were backed by over £6.6 million of Scottish Government funding and they will help to meet the needs of the local community for generations to come, whilst supporting Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.

    We remain focused on delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032 with at least 70% for social rent and 10% in our rural and island communities.

    CCG (Scotland) Managing Director, David Wylie, said:

    Scotland is in a housing emergency and our planet is in the midst of a climate emergency. Both issues are some of the most challenging that will face this generation and it is fundamental that we tackle both in equal measure by delivering more, sustainable homes like we have here at Granton Station View.

    Through our own, pioneering construction methods and a new delivery model that focuses on streamlined procurement and collaborative working, we have unlocked brownfield land and evidenced that a just net zero transition is achievable, the needs of our communities can be met, and our carbon impact can be significantly lowered.

    We thank the partners of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme for their support during construction, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Council at Western Villages where a further 444 net zero ready homes, including 56 for sale from CCG Homes, will be completed in 2025.

     The EHD programme has developed a housing delivery model for ‘net zero ready’ homes across the six council areas in the City Region Deal. As part of this programme, in Edinburgh, there are also 140 affordable homes being built in Greendykes which will be ready in 2027 and another 40 affordable homes currently being designed for Burdiehouse Crescent. These homes will have similar energy saving features.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Murphy Holds Roundtable Discussion on Expanding Access to Public Contracting Opportunities for Historically Marginalized Businesses

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    Discussion Seeks to Address Findings of Statewide Disparity Study

     

    TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today held a roundtable discussion where he met with legislators and stakeholders to gather input on potential legislative remedies and ongoing administrative initiatives to eliminate disparities in the public procurement process and create a more equitable business environment for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in New Jersey.

    The discussion follows the release of a comprehensive statewide disparity study earlier this year – the first since 2005 – which reviewed statewide procurement data relating to goods and services, professional services, and construction between 2015 and 2020, and found statistically significant disparities in the awarding of public contracts to MWBEs. The study was necessary so that the State had a legal basis for addressing these gaps. This discussion also follows a series of meetings over the past months led by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Treasury with community partners, faith leaders, labor, and diverse business chambers across the state.

    “One of New Jersey’s best attributes has always been its vast diversity. Our state is home to people of so many different backgrounds, who all deserve the opportunity to succeed in their chosen field; however, lingering inequities continue to create barriers to entry for our minority and women-owned businesses that want to contract with our state government. This is unacceptable and, with the help of our lawmakers and business community, we will take action,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s meeting underscores our steadfast commitment to building a stronger, fairer, more equitable, and more inclusive New Jersey. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working with our partners in the Legislature and our state’s business community to create a system where all businesses can thrive.”

    The Governor was joined by Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus; Senator Nellie Pou, Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus; Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus; and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity and Member of the Legislative Black Caucus.

    The African American Chamber of Commerce, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce, the Veteran’s Chamber of Commerce, and the NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council —  a coalition representing small and diverse businesses in New Jersey, such as LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses — were also in attendance, in addition to Senior Pastor of Saint James AME Church Reverend Ronald Slaughter, Jo-Ann Povia, Chief of Staff to the Department of the Treasury and Associate Deputy State Treasurer, Michelle Bodden, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Economic Development Authority, and Jayné Johnson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Equity.

    “I want to commend Governor Murphy for his courageous leadership in commissioning the public contracting disparity study that equips us to make long-needed reforms. I also want to thank the Treasurer and the Treasury team for their work in overseeing the disparity study and Chief Diversity Officer Candice Alfonso for getting it over the finish line, as well as our partners in the Legislature and the business community who joined us at the table today to discuss legislative reforms. The study— as an assessment tool— equips us to tailor remedies specific to the study’s findings and the nuances of New Jersey law,” said Jayné Johnson, Director, Governor’s Office of Equity. “Our office has convened the Cabinet and the authorities across state government in support of efforts to accelerate capacity-building through initiatives that engage historically marginalized businesses. We are also leading statewide efforts to advance people-centered workplace initiatives—recognizing that when our colleagues have a better awareness of their neighbors, the outcomes of our policies and systems are more equitable and responsive.”

    “From day one, Treasury has been committed to advancing the Murphy Administration’s goal of building a more equitable landscape for New Jersey businesses,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “The recent disparity study overseen by Treasury’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, led by Chief Diversity Officer Candice Alfonso, shone a light on inequities faced by diverse businesses in the public contracting system. This years-long effort will serve as a roadmap as the State plans responsive action to promote a more equitable procurement process.”

    “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has made tremendous strides to increase transparency and create a more equitable economy, especially across state contracting opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs. I am proud of the investments we are making to bolster diverse-owned businesses and ensure they have the capacity to secure larger-scale contracts,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “But undoing decades of unfair treatment and unequal outcomes is a work in progress, and conversations like the one today are critical to guaranteeing our work to improve the procurement process is bold, meaningful, and transparent.”

    Throughout the Murphy Administration, the State has instituted a number of initiatives designed to promote equitable contracting practices and uplift small businesses across all sectors. This has ranged from bonding readiness assistance to matchmaking and outreach events, complementing a whole-of-government approach to create new opportunities for New Jersey’s MWBEs.

    Today’s discussion served as a valuable working session for representatives from the Executive and Legislative Branches to hear directly from industry stakeholders, fostering a collaborative foundation as the State works to establish concrete legislative solutions to make the public bidding process more accessible and resolve disparities in procurement processes.

    “We have a moral obligation to ensure economic opportunities for every New Jerseyan,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “Equity in the contracting process for minority- and women-owned businesses will benefit every corner of our state. We have demonstrated that when every community has the chance to thrive, it grows the entire economy. I commend the work of my colleagues in the Legislature, the Administration, and the business community to find solutions to the challenges outlined in the Disparity Study and look forward to our next steps.”

    “Today’s discussion will serve as an important foundation as we work on viable, long-term solutions to make New Jersey’s business community more equitable,” said Senator Nellie Pou, Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus. “We must ensure our minority and women-owned businesses are able to succeed in New Jersey, especially when it comes to doing business with the State. I was pleased to see so many come together in collaboration this morning and look forward to continuing our work in this space.”

    “The findings of the New Jersey Disparity Study serve as a stark reminder of the long road we still must travel to ensure true equity for minority- and women-owned businesses in our state,” said Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. “This study sheds light on critical gaps that continue to limit fair access to government contracts and the essential resources needed to allow these businesses not only to compete but to thrive. Armed with this data, we’re seizing this opportunity to enact real change. After hearing from our communities and stakeholders earlier this year, we introduced a bold package of a dozen bills that will help shape a more inclusive New Jersey. One where every business owner has a fair shot at success. Roundtable discussions like today’s are vital steps forward, bringing us closer to a more equitable economy that benefits all New Jerseyans.”

    “The New Jersey Disparity Study authored an undeniable truth: minority and women-owned businesses are not being afforded the public contract opportunities that align with their product. This disparity does not reflect their ability to deliver quality services. Instead, it highlights systemic barriers that have gone unaddressed, barriers that allow state agencies to be relaxed about diversifying vendors and broadening business opportunities, and this demands immediate, decisive action,” said Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity. “Since this report was released, I have collaborated with many stakeholders like the African American Chamber of Commerce NJ and the New Jersey State Women’s Chamber of Commerce to launch a targeted legislative agenda focused on eliminating these obstacles and creating a more fair approach to market competition. But our commitment needs to go beyond legislation; it’s about real, actionable solutions for business owners and the government agencies responsible for contracting. By deepening our work with stakeholders and business leaders, we’re positioning New Jersey as a model of economic fairness and inclusion driving lasting impact for diverse business owners and strengthening our state economy.”

    “The recently released disparity study highlighted the urgent need for change, and this roundtable was an important step in ensuring that New Jersey’s public contracting opportunities reflect the diversity of our communities,” said Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. “Minority- and women-owned businesses have faced significant marginalization, but by working with stakeholders, our fellow legislators, and government representatives, we can create pathways for all businesses to succeed in today’s marketplace.” 

    “I am grateful to Governor Murphy for his invitation to discuss how we move forward with policies and systems that will yield more equitable outcomes for the 1.2 million black residents and over 88,000 black owned businesses. Blacks have demonstrated tremendous patience, sacrifice, and support to help so many New Jerseyans to achieve their goals; now it’s time for the leadership within all sectors of our state to apply that same level of vigor and intentionality in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to enable our constituency to achieve their dreams and aspirations,” said John Harmon, Founder, President, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

    “Since the Disparity Study results were presented, the Governor’s Office has been highly engaged in keeping us informed. We’ve been part of roughly a dozen meetings, working closely together. While the findings are stark, the Governor’s Office has shown unwavering partnership from day one, committing to meaningful collaboration and sustained efforts. This joint approach aims to create a level playing field, drive increased competition, and ultimately secure greater savings for the state,” said Carlos Medina, Chair of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

    “Governor Murphy’s proactive approach in addressing the findings of the disparity study is paving the way for a more inclusive economy in New Jersey,” said Robin Tabakin, Public Policy Leader and President Elect of New Jersey State Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “I appreciate that Governor Murphy has taken the initiative to sign legislation directing the Department of the Treasury to establish procurement goals that prioritize women, minority, veteran, and LGBTQ owned businesses. Additionally, by increasing delegated purchasing authority for state agencies from $46,000 to $250,000, he has empowered these agencies to create real opportunities for diverse businesses in state contracting. His commitment to working with state chambers is critical to building a stronger, more equitable economic future for all New Jerseyans.”

    “I want to applaud Governor Murphy and his Administration for the groundbreaking step they have taken toward remedying the stark economic injustices uncovered in this disparity study. As one of the founders of, and today’s representative of, the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council—a coalition of diverse business chambers across the state, including the Veteran’s Chamber—I urge us all to continue to be reminded of the stark findings in this study and to ensure the remedies are inclusive of all the impacted communities outlined in the study, and even those not in the study, including our veteran, minority, and LGBTQ+ business owners. I look forward to working with the members of this roundtable and the community at large in the coming months to deliver on this critical initiative,” said Francisco Cortes, Founder of the NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council & President of the NJ State Veteran’s Chamber of Commerce.

    “The Punjabi Chamber of Commerce along with our fellow Asian Americans commends Governor Murphy for directing attention and resources to addressing disparity in public contracting opportunities for Minority and Women Business Enterprises. New Jersey is fortunate to have a Governor who not only recognizes the disparity but is willing to assert leadership in remedying this serious issue,” said Gurpreet “Gary” Pasricha, Founder of the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce.

    “By being the first Governor to conduct a disparity study in our state’s history, Governor Murphy has taken a measurable step towards fostering equity and inclusivity in our State’s multi-billion dollar contracting sphere. This conversation today to address these disparities not only highlights the commitment to achieving economic justice for all, but also sets a precedent for leadership in creating a more just society. As a faith leader, I will work to see that the state accomplishes this tall task and that the effects trickle down to every member of my community. I look forward to sharing this much-needed information with the various houses of worship and community groups throughout the state, as it all flows through us.  This is a pivotal step by the Governor that will indeed pave the way for meaningful change,” said Senior Pastor of Saint James AME Church Reverend Ronald Slaughter.

    MIL OSI USA News –