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Category: Politics

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

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Mr. President,

    Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

    The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

    This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

    We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

    The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

    Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

    So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

    United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

    Thank you.

    ******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Il y a deux jours, à travers le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, les dirigeants du monde ont réaffirmé leur attachement au droit international et à la Charte des Nations unies.

    Notre Organisation est fondée sur le principe de la souveraineté de tous les États membres – à l’intérieur de leurs frontières internationalement reconnues.

    La Charte est sans équivoque : tous les États doivent s’abstenir de recourir à la menace ou à l’emploi de la force contre l’intégrité territoriale ou l’indépendance politique de tout autre État, et que les différends internationaux doivent être réglés par des moyens pacifiques.

    L’invasion massive de l’Ukraine par la Russie en février 2022 – après l’annexion illégale de la République autonome de Crimée et de la ville de Sébastopol il y a dix ans – constitue une violation manifeste de ces principes.

    Et les populations civiles continuent d’en payer le prix.

    Le nombre de morts ne cesse d’augmenter.

    Près de 10 millions de personnes ont fui leurs foyers.

    Les attaques systématiques contre les hôpitaux, les écoles, les supermarchés… ne font qu’amplifier la douleur et la détresse.

    Les coupures de courant et les dommages causés aux infrastructures ont plongé des millions de personnes dans l’obscurité.

    Je condamne fermement toutes les attaques contre les civils et les installations civiles, peu importe où elles se produisent et qui est responsable. Elles doivent toutes cesser immédiatement.

    Et je reste profondément préoccupé par la sécurité, les besoins humanitaires et les droits humains des personnes résidant dans les régions occupées.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Malgré d’immenses défis, l’Organisation des Nations Unies reste pleinement engagée, représentant la plus grande présence internationale en Ukraine.

    Rien que cette année, en coopération avec nos partenaires, nous avons apporté une aide vitale à plus de 6,2 millions de personnes.

    Mais nous avons besoin du soutien de la communauté internationale.

    15 millions de personnes en Ukraine ont besoin d’aide humanitaire – et plus de la moitié d’entre elles sont des femmes et des jeunes filles.

    Cependant, à l’approche de l’hiver, moins de la moitié de notre Plan d’intervention humanitaire pour 2024 est financée.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à nous aider à poursuivre notre travail vital sur le terrain.

    Nous assistons également le gouvernement ukrainien dans ses efforts de redressement économique et de reconstruction.

    Cela comprend l’accès aux services de base et la restauration des capacités de production d’énergie de l’Ukraine.

    Ces dernières semaines, nous avons vu une recrudescence de rhétorique incendiaire et d’incidents autour des sites nucléaires – en particulier à la centrale nucléaire de Zaporizhzhia et, de façon inquiétante, à la centrale nucléaire de Koursk, dans la Fédération de Russie.

    Je félicite l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique, notamment pour sa présence essentielle sur les sites nucléaires ukrainiens, afin de contribuer à garantir la sûreté et la sécurité nucléaires.

    J’appelle toutes les parties à agir de manière responsable et à éviter toute déclaration ou action susceptible de déstabiliser davantage une situation déjà incendiaire.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 24/09/2024 Varsovia Council of Ministers – aid for flood victims

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The government meeting took place today in a unique format. In the public part of the meeting, the ministers presented reports on the activities of their ministries in connection with the flood. El primer minister Donald Tusk announced that this formula will be in force during the next government meetings. Later in the meeting, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft act amending the Act on special solutions related to removing the effects of floods. Tomorrow the government will present information on its activities in the Sejm. In the afternoon, the head of government went to a meeting of the crisis staff in Wrocław. Concrete actions Today’s government meeting was devoted to the situation in southwestern Poland after the flood. In the public part, Prime Minister Donald Tusk asked ministers to present the activities of their ministries and propose specific solutions. “My intention is that each government meeting – in this dramatic time of flood and post-flood reconstruction – should begin with a specific report that should reach people immediately,” explained the head of government. The second part of the meeting of the Council of Ministers was devoted to the draft act amending the act on special solutions related to removing the effects of floods. “Para bromear 100 pages of amendments that will improve the existing law; they will make assistance easier and more flexible,” announced Donald Tusk. The government will be able to secure – together with European funds – up to PLN 23 billion for the “Reconstruction Plus” program. “It was very important for us to provide financing for aid and then reconstruction for the coming months and years – because some projects will last for many years,” the Prime Minister said. The government remains directly involved in supervising activities in the areas affected by the disaster – a meeting of the crisis staff will be held in Wrocław this afternoon. Los dos ministros se multiplican Internal Affairs and Administration The first information during the meeting of the Council of Ministers was presented by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration. Tomasz Siemoniak emphasized that the State Fire Service and the army are currently focusing on two goals. The first is to ensure safety in connection with the peak wave on the Odra River. “We are moving forces and resources, moving helicopters and various types of equipment, so that we have forces and resources in all places of danger – especially backwaters, seepage through embankments or water pouring through embankments in some places” – reported the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration. The second priority is to support residents in restoring normal functioning in the affected municipalities. “Here we do not reduce our commitment in any way. As for the forces of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, the Bromear couple approximately 25,000. professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters and policemen,” said Tomasz Siemoniak. The police continue to ensure the safety of residents of flooded areas, including: guarding their property against looters, running mobile posts and providing psychological support. The Central Office for Combating Cybercrime is also carrying out intensified activities. It focuses primarily on the fight against disinformation and the practice of conducting false collections. “I am asking you to follow our announcements carefully. Please check carefully whether this is a fake collection. This is what we are trying to eliminate,” the Minister of Interior and Administration emphasized the importance of the problem. The Ministry of Interior and Administration cooperates with voivodes in the field of paying benefits to the injured. Nearly 20,000 families have already received such support. The aid is also organized by the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves, which has released funds in the amount of PLN 12 million and provides, among others, temporary housing. Ministrosdos of National Defense Prime Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz reminded that from the very beginning, all the armed forces of the Republic of Poland were involved in the fight against the flood: land forces, air forces, navy, special forces and Territorial Defense Forces. “The lines of effort of the army: help and evacuation of the population, taking care of life and health – the most important thing is para bromear. The second thing is securing the embankments, strengthening them as the wave moves. The third issue is the tidying up of the area – matters related to cleaning, unblocking communication routes,” the Minister of National Defense listed the activities of the services subordinated to him. The army also got involved, among others: in the organization of the field hospital in Nysa and the disinfection process.  On Monday, September 23, the Feniks military operation began. “We immediately launched another operation – Operation Phoenix, aimed at reconstruction, returning to normality. In fact, it is about raising the level of reconstruction to an even better infrastructure than what was destroyed,” announced the head of the Ministry of Defense. The operation is scheduled at least until the end of the year. Soldiers will be present in areas at risk and affected by flooding until the effects of the flood are removed. The cost of Operation Feniks is estimated at approximately PLN 175 million. Our NATO and EU partners offer their help, for example by sending engineering teams to rebuild roads and bridges. “Para bromear is an expression of solidarity that Poland has always shown to countries in need,” noted the Minister of National Defense. El primer ministro Donald Tusk thanked for the information about offers of international assistance. “Good comes back in different situations, in different forms. We helped the Turks, we helped the Swedes not so long ago… The Greeks, of course, with forest fires. Today, the Swedes are sending us dehumidifiers, the Turks and Germans want to build bridges…” Poland will definitely benefit from the offer of help wherever it is useful. Ministrosdos of Digitization Primer Ministro y Ministro of Digitization Krzysztof Gawkowski presented, among others: actions his ministry took to launch satellite communications. 160 Starlink terminals were handed over to the State Fire Service, and 70 terminales – to the Police. The Ministry of Digitization also cooperates with mobile network operators to provide residents of disaster-affected areas with access to mobile networks. “We have gone from several tens of thousands of people cut off from the mobile network to less than a thousand” – político Krzysztof Gawkowski. Audit activities were commissioned to develop solutions that will avoid disconnection in similar situations in the future. The ministry cooperates with the Police in the fight against disinformation. Recently, increased hostile actions have been recorded on the Russian and Belarusian sides. 80-90% of this false content is removed as soon as it appears. Another important action is to launch flood alerts in the MObywatel application. Thanks to this, residents of individual voivodeships can quickly obtain information about the situation in the region. Citizens are also provided with information by the government-created website podz2024.gov.pl. Together with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Minister of Digitization decided to donate 16,000 laptops to the affected areas to be used by children. Ministrosdos Infraestructura El ministro Dariusz Klimczak announced that all roads in Lower Silesia have already been made passable. The situation is worse in the Opole Voivodeship. The head of the ministry reported, among others, from activities aimed at rebuilding the bridge in Głuchołazy. The section of the Kłodzko Główny – Kłodzko Miasto railway route is still impassable.  “We anticipate that we will clear traffic on this section by September 30,” Dariusz Klimczak reported the good news. The railway organizes detours on some sections. We appeal to travelers to
    analyze the information provided by carriers. The head of the Ministry of Infrastructure provided detailed data on alarm and warning states, meteorological and hydrological warnings and the condition of reservoirs. He paid particular attention to hydrological warnings against third-degree floods for the Lubusz, West Pomeranian, Lower Silesian and Greater Poland voivodeships. Ministrosdos of Finance El ministro Andrzej Domański reminded that his ministry had secured PLN 2 billion in the state budget for the implementation of the most urgent aid tasks related to combating the effects of the flood and was working to increase this amount.  “We regularly issue decisions activating funds for voivodes, including the payment of flood benefits. We are also working together with the local government to provide direct assistance to the affected municipalities. We have, among other things, funds at our disposal from the reserve in the amount of PLN 738 million. The decision on the division of this reserve will be made together with the local government,” said Andrzej Domański. They can count on support, among others: borrowers whose mortgage obligation will be taken over by the state for 12 months, as well as entrepreneurs – it is possible, for example, to apply for a waiver of tax liabilities. Ministros dos Funds and Regional Policy The Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s instructions, carried out a comprehensive review of the Cohesion Funds.  “Up to several billion zlotys can be transferred for reconstruction and resilience purposes,” informed Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. The ministry she manages is creating a new priority within the Cohesion Funds. Dedicated to Bromea Sobre rebuilding in flooded areas and at the same time building resilience to such events. “These will be funds for energy infrastructure, water and sewage infrastructure, road infrastructure, but also funds for private beneficiaries, supporting budget funds for the reconstruction of houses that were destroyed during the flood,” said the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy. The process of redirecting funds is consulted with local government officials from flood regions. Ministry of Climate and Environment Led by Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska, the ministry clima observes, among others, the situation of environmental infrastructure and the state of groundwater. The State Geological Service has introduced a state of hydrogeological threat for the period from September 17 to 30 for the Lower Silesian and Opole voivodeships and the southern parts of the Lubuskie and Greater Poland voivodeships. The Ministry of Climate and Environment directed resources and forces to post-flood areas, thanks to which the number of households without access to electricity significantly decreased.  “1,738 customers remain without electricity. At its peak there were almost 80,000 households. The biggest problem in this respect is still the Lower Silesian Voivodeship,” said Paulina Hennig-Kloska. At the request of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Council of Ministers adopted an amendment to the regulation on the state of natural disaster, which is intended to facilitate the removal of waste from areas affected by flooding. The ministry also launched subsidies for local governments for the purchase of, among others, aggregates, pump, dryers. Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy, reminded what the activities of her ministry focus on. “While the ministries and services directly involved in the fight against the element are putting a stop to it, we at the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy have been looking from the very beginning where the wave is already receding, where the water is receding and where the people of the flooded areas need immediate, urgent social assistance and financial assistance” – emphasized Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk. The total funds paid for these benefits are 100 million 409 thousand. PLN. This number is still growing. The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy has facilitated access to aid by simplifying the form for flood victims. The application may be submitted orally, and the entire procedure works according to the so-called one window. Social workers often come to injured people themselves.  El primer ministro Donald Tusk thanked Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk for the initiative to introduce paid leave for those who clean the homes of their loved ones. “A couple of pretty obvious help. Everyone who gets involved and devotes their time, is not at work, but helps their loved ones and family in drying, cleaning, pumping water, etc., will be able to count on state support,” assured the Prime Minister. A provision on this form of assistance will be included in the draft bill developed by the government. Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna announced that the main task of her ministry is to provide residents of flooded areas with access to medical services. Ministrosdos has launched 3 hotlines. “One, the general one, where the patient can find out where the nearest clinic is, where the nearest pharmacy that has not been flooded is; where to go for help. And two more hotlines that concern people in mental health crisis – separately for adults and separately for children and adolescents,” explained Izabela Leszczyna. Psychological and psychiatric help also reaches flood victims through the mobile center. The Minister of Health thanked the employees of all hospitals and clinics who are showing great commitment during the crisis. The hospital in Nysa is at the stage of drying and disinfection. “There is great determination of the employees of the local community, the starosta of Nysa, to open this hospital. Both the Ministry of Health and the National Health Fund absolutely support these efforts,” emphasized the head of the ministry. The State Sanitary Inspection focuses on collecting water samples, conducting laboratory tests and issuing disinfectants.  Anyone can call the district sanitary and epidemiological station to ask for water testing or help with disinfection. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Adam Nowak, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, informed that according to data collected by the Restructuring Agency, 4,318 farmers who had a registered farm number were affected by the flood. “In accordance with the Prime Minister’s instruction to ensure that this assistance is quick and well-addressed, the first program will be support of approximately PLN 5,000 for a hectare of field containing unharvested agricultural produce, unharvested cereals – mainly corn, partly also soybeans, corn, potatoes and sugar beets” – Adam Nowak presented one of the proposals to help farmers. The ministry will also support farmers, among others: ensuring the possibility of remission of rents for arable land, exemption and remission of social security contributions in KRUS, and compensation for cereals and other agricultural produce that came into contact with flood waters. Another solution is quick advance payments for direct payments to farmers from flood-affected areas. The Minister of Agriculture, Czesław Siekierski, requested the European Commission to activate the crisis reserve at the disposal of the Commissioner for Agriculture, and also asked voivodes for support in initiating the work of estimating commissions.  Ministrosdos of National Education Thanks to the determination of school principals and teachers, currently only 63 institutions have suspended classes. Remote teaching is conducted in 9 schools.  “In no case is the safety of the educational course of children and young people at risk at this time. All exams and all activities will take place as planned,” assured Barbara Nowacka, the Minister of National Education. Affected schools have formal and legal options to organize classes in other places. The Ministry of Education has prepared a number of supports for those affected. “To meet
    the needs reported by teachers and parents, we organize green schools for children from flood areas. There is a special website at zielonaszkoly.gov.pl with a 24-hour hotline where you can report schools that need help and appropriate assistance. Currently, nearly 850 people have registered – students from schools in flood areas – and are ready to leave,” said Barbara Nowacka. The Ministry plans to extend the program until the holidays. There is a special telephone line of the Ministry of National Education for psychological support. More than 40 psychologists provide assistance around the clock. The ministry, headed by Barbara Nowacka, also coordinates the “Schools for Schools” project, under which willing school communities in the country can support students and institutions from flood-affected areas.  Ministros dos Sportu i Turystyki El Ministro Sportu i Turystyki Sławomir Nitras presented information on the forms of support prepared by his ministry. The Ministry will allocate funds for the reconstruction of sports infrastructure, especially school facilities, as well as public and tourist facilities – tourist trails and parks. 50 millones de was secured to support tourist institutions and enterprises that suffered losses due to the cancellation of their stay or the impossibility of carrying it out. “We have secured 2 million PLN in the tourist budget for a program to promote Lower Silesia as a safe place for organizing tourism,” declared Sławomir Nitras. The resort will also support sports clubs.  The government’s plans for the coming days. Today, the Prime Minister will take part in a meeting of the crisis staff in Wrocław. During Wednesday’s session of the Sejm, the government will present information on actions in the flood-affected areas. On Thursday, the first reading of the special act that was discussed by the Council of Ministers should take place in the Sejm. . So I am asking for full mobilization,” the Prime Minister asked the politicians. The head of government thanked the heads of ministries for urgently preparing legislative projects and announced the next meeting of the Council of Ministers, which will be held next Saturday.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leger Fernández, Heinrich Lead Bill to Approve Water Rights Settlement for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Watershed

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández(D-N.M.), and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation as well as participating non-Tribal parties in the Rio San José watershed. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) cosponsored the bill. 

    Leger Fernández and Heinrich previously introduced the Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act, which would implement the water settlements agreed to by the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, the United States, the State of New Mexico, and non-Tribal parties, in the Rio San José watershed. That bill received a hearing and was reported out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in December. The House version of this bill received a legislative hearing in the House Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in July. The bill introduced this month would further resolve Tribal water claims in the Rio San José basin by settling the Navajo Nation’s claims. 

    “In New Mexico we know water is life. Navajo Nation, the surrounding communities, and the state of New Mexico worked together to reach an agreement that would make sure the life-giving waters of the Rio San Jose would flow for everyone,” said Leger Fernández. “Senator Heinrich’s and my bill would provide funding for much needed water infrastructure for Navajo Nation as well as nearby acequias. The powerful stories of collaboration around this precious resource we heard in committee prove that settlement is the best road for resolving these water claims.” 

    “Our legislation will provide critically needed funding to get much-needed water to Navajo communities in the Rio San José watershed,” said Heinrich. “By passing this and our other pending Tribal water settlement bills this Congress, we can better follow through on the federal government’s promise to help Tribes access and use the water that has always been rightfully theirs.” 

    “As a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I am proud to join my New Mexico colleagues in introducing legislation to approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Watershed,” said Luján. “This legislation has strong backing from stakeholders across New Mexico and will provide a comprehensive resolution for the Navajo Nation’s water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System. It will ensure the protection of Tribal water rights while effectively addressing the water needs of the community.” 

    “In New Mexico, we know water is life,” said Stansbury.“As stewards of the land, water, and air since time immemorial, it is so important that our Tribal communities have a stake in how water is used in this state. This bill, as well as many others, will uphold our commitment to our Tribes and Pueblos granting them the right to use water for their needs. This is what environmental justice looks like.” 

    “Protecting a critical resource and honoring Tribal sovereignty are some of our core responsibilities in Congress, and I’m proud to work with the New Mexico Delegation to fulfill our trust responsibility and provide essential resources to support the New Mexico’s water infrastructure,” said Vasquez. “This settlement ensures the Navajo Nation and our non-Tribal users of the Rio San José watershed will have the water resources needed to thrive for generations to come.” 

    “On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I want to express my deepest appreciation to Senator Heinrich, Senator Lujan, and Representative Leger Fernandez for introducing this important legislation. Implementation of this settlement will make a real difference for Eastern Navajo communities where lack of water has constrained development. A collaborative negotiation process produced a comprehensive settlement that provides a path forward towards a better future for the people of the Rio San Jose and Rio Puerco Basins,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.  

    Additional Background on Tribal Water Settlements Legislation: 

    The introduction of this bill follows Heinrich and Vasquez’s introduction of theZuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act in July, with Leger Fernández, Luján, and Stansbury, and all joining as original cosponsors. That bill would unlock federal funding to support a trust for sustainable water management and infrastructure development that upholds the federal government’s trust responsibility while protecting the sacred Zuni Salt Lake. The bill ratifies the settlement between the federal government, State of New Mexico and Zuni Tribe that affirms their water rights for irrigation, livestock, storage, and domestic and other uses. 

    In June, Leger Fernández and Heinrich introduced theOhkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act, legislation to approve the water rights settlement of Ohkay Owingeh and participating non-Tribal parties for water in the Rio Chama Basin. Luján and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill. 

    Last December, Leger Fernández and Luján introducedthe Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act, which authorizes the appropriation of $6.3 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Fund; $7.8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund; and $4.3 million for  the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund, which covers Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque Pueblos. It will support water resources development projects for the Tribes. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill.  

    Last June, Leger Fernández and Luján introduced legislation that amends the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure it has the resources and time needed to deliver drinking water to northwestern New Mexico communities in the San Juan basin, including roughly 43 Chapters on the Eastern Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup, which currently rely on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply of poor quality. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill. 

    Additionally, last year, the entire New Mexico Congressional Delegationannounced a $235.1 million allocation to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims using funding from the Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. As part of that overall allocation, the Navajo-Gallup Water Project received $164 million from the Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. Another $2 million was directed to Navajo-Gallup Water supply operations, maintenance and replacement efforts. The Aamodt Water Rights Settlement, which includes the Pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque, received $69.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.   

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tiffany Demands Answers and Transparency on Madison Duplicate Ballots

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

    How was the error discovered, what ward(s) were impacted, and who is responsible for the error?

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07) sent a letter to the City of Madison Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl requesting answers on how people in Madison were sent duplicate absentee ballots. This comes after recent reports say that “around 2,000” duplicate ballots have been sent out by the Madison Clerk’s Office.

    Given the history of controversial and legally dubious election practices carried out by Madison officials in the past, including Maribeth Witzel-Behl’s personal history as an operative for the left-wing, “Zuckerbucks” financed Center for Tech and Civic Life, Rep. Tiffany demands transparency on how an “error” of this magnitude was allowed to happen at such a pivotal time.

    In the letter, Tiffany demands answers on:

    • How was this “error” discovered?

    • Has the Clerk’s Office contacted law enforcement to investigate whether this “error” was the result of simple incompetence or a deliberate nefarious act?

    • Has the Clerk’s Office identified what person or persons are responsible for this “error”?

    • Has the Clerk’s Office taken steps to preserve all emails, internal communications, handwritten notes, and other records related to this “error”?

    • What is the exact number of duplicate ballots that were sent out by the Clerk’s Office?

    • The Clerk’s Office claims that this “error” affected voters in only one ward. Which ward was it?

    • Has the Clerk’s Office received any reports of duplicate ballots in other wards, or conducted any due diligence to ensure that this “error” was limited to just a single ward?

    • Have any of these duplicate ballots been returned to the Clerk’s Office, and if so, have they been set aside pending an investigation?

    • The Clerk’s Office has claimed that the duplicate ballots have unique bar codes. Are these unique ballot bar codes linked to individual, identifiable voter profiles?

    To read the full letter, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by President  Biden Before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly | New York,  NY

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    United Nations HeadquartersNew York, New York
    10:12 A.M. EDT
    THE PRESIDENT:  My fellow leaders, today is the fourth time I’ve had the great honor of speaking to this assembly as president of the United States.  It will be my last.
    I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history.  I was first elected to office in the United States of America as a U.S. senator in 1972.  Now, I know I look like I’m only 40.  I know that.  (Laughter.) 
    I was 29 years old.  Back then, we were living through an inflection point, a moment of tension and uncertainty.  The world was divided by the Cold War.  The Middle East was headed toward war.  America was at war in Vietnam, and at that point, the longest war in America’s history. 
    Our country was divided and angry, and there were questions about our staying power and our future.  But even then, I entered public life not out of despair but out of optimism. 
    The United States and the world got through that moment.  It wasn’t easy or simple or without significant setbacks.  But we would go on to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons throughout the — through arms control and then go on to bring the Cold War itself to an end.  Israel and Egypt went to war but then forged a historic peace.  We ended the war in Vietnam. 
    The — last year, in Hanoi, I was — met with the Vietnamese leadership, and we elevated our partnership to the highest level.  It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for reconciliation that today the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends, and it’s proof that even from the horrors of war there is a way forward.  Things can get better. 
    We should never forget that.  I have seen that throughout my career. 
    In the 1980s, I spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, and then I watched the racist regime fall. 
    In the 1990s, I worked to hold Milošević accountable for war crimes.  He was held accountable.  
    At home, I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act to end the scourge of violence against women and girls not only in America but across the world, as many of you have as well.  But we have so much more to do, especially against rape and sexual violence as weapons of war and terror.  
    We were attacked on 9/11 by Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.  We brought him justice. 
    Then I came to the presidency in another moment in a crisis and uncertainty.  I believed America had to look forward.  New challenges, new threats, new opportunities were in front of us.  We needed to put ourselves in a position to see the threats, to deal with the challenges, and to seize the opportunities as well. 
    We needed to end the era of war that began on 9/11.  As vice president to President Obama, he asked me to work to wind down the military operations in Iraq.  And we did, painful as it was. 
    When I came to office as president, Afghanistan had replaced Vietnam as America’s longest war.  I was determined to end it, and I did.  It was a hard decision but the right decision. 
    Four American presidents had faced that decision, but I was determined not to leave it to the fifth.  It was a decision accompanied by tragedy.  Thirteen brave Americans lost their lives along with hundreds of Afghans in a suicide bomb.  I think those lost lives — I think of them every day.
    I think of all the 2,461 U.S. military deaths over a long 20 years of that war.  20,744 American servicemen wounded in action.  I think of their service, their sacrifice, and their heroism. 
    I know other countries lost their own men and women fighting alongside us.  We honor their sacrifices as well.  
    To face the future, I was also determined to rebuild my country’s alliances and partnerships to a level not previously seen.  We did — we did just that, from traditional treaty alliances to new partnerships like the Quad with the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. 
    I know — I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair, but I do not.  I won’t. 
    As leaders, we don’t have the luxury. 
    I recognize the challenges from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and beyond: war, hunger, terrorism, brutality, record displacement of people, a climate crisis, democracy at risk, strains within our societies, the promise of artificial intelligence and its significant risks.  The list goes on. 
    But maybe because of all I’ve seen and all we have done together over the decades, I have hope.  I know there is a wa- — a way forward.  
    In 1919, the Irish poet William Butler Yeats described a world, and I quote, where “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,” end of quote.
    Some may say those words describe the world not just in 1919 but in 2024.  But I see a cri- — a critical distinction. 
    In our time, the center has held.  Leaders and people from every region and across the political spectrum have stood together.  Turned the page — we turned the page on the worst pandemic in a century.  We made sure COVID no longer controls our lives.  We defended the U.N. Charter and ensured the survival of Ukraine as a free nation.  My country made the largest investment in climate and clean energy ever, anywhere in history.
    There will always be forces that pull our countries apart and the world apart: aggression, extremism, chaos, and cynicism, a desire to retreat from the world and go it alone. 
    Our task, our test is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than those that are pulling us apart, that the principles of partnership that we came here each year to uphold can withstand the challenges, that the center holds once again.  
    My fellow leaders, I truly believe we are at another inflection point in world history where the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come. 
    Will we stand behind the principles that unite us?  We stand firm against aggression.  We — will we end the conflicts that are raging today?  Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger, and disease?  Will we plan now for the opportunities and risk of a revolutionary new technologies?
    I want to talk today about each of those decisions and the actions, in my view, we must take.
    To start, each of us in this body has made a commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter, to stand up against aggression.  When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could have stood by and merely protested.  But Vice President Harris and I understood that that was an assault on everything this institution is supposed to stand for. 
    And so, at my direction, America stepped into the breach, providing massive security and economic and humanitarian assistance.  Our NATO Allies and partners in 50-plus nations stood up as well.  But most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up.  And I ask the people of this chamber to stand up for them.
    The good news is Putin’s war has failed in his — at his core aim.  He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free.  He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before with two new members, Finland and Sweden.  But we cannot let up.
    The world now has another choice to make: Will we sustain our support to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom or walk away and let aggression be renewed and a nation be destroyed?
    I know my answer.  We cannot grow weary.  We cannot look away.  And we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace [based] on the U.N. Charter.  (Applause.)
    We also need to uphold our principles as we seek to responsibly manage the competition with China so it does not veer into conflict.  We stand ready to cooperate on urgent challenges for the good of our people and the people everywhere.  
    We recently resumed cooperation with China to stop the flow of deadly synthetic narcotics.  I appreciate the collaboration.  It matters for the people in my country and mether- — many others around the world.
    On matters of conviction, the United States is unabashed, pushing back against unfair economic competition and against military coercion of other nations in — in the South China Sea, in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, in protecting our most advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us or any of our partners. 
    At the same time, we’re going to continue to strengthen our network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.  These partnerships are not against any nation.  They are building blocks for a free, open, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.  
    We are also working to bring a greater measure of peace and stability to the Middle East.  The world must not flinch from the horrors of October 7th.  Any country — any country would have the right and responsibility to ensure that such an attack can never happen again. 
    Thousands of armed Hamas terrorists invaded a sovereign state, slaughtering and massacring more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans, in their homes and at a music festival; despis- — despicable acts of sexual violence; 250 innocents taken hostage. 
    I’ve met with the families of those hostages.  I’ve grieved with them.  They’re going through hell. 
    Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell.  Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers.  Too many families dislocated, crowding into tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation.  They didn’t ask for this war that Hamas started. 
    I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal.  It’s been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council.  Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home, en- — secure security for Israel, and Gaza free of Ha- — of Hamas’ grip, ease the suffering in Gaza, and end this war.  
    On October 7th — (applause) — since October 7, we have also been determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region.  Hezbollah, unprovoked, joined the October 7th attack launching rockets into Israel.  Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced. 
    Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.  Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible.  In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely.  And that’s what working — that’s what we’re working tirelessly to achieve.  
    As we look ahead, we must also address the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank and set the conditions for a better future, including a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalized relations with all its neighbors, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own.  (Applause.)
    Progress toward peace will put us in a stronger position to deal with the ongoing threat posed by Iran.  Together, we must deny oxygen to terrorists — to its terrorist proxies, which have called for more October 7ths, and ensure that Iran will never, ever obtain a nuclear weapon.  
    Gaza is not the only conflict that deserves our outrage.  In Sudan, a bloody civil war unleashed one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises: eight million — eight million on the brink of famine, hundreds of thousands already there, atrocities in Darfur and elsewhere. 
    The United States has led the world in providing humanitarian aid to Sudan.  And with our partners, we have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and avort — and avert a wider famine.  The world needs to stop arming the generals, to speak with one voice and tell them: Stop tearing your country apart.  Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people.  End this war now.  (Applause.)
    But people need more than the absence of war.  They need the chance — the chance to live in dignity.  They need to be protected from the ravages of climate change, hunger, and disease. 
    Our administration has arri- — has invested over $150 billion to make progress and other Sustainable Development Goals.  It includes $20 billion for food security and over $50 billion for global health.  We’ve mobilized billions more in private-sector investment. 
    We’ve taken the most ambitious climate actions in history.  We’ve moved to rejoin the Paris Agreement on day one.  And today, my country is finally on track to cut emissions in half by 2030, on track to honor my pledge to quadruple climate financing to developing nations with $11 billion thus far this year. 
    We’ve rejoined the World Health Organization and donated nearly 700 million doses of COVID vaccine to 117 countries.  We must now move quickly to face mpox outbreak in Africa.  We are prepared to commit $500 million to help African countries prevent and respond to mpox and to donate 1 million doses of mpox vaccine now.  (Applause.)  We call on our partners to match our pledge and make this a billion-dollar commitment to the people of Africa. 
    Beyond the core necessities of food and health, the United States, the G7, and our partners have embarked on an ambitious initiative to mobilize and deliver significant financing to the developing world.  We are working to help countries build out their infrastructure, to clean energy transition, to their digital transformation to lay new economic foundations for a prosperous future. 
    It’s called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  We’ve already starting to see the fruits of this emerge in Southern Africa and in Southeast A- — Asia and in the Americas.  We have to keep it going. 
    I want to get things done together.  In order to do that, we must build a stronger, more effective, and more inclusive United Nations.  The U.N. needs to adapt to bring in new voices and new perspectives.  That’s why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the U.N. Security Council.  (Applause.) 
    My U.N. ambassador just laid out our detailed vision to reflect today’s world, not yesterday’s.  It’s time to move forward. 
    And the Security Council, like the U.N. itself, needs to get back to the job of making peace; of brokering deals to end wars and suffering; th- — (applause) — and to stop the spread of the most dangerous weapons; of stabilizing troubled regions in East Africa — from East Africa to Haiti, to Kenya-led mission that’s working alongside the Haitian people to turn the tide.
    We also have a responsibility to prepare our citizens for the future.  We’ll see more technological change, I argue, in the next 2 to 10 years than we have in the last 50 years.
    Artificial intelligence is going to change our ways of life, our ways of work, and our ways of war.  It could usher in scientific progress at a pace never seen before.  And much of it could make our lives better. 
    But AI also brings profound risks, from deepfakes to disinformation to novel pathogens to bioweapons. 
    We have worked at home and abroad to define the new norms and standards.  This year, we achieved the first-ever General Assembly resolution on AI to start developing global rules — global rules of the road.  We also announced a Declaration of — on the Responsible — Responsible Use of AI, joined by 60 countries in this chamber.
    But let’s be honest.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we need to do to manage this new technology. 
    Nothing is certain about how AI will evolve or how it will be deployed.  No one knows all the answers.  
    But my fellow leaders, it’s with humility I offer two questions. 
    First: How do we as an international community govern AI?  As countries and companies race to uncertain frontiers, we need an equally urgent effort to ensure AI’s safety, security, and trustworthiness.  As AI grows more powerful, it must grow also — it also must grow more responsive to our collective needs and values.  The benefits of all must be shared equitably.  It should be harnessed to narrow, not deepen, digital divides.  
    Second: Will we ensure that AI supports, rather than undermines, the core principles that human life has value and all humans deserve dignity?  We must make certain that the awesome capabilities of AI will be used to uplift and empower everyday people, not to give dictators more powerful shackles on human — on the human spirit. 
    In the years ahead, there wa- — they may be — may well be no greater test of our leadership than how we deal with AI.   
    Let me close with this.  Even as we navigate so much change, one thing must not change: We must never forget who we’re here to represent. 
    “We the People.”  These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America.  And they inspired the opening words of the U.N. Charter. 
    I’ve made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency. 
    This summer, I faced a decision whether to seek a second term as president.  It was a difficult decision.  Being president has been the honor of my life.  There is so much more I want to get done.  But as much as I love the job, I love my country more.  I decided, after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. 
    My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power.  It’s your people — (applause) — it’s your people that matter the most. 
    Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around.  Because the future will be — the future will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to breathe free, to think freely, to innovate, to educate, to live and love openly without fear. 
    That’s the soul of democracy.  It does not belong to any one country. 
    I’ve seen it all around the world in the brave men and women who ended apartheid, brought down the Berlin Wall, fight today for freedom and justice and dignity. 
    We saw it — that universal yearning for rights and freedom — in Venezuela, where millions cast their vote for change.  It hasn’t been recognized, but it can’t be denied.  The world knows the truth. 
    We saw it in Uganda LBGT [LGBT] activists demanding safety and recognition of their common humanity. 
    We see it in citizens across the world peacefully choosing their future — from Ghana to India to South Korea, nations representing one quarter of humanity who will hold elections this year alone. 
    It’s remarkable, the power of “We the People,” that makes me more optimistic about the future than I’ve ever been since I was first elected to the United States Senate in 1972.  
    Every age faces its challenges.  I saw it as a young man.  I see it today. 
    But we are stronger than we think.  We’re stronger together than alone.  And what the people call “impossible” is just an illusion. 
    Nelson Mandela taught us, and I quote, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
    My fellow leaders, there is nothing that’s beyond our capacity if we work together.  Let’s work together.
    God bless you all.  And may God protect all those who seek peace. 
    Thank you.  (Applause.)
    10:36 A.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Rejects GOP Claim That Abortion Bans Aren’t Dangerous: Idaho’s ‘Deserts of Gynecological Care’ Hurt Women & Doctors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    09.24.24

    Cantwell Rejects GOP Claim That Abortion Bans Aren’t Dangerous: Idaho’s ‘Deserts of Gynecological Care’ Hurt Women & Doctors

    At Senate committee hearing, Cantwell & colleagues hear from a PNW OB/GYN who left Idaho due to draconian laws; The post-Dobbs reality on the ground is undeniable: preventable deaths, women denied care, and growing health care deserts in anti-choice states that strain surrounding regions

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, attended a committee hearing titled “Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care,” which examined how the overturn of Roe v. Wade — led by Supreme Court justices appointed by former President Donald Trump – is impacting providers and endangering women on the ground.

    At the hearing, some witnesses called by Republicans, including a Texas-based lawyer, claimed that abortion bans do not prevent doctors from administering care to pregnant patients during emergencies that threaten the mother’s life. Her assertions are contradicted by a report released this week showing that a 28-year-old Georgia woman died in 2022 after doctors delayed a life-saving abortion. A state board concluded that her death was preventable. Another Georgia woman died because she was afraid to see a provider due to the abortion ban; the state board said that her death was also preventable. Women in other states have reported suffering extreme pain and anguish after being forced to wait for care. 

    “I am dismayed at my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and even some of the witnesses, because you are saying this is either rhetoric, or hospitals do not understand the law,” Sen. Cantwell said. “I don’t care what the lawyers are saying. This is what is happening on the ground. And the consequences that it is affecting these individuals and threatening their lives.”

    She added that the lack of care in neighboring Idaho is driving a 50% increase in out-of-state abortion patients in Washington state, straining our own health care system.

    “If you have deserts of gynecological care overall, it’s going to cause problems, not just for the women in Idaho, but for our region as well,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We want people to be able to see their physician.”

    Among the panel of witnesses was Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, an OB/GYN and graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Huntsberger practiced in Sandpoint, Idaho, for nearly a decade before relocating her family to Oregon due to fear of prosecution under Idaho’s draconian abortion ban. Since the ban went into effect, 22% of Idaho’s OB/GYNs have left the state.

    “Dr. Huntsberger, what more can we tell people about why one in five OB/GYNs are leaving?” Sen. Cantwell asked. “The lawyers are telling you [that] you don’t have to worry about this, but you took a step to worry about it. Why did you take that step?”

    “It was essential to me to provide the care my patients needed without government interference,” Dr. Huntsberger responded. “The circumstances doctors and patients find themselves in Idaho impacts everyone. Idaho has some of the lowest per capita number of physicians, so already there was a physician shortage, and this is being greatly exacerbated.”

    Strict abortion bans enacted after the overturning of Roe v. Wade have created confusion around the treatment medical professionals can provide, even when a pregnant patient’s life or health is in danger. Providers fear they could be sued or prosecuted for providing abortion care, or even miscarriage treatment. 

    In July, Sen. Cantwell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and 14 women Democratic senators released a new report, Two Years Post-Dobbs: The Nationwide Impacts of Abortion Bans. The report, based on interviews and discussions with more than 80 health care providers and advocates on the front lines, detailed how the Dobbs decision is harming women’s health care in states across the U.S.  Among other troubling findings, the report detailed how abortion bans endanger women facing medical emergencies.  For example, the co-chair of the Idaho Physician Well-Being Action Collaborative said, “We’ve been flying out about a patient a week to Utah or Oregon or Washington, because the fetus is nonviable, or the life of the mother is at risk.”  The report also noted the conclusions of a STAT News analysis of abortions in Texas, which found that the number of women needing abortions in Texas is at least 400 per year for life emergencies and 2,400 per year for physical health risks – but that just 34 legal abortions were recorded in Texas during a six-month period in 2023. New research published this week found that the rate of maternal mortality cases in Texas increased by 56% from 2019 to 2022 – compared to 11% nationwide during that time period. Texas’s abortion ban went into effect in September 2021.

    Sen. Cantwell continues to fight hard to defend reproductive freedom in Washington state and nationwide. A full timeline of her actions since a draft of the Dobbs decision was leaked in spring 2022, making clear the Supreme Court’s intent to overturn the longstanding reproductive care precedent established by Roe v. Wade, is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Rejects GOP Claim That Abortion Bans Aren’t Dangerous: Idaho’s ‘Deserts of Gynecological Care’ Hurt Women & Doctors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    09.24.24

    Cantwell Rejects GOP Claim That Abortion Bans Aren’t Dangerous: Idaho’s ‘Deserts of Gynecological Care’ Hurt Women & Doctors

    At Senate committee hearing, Cantwell & colleagues hear from a PNW OB/GYN who left Idaho due to draconian laws; The post-Dobbs reality on the ground is undeniable: preventable deaths, women denied care, and growing health care deserts in anti-choice states that strain surrounding regions

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, attended a committee hearing titled “Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care,” which examined how the overturn of Roe v. Wade — led by Supreme Court justices appointed by former President Donald Trump – is impacting providers and endangering women on the ground.

    At the hearing, some witnesses called by Republicans, including a Texas-based lawyer, claimed that abortion bans do not prevent doctors from administering care to pregnant patients during emergencies that threaten the mother’s life. Her assertions are contradicted by a report released this week showing that a 28-year-old Georgia woman died in 2022 after doctors delayed a life-saving abortion. A state board concluded that her death was preventable. Another Georgia woman died because she was afraid to see a provider due to the abortion ban; the state board said that her death was also preventable. Women in other states have reported suffering extreme pain and anguish after being forced to wait for care. 

    “I am dismayed at my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and even some of the witnesses, because you are saying this is either rhetoric, or hospitals do not understand the law,” Sen. Cantwell said. “I don’t care what the lawyers are saying. This is what is happening on the ground. And the consequences that it is affecting these individuals and threatening their lives.”

    She added that the lack of care in neighboring Idaho is driving a 50% increase in out-of-state abortion patients in Washington state, straining our own health care system.

    “If you have deserts of gynecological care overall, it’s going to cause problems, not just for the women in Idaho, but for our region as well,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We want people to be able to see their physician.”

    Among the panel of witnesses was Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, an OB/GYN and graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Huntsberger practiced in Sandpoint, Idaho, for nearly a decade before relocating her family to Oregon due to fear of prosecution under Idaho’s draconian abortion ban. Since the ban went into effect, 22% of Idaho’s OB/GYNs have left the state.

    “Dr. Huntsberger, what more can we tell people about why one in five OB/GYNs are leaving?” Sen. Cantwell asked. “The lawyers are telling you [that] you don’t have to worry about this, but you took a step to worry about it. Why did you take that step?”

    “It was essential to me to provide the care my patients needed without government interference,” Dr. Huntsberger responded. “The circumstances doctors and patients find themselves in Idaho impacts everyone. Idaho has some of the lowest per capita number of physicians, so already there was a physician shortage, and this is being greatly exacerbated.”

    Strict abortion bans enacted after the overturning of Roe v. Wade have created confusion around the treatment medical professionals can provide, even when a pregnant patient’s life or health is in danger. Providers fear they could be sued or prosecuted for providing abortion care, or even miscarriage treatment. 

    In July, Sen. Cantwell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and 14 women Democratic senators released a new report, Two Years Post-Dobbs: The Nationwide Impacts of Abortion Bans. The report, based on interviews and discussions with more than 80 health care providers and advocates on the front lines, detailed how the Dobbs decision is harming women’s health care in states across the U.S.  Among other troubling findings, the report detailed how abortion bans endanger women facing medical emergencies.  For example, the co-chair of the Idaho Physician Well-Being Action Collaborative said, “We’ve been flying out about a patient a week to Utah or Oregon or Washington, because the fetus is nonviable, or the life of the mother is at risk.”  The report also noted the conclusions of a STAT News analysis of abortions in Texas, which found that the number of women needing abortions in Texas is at least 400 per year for life emergencies and 2,400 per year for physical health risks – but that just 34 legal abortions were recorded in Texas during a six-month period in 2023. New research published this week found that the rate of maternal mortality cases in Texas increased by 56% from 2019 to 2022 – compared to 11% nationwide during that time period. Texas’s abortion ban went into effect in September 2021.

    Sen. Cantwell continues to fight hard to defend reproductive freedom in Washington state and nationwide. A full timeline of her actions since a draft of the Dobbs decision was leaked in spring 2022, making clear the Supreme Court’s intent to overturn the longstanding reproductive care precedent established by Roe v. Wade, is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of the Senate Confirmation Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency of the Senate confirmation process for Congress and the public. This bill would create a dashboard to identify and track the status of nominations for the more than 1,300 Senate-confirmed, executive branch positions including which positions that are vacant or held by an official in an acting role. The number of political appointees subject to confirmation continues to grow, and delays in the confirmation process have led to increased vacancies and discouraged qualified individuals from seeking these roles.  

    “The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential appointees, but unfortunately the cumbersome confirmation process and growing number of nominees is cutting into the amount of time Congress can devote to moving legislation that benefits the American people,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will ensure there is more transparency and accountability in the nomination and confirmation process, help identify and address the backlog of vacant positions waiting to be filled, and enhance the Senate’s ability to swiftly process pending confirmations.”  

    With more than 1,300 positions subject to Senate confirmation, in recent Congresses the Senate has spent more time voting on nominations than on legislation according to analysis by the Partnership for Public Service. Despite the time spent voting on nominations, the Senate has been confirming fewer nominees than ever before. While confirmations for Cabinet Secretaries, critical national security roles and other high-profile positions are often prioritized, confirmations for lower-level positions can be indefinitely delayed, and some positions never receive nominations. This legislation will help identify reforms that would help reverse these trends and provide the Senate with the appropriate resources and time to both legislate and ensure that qualified candidates are being confirmed to serve in these key roles.   

    The bipartisan Improving Senate Confirmation and Vacancy Oversight Act of 2024 would require GAO to create a new data dashboard for tracking Senate-confirmed positions, that includes information collected by OPM on its existing PLUM website which currently tracks all political appointments. There is currently no central location for the public or Congress to identify which positions have been nominated, the names of those serving in those positions, and the time it takes the Senate to confirm those roles. The data dashboard created by this legislation would provide critical data on the information gaps listed above. Additionally, the bill would institute new requirements for capturing the number of Presidential appointees requiring Senate confirmation (PAS) positions created and removed each year through legislation, so that Congress and the public can better understand new positions added to and removed from agencies by law.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: If Harris Wanted to Secure the Border, Why Hasn’t She Done It Yet?

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    “The crisis, the chaos, the crime, they are all a direct result of the terrible policies by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. More than 10 million illegal immigrants have flooded into our country. They’ve done that in just the last four years with Kamala Harris and Joe Biden in the White House.”

    Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, spoke on the Senate floor today slamming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for creating the worst illegal immigration crisis in American history. He discussed how their open-border policies have allowed a violent Venezuelan gang – known as Tren de Aragua – to terrorize communities across the country. Senator Barrasso highlighted how one suspected gang member was recently imprisoned in Laramie County, Wyoming.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

    “I rise today to discuss the crisis that we are facing today in America at our southern border. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have created the worst illegal immigrant crisis in American history.

    “Kamala Harris and Joe Biden removed every successful policy that was in place during the Trump administration. Kamala Harris and Joe Biden replaced them with policies that released millions upon millions of illegal immigrants into our country.

    “The crisis, the chaos, the crime, they are all a direct result of the terrible policies by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.

    “Here are the facts.

    “More than 10 million illegal immigrants have flooded into our country. They’ve done that in just the last four years with Kamala Harris and Joe Biden in the White House.

    “At the same time, deadly drugs like fentanyl are flowing into our communities. Each year, tens of thousands of Americans are poisoned by fentanyl that comes across our southern border.

    “Our communities in every state are being overrun and overwhelmed by this flood of illegal immigrants.

    “Let’s look at the horrible scenes that are developing now in Aurora, Colorado, just to the south of my home state of Wyoming. This is a city where members of violent Venezuelan gangs have turned apartment complexes into hellholes.

    “That’s exactly what they’ve done. One resident said it’s been a ‘nightmare.’

    “So how did these gangs find themselves in that situation, in that location? And how did people living in those communities find themselves in this terrorizing situation?

    “Well, according to one report, the Harris-Biden administration, along with the city of Denver, provided the incentives.

    “What are the incentives? Well, Denver offered illegal immigrants two months of subsidized rent. The source of the rent money came from Democrats’ March 2021 reckless tax and spending spree of $1.9 trillion.

    “Stop and think about that for just a second. The same law that fueled 40-year high inflation – that caused prices to go up for families all across the country by 20% since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris came into office – that same bill has now incentivized the worst border crisis in American history.

    “It was Vice President Harris who came and sat in that chair and cast the critical tie-breaking vote right here in the Senate for that reckless spending bill.

    “Her one single vote as Vice President – as President of this institution, the U.S. Senate – brought record high prices and a record-breaking border disaster.

    “These problems spill over from the sanctuary cities like those in Colorado, and they hit neighboring states like my home state of Wyoming.

    “In Laramie County, Wyoming, law enforcement officials say that the number of illegal immigrants in their jails has more than doubled.

    “One of those jailed illegal immigrants is a suspected member of that violent Venezuelan gang that took over the apartment complex in Colorado. A gang that has been described as ‘MS-13 on steroids.’

    “Make no mistake, Vice President Harris is complicit in all of this border disaster.

    “Now, just today, Vice President Harris says she wants to ‘secure the border.’ New language for her. Well, let me tell you, she hasn’t done it yet.

    “For the past four years, Kamala Harris has been the second most powerful person in the world, and she was appointed by the President to be the Border Czar. He said she knew how, he had full confidence in her, she knew how to handle the problem. Well, as the Border Czar, she has the power to secure the southern border and has that power still today – not doing it.

    “So, let me ask again, why hasn’t it been done?

    “Let me tell you why.

    “Like Joe Biden, Vice President Harris wants to smooth the flow of illegal immigrants. Doesn’t want to stop it, oh no, doesn’t want to stop it. Wants to smooth the flow.

    “This is an extreme position and out of touch with the American people.

    “Like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris opposes the border wall. She had actually called the wall a ‘stupid waste of money.’ That’s what we hear from the Vice President of the United States. That is an extreme position compared to what the American people would like to see happen today.

    “Kamala Harris also said that building the wall to prevent terrorists from entering the country, she said, was the ‘height of irresponsibility.’ The height of irresponsibility to try to keep terrorists out of the country. Nope, come on in, she wants.

    “This again: Kamala Harris, San Francisco Liberal, extreme position.

    “Remember, terror suspects are exploiting our vulnerability. The number of terror suspects that we’ve caught crossing the border has risen by 3,000 percent since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took over the presidency and the vice presidency.

    “This administration promises amnesty for illegal immigrants. This is an invitation. They’re inviting millions upon millions of illegal immigrants into this country. This is an extreme position compared to what the American people want and expect from their elected officials.

    “What we’re seeing across the country is Kamala Harris, Democrats across the board, San Francisco, providing free health care for illegal immigrants. Another extreme position of the Democrats in the White House.

    “They demand that our hard-earned taxpayer dollars pay for free housing, free preloaded debit cards, free cell phones for illegal immigrants. The American public hate this. This is their taxpayer dollars.

    “Democrats’ open border policies have cost the taxpayers plenty. The numbers are jaw-dropping. $451 billion so far, and the number keeps going up.

    “Like President Biden, Kamala Harris wants to stop deporting criminals who are here in this country illegally. She wants to stop it. In the past, she said illegal immigration should not be a crime. Well, once again, out of touch with the American people. It’s an extreme position.

    “This is the truth. Kamala Harris’ policies are no different than the dangerous, disastrous, deadly policies of President Joe Biden, who signed 94 executive orders in his first 100 days in office.

    “This is the problem that our country faces today. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris threw open the borders. 10 million illegal immigrants have come on through.

    “When this administration stopped building the wall and ended Remain in Mexico, Vice President Harris was right there cheering on Joe Biden.

    “When Joe Biden brought back the failed policy of catch and release, Vice President Harris had his back.

    “When Joe Biden wanted to send stimulus checks to illegal immigrants, what happened? Kamala Harris came into this chamber, sat in that chair, and cast the tie-breaking vote for this radical and reckless policy.

    “Sending stimulus checks to illegal immigrants, just giving them more and more free stuff funded by the American taxpayers.

    “To add insult to injury, Kamala Harris actually has said then, well, the border’s secure. Nobody believes that. I don’t even think she believes it. She should know better. If she does not, that should disqualify her from being a candidate for president or for being president.

    “On September 22nd, Vice President Harris claimed, ‘we have a secure border’. Who is she listening to? Why didn’t she go and look for herself? Three days earlier, the illegal immigrant who murdered Laken Riley entered our country.

    “It is time to close the book on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and their dangerous border policies. It’s time for us to get serious, Mr. President, about securing the border and making our communities safer.

    “Senate Republicans have real solutions. It’s finish the wall. It’s end catch and release. It’s restore the Remain in Mexico policy, a policy that worked. Our solution also includes deporting illegal immigrants and stopping illegal immigrants from voting in our elections.

    “So, I return to the question I asked at the beginning: if Kamala Harris wants to secure the border, why hasn’t she done so yet?”

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Mr. President,

    Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

    The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

    This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

    We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

    The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

    Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

    So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

    United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

    Thank you.

    ******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Il y a deux jours, à travers le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, les dirigeants du monde ont réaffirmé leur attachement au droit international et à la Charte des Nations unies.

    Notre Organisation est fondée sur le principe de la souveraineté de tous les États membres – à l’intérieur de leurs frontières internationalement reconnues.

    La Charte est sans équivoque : tous les États doivent s’abstenir de recourir à la menace ou à l’emploi de la force contre l’intégrité territoriale ou l’indépendance politique de tout autre État, et que les différends internationaux doivent être réglés par des moyens pacifiques.

    L’invasion massive de l’Ukraine par la Russie en février 2022 – après l’annexion illégale de la République autonome de Crimée et de la ville de Sébastopol il y a dix ans – constitue une violation manifeste de ces principes.

    Et les populations civiles continuent d’en payer le prix.

    Le nombre de morts ne cesse d’augmenter.

    Près de 10 millions de personnes ont fui leurs foyers.

    Les attaques systématiques contre les hôpitaux, les écoles, les supermarchés… ne font qu’amplifier la douleur et la détresse.

    Les coupures de courant et les dommages causés aux infrastructures ont plongé des millions de personnes dans l’obscurité.

    Je condamne fermement toutes les attaques contre les civils et les installations civiles, peu importe où elles se produisent et qui est responsable. Elles doivent toutes cesser immédiatement.

    Et je reste profondément préoccupé par la sécurité, les besoins humanitaires et les droits humains des personnes résidant dans les régions occupées.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Malgré d’immenses défis, l’Organisation des Nations Unies reste pleinement engagée, représentant la plus grande présence internationale en Ukraine.

    Rien que cette année, en coopération avec nos partenaires, nous avons apporté une aide vitale à plus de 6,2 millions de personnes.

    Mais nous avons besoin du soutien de la communauté internationale.

    15 millions de personnes en Ukraine ont besoin d’aide humanitaire – et plus de la moitié d’entre elles sont des femmes et des jeunes filles.

    Cependant, à l’approche de l’hiver, moins de la moitié de notre Plan d’intervention humanitaire pour 2024 est financée.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à nous aider à poursuivre notre travail vital sur le terrain.

    Nous assistons également le gouvernement ukrainien dans ses efforts de redressement économique et de reconstruction.

    Cela comprend l’accès aux services de base et la restauration des capacités de production d’énergie de l’Ukraine.

    Ces dernières semaines, nous avons vu une recrudescence de rhétorique incendiaire et d’incidents autour des sites nucléaires – en particulier à la centrale nucléaire de Zaporizhzhia et, de façon inquiétante, à la centrale nucléaire de Koursk, dans la Fédération de Russie.

    Je félicite l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique, notamment pour sa présence essentielle sur les sites nucléaires ukrainiens, afin de contribuer à garantir la sûreté et la sécurité nucléaires.

    J’appelle toutes les parties à agir de manière responsable et à éviter toute déclaration ou action susceptible de déstabiliser davantage une situation déjà incendiaire.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UNGA: President Meloni meets with the Prime Minister of Iraq

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    24 Settembre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Al Sudani, in New York today.

    The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, reaffirming the common will to build a strategic partnership between the two nations in all areas, from political to economic collaboration, from security to cultural cooperation.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to reiterate Italy’s commitment as part of international support for Iraq’s security, providing training for security forces and countering terrorism.

    President Meloni and Prime Minister Al Sudani also discussed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing on the need to keep working on a de-escalation in the region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt blind to risks as science cuts leave Kiwis more vulnerable to natural disasters – PSA

    Source: PSA

    ● GNS Science cuts net 59 jobs
    ● Tally of science roles axed by Govt now over 400
    ● Govt ignores pleas of international science community
    GNS Science today confirmed final decisions that will see a net 59 roles, around 10% of its workforce, cut, including principal and senior scientists, geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, technicians and support staff.
    “The Government is wilfully blind to the damage its attack on science is wreaking on our ability to be prepared for future earthquakes or tsunamis,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “GNS Science is losing some of our best and brightest geohazard scientists, some with decades of experience. Some will likely move abroad to countries like Australia, where science is recognised as a vital contributor to the economy.
    “This should be all about protecting New Zealand long term, not saving money in the short term. It’s just more cold, hard evidence of this government’s failure to grapple with the serious challenges we face as a country.”
    GNS scientists play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of geohazard threats. Their work contributes to the National Seismic Hazard Model, which is key to assessing risks to public safety and the economy, while strengthening New Zealand’s resilience to seismic events.
    As one experienced GNS scientist put it: “The underpinning research we do supports government and industry to understand and plan for risk. The research improves knowledge of how and where to build resilient infrastructure and helps to reduce the impact of natural hazards on people and property.
    “We’re recognised internationally for our foundational research in earth sciences and punch well above our weight. These changes threaten the progress we’ve made.
    “The loss of expertise is a huge blow for our earth science community. How can we keep attracting young talent when experienced scientists are being let go?”
    The Government’s cuts have shocked the international science community – 85 scientists from seven countries have written an open letter to the Government stating that the cuts risk ‘compromising essential geoscientific expertise and partnerships needed to address geohazards risks, which is critical for a country whose economy and community safety is so vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change’.
    “It’s extremely embarrassing that respected scientists from around the world can see the huge value GNS scientists provide to our country, but the Government can’t,” said Duane Leo.
    “Yet again it proves that these cuts are more about saving money than harnessing the long-term benefits of science and research. The Government would rather give a handout to landlords and big tobacco than a hand up to our scientists. It’s shameful.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How professional sports leagues that embrace social justice causes could influence politics

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Western University

    Given that 77 per cent of people in Canada and 57 per cent of people in the United Kingdom watch a sports team regularly — compared to the 60 per cent of people who turn out to vote in Canada and the U.K. — it’s clear sports has an important and persistent influence on people’s lives.

    Sports can serve as a beacon to provide societal leadership or reflect changes in wider society in significant ways. A historic example would be how the integration of sports leagues in North America paralleled the Civil Rights Movement.

    But how can sports influence politics today?

    Similar to supporting a political party, sports fandom aids in the formation of social identity. This happens when people look to form attachments with other individuals who they believe are similar to them in some way to cultivate positive self-esteem.

    Men’s professional sports teams have historically engaged with certain political causes, namely the military and law enforcement, while neglecting others, such as the plight of marginalized members of local communities. Sports engagement with the military has been shown to boost military enrolment and support for government spending on the military in peace times.

    Women’s professional sport, meanwhile, has drawn positive attention through its engagement with marginalized community members. The Women’s National Basketball League, for example, has engaged with the LGBTQ+ community to create safe fan spaces for the league.

    Men’s sports protests

    My preliminary research into these issues has shown that in men’s professional sports, there has often been hostility towards the introduction of newer, more inclusive causes into sporting events. In the National Hockey League, for example, some players refused to participate in Pride Night events on religious grounds.

    Former professional quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s non-violent protest of police brutality in the United States resulted in his exile from the National Football League for the apparent “distraction” it created. A crucial element of the backlash against Kaepernick was allegations by conservatives that he disrespected the military and the American flag.

    Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) kneel during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta.
    (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

    The power of this backlash was surprising given that in the U.S., Democrats and Republicans are equally likely to be avid sports fans, with no meaningful differences in the strength of their fandom. However, Republican sports fans tend to be more vocal about what causes should receive representation in sports.

    Essentially, that means those who say athletes should “stick to sports” or “shut up and dribble” aren’t suggesting they don’t want any politics in sports. What they’re really saying is that they don’t want to see political views they oppose being represented in professional sports.

    The patriotic causes that have routinely been championed by sports leagues and used for nation-building, such as the military, are viewed as apolitical and therefore appropriate in sports settings. Conversely, messages that are critical of a country or focus on historic inequalities have been deemed “inappropriate” and are excluded by sports because of potential fan backlash.

    Can sports influence politics?

    More recently, however, sports leagues and teams have begun to engage with social justice causes, such as LGBTQ+ rights in the U.K., Canada and the U.S..

    These causes also include Indigenous rights and anti-racism messaging.

    As sports organizations adapt to changing social norms and embrace newer social causes, they hold tremendous potential to impact political attitudes. They can showcase the acceptance of marginalized groups in previously hostile spaces, and provide valuable representation.

    Furthermore, sports fandom identity has been shown to hold a strong psychological connection that can create feelings of inclusion which, in turn, can boost self-esteem.

    This is why athletes make easy role models for children, and why watching sports events is a valued leisure activity for many people of all ages. Finally, sports fandom can also teach people how to cope with negative emotions or feelings of disappointment over time through emotional regulation.

    How sports could influence attitudes

    The representative and psychological value of sports fandom suggests sport is an understudied area of political science, one I hope to build on in my future research.

    For example, we do not yet fully understand the impact that sports teams holding Pride Nights has on attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.

    Nor do we know how soccer clubs in England, as local symbols of a migrant workforce, may impact immigrant attitudes.

    Finally, we do not know why certain women’s national soccer teams, like Canada, have been successful in protesting for equal pay while others, like the Spanish team, have failed.

    Sport could have a valuable role to play in unpacking these political questions about protest and identity — and represents an exciting emerging research area in political behaviour.

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

    – ref. How professional sports leagues that embrace social justice causes could influence politics – https://theconversation.com/how-professional-sports-leagues-that-embrace-social-justice-causes-could-influence-politics-239266

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Lebanese civilians are fleeing the south, fearing an Israeli invasion − a look back at 1982 suggests they have every reason to worry

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mireille Rebeiz, Chair of Middle East Studies & Associate Professor of Francophone & Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Dickinson College

    Israeli soldiers in armored vehicles drive through a Lebanese village in 1982. Bryn Colton/Getty Images

    Lebanese families have been fleeing the country’s south in the thousands amid escalating tensions and an Israeli bombardment that has so far killed hundreds.

    Their fear, echoed by many onlookers, is that Israel will accompany the airstrikes with something that has the potential to have far worse consequences: a ground invasion of south Lebanon.

    The rational behind such a move, from the Israeli government’s perspective, is that a ground offensive may be its best chance to push Hezbollah fighters beyond the Litani River in the middle of the country. This would achieve an Israeli war goal of securing its northern borders and allowing an estimated 60,000 residents who have been forced to flee northern Israel to go back to their homes.

    Irrespective of motive, a ground invasion and potential occupation is more than wild speculation. Israel has placed thousands of soldiers on standby close to the Lebanon border for such an eventuality.

    Nor is such a move without precedent.

    As a scholar of Lebanese history, I know Israel and Lebanon have been here before. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon in the middle of the latter’s civil war, imposing a siege on the capital Beirut. The results were catastrophic for the whole region. Not only did the ground invasion result in the death of thousands of civilians, the occupation of Lebanon plunged an already fragile nation into lasting political and economic chaos and led to the birth of Hezbollah, the very group that threatens northern Israel today.

    Refuge and armed resistance

    The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982 had its roots in the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, much as the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel does today.

    The creation of the state of Israel in 1948 was accompanied by the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” for the Palestinians. In the violent birth pangs of a Jewish state on land inhabited by, among others, Arab populations with deep ancestral ties to villages, more than 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled.

    Many refugees entered Lebanon, where in 1964 the Palestine Liberation Organization was born. By the mid-1970s, the armed resistance group had recruited and trained over 20,000 fighters who actively participated in launching attacks on Israel from Lebanese soil.

    By 1982, Lebanon was already seven years into its civil war, with violence flaring between Lebanese Christians and Lebanese and Palestinian Muslims. On June 6, 1982, Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, a future leader of the country, launched Operation Peace for Galilee and invaded Lebanon with the purpose of eliminating the PLO.

    More than 40,000 Israeli troops with hundreds of tanks entered Lebanon from three points: by land across the border into south Lebanon; by sea from the coast of Sidon; and by air as the Israeli forces bombed the Beqaa Valley, Beirut and its Palestinian refugee camps.

    For two months, Beirut was under siege, with water and electricity cut off. As a result of the heavy bombardment and lack of access to basic needs, an estimated 19,000 Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian civilians and combatants died, of which 5,500 were civilians from West Beirut.

    The Lebanese authorities appealed to the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom for help. These countries formed the multinational peacekeeping force, which was designed to restore peace in Lebanon, assist the Lebanese armed forces and evacuate PLO fighters to Tunisia.

    By August 1982, the multinational force had successfully relocated PLO fighters and began pulling out of Lebanon. They were called back, however, as violence flared.

    After the assassination of Lebanese President-elect Bashir Gemayel on Sept. 14, 1982, the Christian Phalangist militia entered the two Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila and killed over 2,000 Palestinian civilians. The Israeli government later set up the Kahan Commission of Inquiry to look into the killings, which concluded that Israel was indirectly responsible for the massacres.

    The birth of Hezbollah

    All of this history remains relevant to the current situation in the region. Israel’s invasion and occupation of Lebanon, its siege on Beirut and the massacres that followed all led to the birth of Hezbollah.

    While members of Lebanon’s marginalized Shiite community in the south had long sought to mobilize through pan-Arab political parties and militias, it was Israel’s invasion that galvanized members of the community to ultimately create Hezbollah in 1985. As former Israeli Defense Minister and Prime Minister Ehud Barak noted in a 2006 interview: “It was our presence there that created Hezbollah.”

    Israel’s invasion also soured Lebanon’s relations with the West. Many Lebanese and Palestinian Muslims considered the multinational force – especially the United States – to be a failure and even an accomplice to Israel.

    From 1982 onward, Americans and other Westerners became a target. In the following decade, more than 80 Americans and Europeans were taken hostage by Hezbollah fighters. Some were tortured for months; others died in custody.

    And on Oct. 23, 1983, a terrorist attack targeted the American barracks in Beirut, killing over 300 people, including 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers. Minutes later, a second suicide attack killed 58 French paratroopers. The Islamic jihad claimed responsibility for the two attacks; some of its members are thought to be among those who officially founded Hezbollah in February 1985.

    Aiding Hezbollah recruitment

    Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon failed to accomplish its goals of stemming attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon. If anything, it had the opposite effect by turning many Lebanese against Israel and creating the conditions in which Hezbollah could recruit.

    Although Israel retreated from Beirut in August 1982, it continued to occupy south Lebanon until 2000. During that period it unlawfully detained many Lebanese suspected of resisting the Israeli occupation. Some were detained without charges in inhumane conditions, while others were illegally transferred into Israel.

    The debris at the site of an overnight Israeli strike in the southern Lebanese village of Akbiyeh on Sept. 24, 2024.
    Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP via Getty Images

    With such a backdrop, Hezbollah’s legitimacy in the eyes of many Lebanese grew – as did its support. So much so that in 1989, at the end of the Lebanese civil war, the authorities signed an agreement that, although not referencing Hezbollah directly, asserted Lebanon’s right to resist the Israeli occupation in the south.

    This clause was interpreted by Hezbollah as legitimizing its armed fight against occupation.

    After occupation ended in 2000, Hezbollah had to reinvent its role, claiming that it would continue fighting against Israel until the liberation of the disputed Shebaa Farms, the Golan Heights and occupied Palestine.

    In 2006, Hezbollah entered Israeli territory for the first time, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two, demanding the release of Lebanese prisoners in exchange. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces attacked Lebanon by air, sea and land, with Israeli ground forces entering Lebanon and carrying out a number of operations on Lebanese territory. A subsequent war saw no such prisoner swap but resulted in the deaths of about 1,100 Lebanese civilians and 120 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

    History repeating?

    Until Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, there had been hopes that decades of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel could be on the cusp of turning. In October 2022, Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement brokered by the U.S – interpreted as the beginning of normalizing relations between two countries technically at war.

    But the magnitude of the human crisis in Gaza and the series of events that followed in Lebanon have ended such hopes for now. Hezbollah’s vow of solidarity with Hamas has resulted in a running series of tit-for-tat attacks with Israel that have escalated over the past year.

    The attack using booby-trapped pagers that targeted Hezbollah fighters and killed several civilians across Lebanon on Sept. 17, 2024, has set off a chain of events that have now seen nearly 500 Lebanese killed and Hezbollah extend the geographical scope of its missile attacks in Israel. Its long-range ballistic missiles can reach 250-300 kilometers (155-186 miles) and have reached Haifa and the city’s Ramat David Airbase.

    The next step in this deadly escalation could well be a ground invasion. But in 1982, such an operation resulted only in catastrophic results for all concerned – and set in place the conditions for decades of hostilities across the Lebanon-Israel border. A similar offensive today would almost certainly have similar results – especially for the people of Lebanon.

    Mireille Rebeiz is affiliated with American Red Cross.

    – ref. Lebanese civilians are fleeing the south, fearing an Israeli invasion − a look back at 1982 suggests they have every reason to worry – https://theconversation.com/lebanese-civilians-are-fleeing-the-south-fearing-an-israeli-invasion-a-look-back-at-1982-suggests-they-have-every-reason-to-worry-239653

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OSDRI Wins $100,000 Federal Grant to Assist Veterans and Military Spouses with Career Counseling & Transitional Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    VA awards federal grants through first-of-its-kind program to help veterans and their spouses make employment transition from military service

    JOHNSTON, RI — Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo saluted Operation Stand Down Rhode Island’s (OSDRI) for winning a new $100,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through its new Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program.

    This federal funding will help OSDRI target employment-based assistance to support recently separated members of the Armed Forces and their spouses.  The funding may be used for a variety of activities, such as: resume assistance, interview training, job recruitment training, employment placement services, employment education and training, and referrals to employment.

    “I salute Operation Stand Down Rhode Island for empowering those who serve and their families.  I am excited that OSDRI will be among the first non-profits to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on this new program aimed at expanding job counseling services and enhancing the post-service transition experience for veterans and military spouses.  The men and women of our Armed Forces and their families make tremendous sacrifices to defend our freedom.  It’s important that we help them effectively transition to civilian life,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Milcon-VA, who attended OSDRI’s annual veterans outreach event last week. “OSDRI does a great job offering tailored support to military families to help people achieve their career and life goals.  This new federal grant will help them extend their reach and help more veterans and their spouses make a smooth transition from service to success.” 

    “We have a sacred commitment to honor and support our veterans long after they return home,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “This new funding for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island will provide veterans and their spouses with resources to land well-paying jobs and achieve their career goals.  Well done to the team at Operation Stand Down Rhode Island for all of their work to help veterans adjust to civilian life.”

    “It is our solemn duty to take care of veterans who have bravely answered the call to serve,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island has long been a vital resource for veterans and their families, and as a testament to their work, they are among the first organizations in the country to receive this federal funding that will help connect veterans to good-paying jobs and improve the transition to civilian life.”

    “I applaud Operation Stand Down Rhode Island for securing these federal funds to bolster their work as a key partner and a critical lifeline for veterans and military families.” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “As they heroically strive to ease the transition from service to civilian life, their selection by the Department of Veterans Affairs for this first-in-the-nation grant is an endorsement of their proven track record of success in our state.”

    “This award represents crucially needed employment-based resources and tools to support recently separated Rhode Islanders of the Armed Forces and, notably, for the first time, their spouses as well.  OSDRI’s employment and training program is a crucial part of its wraparound services intended to provide veterans a “hand up – not a handout.”  Being able to help unemployed and underemployed members of the veteran household helps secure a promising and self-sustaining future for those who have placed the needs of our nation ahead of their own and their families,” said Erik B. Wallin, Executive Director of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. 

    Over 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service every year and transition to civilian life.  The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program is a first-of-its kind grant program that is being extended to support the spouses of veterans. 

    OSDRI is one of 13 organizations to be awarded funding under this program aimed at enhancing career stability and expanding employment resources for veteran and military families, including improving transition assistance support for spouses.  These grants require a 1 to 1 local match.

    In addition to OSDRI, the other inaugural grant recipients that provide transition services to former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are separated, retired, or discharged and their spouses, include:

    • American Corporate Partners
    • Corporate America Supports You
    • Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board
    • Jacksonville State University
    • Jewish Vocational Service
    • Kansas City Scholars Inc.
    • National University
    • Operation Stand Down Tennessee
    • Orange County United Way
    • The Commit Foundation
    • The Houston Launch Pad
    • University Of Massachusetts

    The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program is made possible thanks to the bipartisan Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (P.L. 116–315), which was enacted in 2021.

    Separating troops and their spouses who need assistance navigating the transition to civilian life may access Military OneSource services through the U.S. Department of Defense for one year after they leave the service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OSDRI Wins $100,000 Federal Grant to Assist Veterans and Military Spouses with Career Counseling & Transitional Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    VA awards federal grants through first-of-its-kind program to help veterans and their spouses make employment transition from military service

    JOHNSTON, RI — Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo saluted Operation Stand Down Rhode Island’s (OSDRI) for winning a new $100,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through its new Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program.

    This federal funding will help OSDRI target employment-based assistance to support recently separated members of the Armed Forces and their spouses.  The funding may be used for a variety of activities, such as: resume assistance, interview training, job recruitment training, employment placement services, employment education and training, and referrals to employment.

    “I salute Operation Stand Down Rhode Island for empowering those who serve and their families.  I am excited that OSDRI will be among the first non-profits to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on this new program aimed at expanding job counseling services and enhancing the post-service transition experience for veterans and military spouses.  The men and women of our Armed Forces and their families make tremendous sacrifices to defend our freedom.  It’s important that we help them effectively transition to civilian life,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Milcon-VA, who attended OSDRI’s annual veterans outreach event last week. “OSDRI does a great job offering tailored support to military families to help people achieve their career and life goals.  This new federal grant will help them extend their reach and help more veterans and their spouses make a smooth transition from service to success.” 

    “We have a sacred commitment to honor and support our veterans long after they return home,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “This new funding for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island will provide veterans and their spouses with resources to land well-paying jobs and achieve their career goals.  Well done to the team at Operation Stand Down Rhode Island for all of their work to help veterans adjust to civilian life.”

    “It is our solemn duty to take care of veterans who have bravely answered the call to serve,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island has long been a vital resource for veterans and their families, and as a testament to their work, they are among the first organizations in the country to receive this federal funding that will help connect veterans to good-paying jobs and improve the transition to civilian life.”

    “I applaud Operation Stand Down Rhode Island for securing these federal funds to bolster their work as a key partner and a critical lifeline for veterans and military families.” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “As they heroically strive to ease the transition from service to civilian life, their selection by the Department of Veterans Affairs for this first-in-the-nation grant is an endorsement of their proven track record of success in our state.”

    “This award represents crucially needed employment-based resources and tools to support recently separated Rhode Islanders of the Armed Forces and, notably, for the first time, their spouses as well.  OSDRI’s employment and training program is a crucial part of its wraparound services intended to provide veterans a “hand up – not a handout.”  Being able to help unemployed and underemployed members of the veteran household helps secure a promising and self-sustaining future for those who have placed the needs of our nation ahead of their own and their families,” said Erik B. Wallin, Executive Director of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. 

    Over 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service every year and transition to civilian life.  The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program is a first-of-its kind grant program that is being extended to support the spouses of veterans. 

    OSDRI is one of 13 organizations to be awarded funding under this program aimed at enhancing career stability and expanding employment resources for veteran and military families, including improving transition assistance support for spouses.  These grants require a 1 to 1 local match.

    In addition to OSDRI, the other inaugural grant recipients that provide transition services to former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are separated, retired, or discharged and their spouses, include:

    • American Corporate Partners
    • Corporate America Supports You
    • Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board
    • Jacksonville State University
    • Jewish Vocational Service
    • Kansas City Scholars Inc.
    • National University
    • Operation Stand Down Tennessee
    • Orange County United Way
    • The Commit Foundation
    • The Houston Launch Pad
    • University Of Massachusetts

    The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program is made possible thanks to the bipartisan Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (P.L. 116–315), which was enacted in 2021.

    Separating troops and their spouses who need assistance navigating the transition to civilian life may access Military OneSource services through the U.S. Department of Defense for one year after they leave the service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio Applauds House Passage of USCIRF

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    Rubio, Colleagues to Biden-Harris Officials: Individuals Tied to Cuban Regime Are Not Welcome
    Sep 24, 2024 | Press Releases

    Under U.S. law, any individual who has been, or is affiliated with a Communist Party is deemed inadmissible for entry into our nation. However, under the Biden-Harris Administration’s mass immigration program, it’s been reported that individuals tied to the…

    read more

    Rubio, Scott Introduce Bill to Punish Colleges That Allow Antisemitism
    Sep 24, 2024 | Press Releases

    Since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack against Israel, cases of antisemitic harassment have increased more than 500 percent at college campuses across the United States. Yet, many Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) have failed to prevent or stop antisemitism…

    read more

    Rubio, Scott Support Florida Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration
    Sep 23, 2024 | Press Releases

    Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, soon to be Hurricane Helene, is expected to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane later this week. The storm will bring strong winds, heavy rain, severe storm surge, flooding, and hazardous seas to Florida’s impacted areas….

    read more

    ICYMI: Rubio, Clement Present Plan to Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses
    Sep 23, 2024 | Press Releases

    Congress Can Protect Jews on College Campuses U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Paul Clement September 23, 2024 Wall Street Journal The ancient poison of antisemitism has infected American higher education…. Campus antisemitism isn’t restricted to…widely publicized…

    read more

    ICYMI: Rubio Joins Face the Nation
    Sep 22, 2024 | Press Releases

    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Face the Nation to discuss foreign election interference, threats to President Donald Trump’s life, the impact of illegal mass migration on communities across America, and more. See below for highlights and watch the full…

    read more

    Rubio, Colleagues to Garland: Tren De Aragua Continues to Terrorize Our Nation
    Sep 20, 2024 | Press Releases

    Tren de Aragua, a criminal Venezuelan transnational organization known for committing major international crimes such as human trafficking, drug-trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, continues to terrorize communities across our nation. Following calls…

    read more

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, N.M. Congressional Delegation Lead Press Conference Calling For House RECA Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) joined RECA advocates for a press conference calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a vote on a Senate-passed bill that would strengthen the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). It has been over five months since Senator Luján led a successful bipartisan vote to strengthen the RECA program.
    The press conference is available HERE.
    RECA, which provides health screenings and compensation for people sickened by the development of U.S. nuclear weapons, expired on June 7. The Senate-passed bill, which Speaker Johnson must bring to the floor for a vote, would expand the program to cover people who have been erroneously excluded, increase compensation provided to those harmed, and extend the program for six years. Senator Luján has championed RECA legislation since his first term in Congress.
    “We are fighting for justice – not just for those in New Mexico, but across the country who have been affected by radiation exposure, nuclear weapons testing, and working in uranium mining,” said Senator Luján. “The broad bipartisan support shown in the Senate makes it clear that passing the RECA is a bipartisan priority. That is why I am calling on Speaker Johnson to act now to ensure these victims receive the compensation they are owed.”
    “Now that the Senate has passed an extension and long overdue expansion of RECA, Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans must finally take up this critical legislation,” said Senator Heinrich. “It is long overdue for Congress to finally amend RECA to include Tularosa Downwinders, all of the uranium workers exposed to radiation in service to our national defense, and all Americans who were directly impacted by our nation’s nuclear testing program. The federal government has a moral responsibility to correct this injustice.”
    “For almost 80 years, Congress has failed to provide justice to members of Navajo Nation, as well as Pueblos and tribes from the southwest region who have suffered for our national security. They cannot wait any longer,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “We stand with communities across the country that still endure the pain, illness, and death caused by this nation’s nuclear program and have limited access to healthcare. This is a recipe for death to which only Congress has the antidote. Speaker Johnson must allow Congress to vote on the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act to bring justice to these communities.”
    “It’s past time our Tularosa Downwinders get the recognition and compensation they so rightly deserve after the first atomic bomb was dropped on them 79 years ago,” said Congresswoman Stansbury. “Speaker Johnson must put RECA on the floor for a vote. Families across the country have been suffering for generations. Enough is enough.”
    “The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act is bipartisan legislation with Democrats and Republicans coming together. But let’s be clear—Speaker Mike Johnson has been absent in leadership and has failed the people of New Mexico. He has left radiation victims neglected and forced to bear the burden of generational illness without a speck of aid or recognition,” said Congressman Vasquez.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Hagerty Introduce Legislation to Protect American Assets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    In violation of USMCA, the Mexican President has repeatedly threatened to declare an American company’s property as a “Protected Natural Area” to unjustifiably seize their assets

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and colleagues in introducing the Defending American Property Abroad Act, legislation to impose retaliatory prohibitions that deter and punish any Western Hemisphere nation that unlawfully seizes American assets. This legislation responds to ongoing efforts by the Government of Mexico to seize a deep-water port owned by Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Company, which is a flagrant violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) governing trade between the two nations.

    Specifically, this legislation would prohibit vessels from entering a U.S. port if they had previously used a port, land, or infrastructure that had been illegally seized from a U.S. entity by a foreign nation in the Western Hemisphere. It also requires the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and ban illegally seized ports from U.S. trade and requires the United States Trade Representative to report to Congress on how such expropriations would be addressed during the upcoming review of the USMCA, scheduled for 2026.

    “For more than a year, Mexican President López Obrador has continued to show undue aggression toward American businesses, primarily Alabama’s Vulcan Materials,” said Senator Tuberville. “The continued escalation against Vulcan’s operation in Mexico is a disgrace to the longstanding trade agreement between our two countries that has been in place for 30 years. The Biden-Harris administration has refused to stand up to President López Obrador’s threats, which is why it’s time for Congress to take action and urgently move this legislation to ensure this doesn’t happen to more American companies under a new Mexican president.”

    U.S. Senators Tuberville and Hagerty were joined by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in co-sponsoring the legislation. 

    Full text of the bill can be found here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    In May 2022, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) abruptly shut down Vulcan’s operations with false claims that the firm was violating its contract, and since then the Mexican Government, under AMLO’s direction, has waged an unceasing pressure campaign against Vulcan, including multiple lawsuits and, at times, sending military and law enforcement to its facility in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Last month, AMLO announced that he is pushing to designate the port and mine a “Protected Natural Area.”

    The Alabama delegation has been united in advocating for Vulcan in its ongoing dispute with Mexico. Earlier this year, Senators Tuberville, Britt, Hagerty, and Kaine sent a letter to Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, urging her to take action regarding the Mexican government’s mistreatment of Vulcan Materials Company.

    Last year, the Alabama delegation met with Mexico’s Ambassador to the U.S. Moctezuma to advocate for Vulcan. In 2022, Senator Tuberville sent a letter with former Senator Richard Shelby and eight other U.S. senators calling on the Biden-Harris administration to discourage Mexican aggression against American companies with investments or operations in Mexico.

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister LeBlanc launches Canada Community Security Program to protect communities from hate-motivated crimes

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Everyone who lives in Canada deserves to be and feel safe in their communities. These last few years, we’ve witnessed an unacceptable rise in hate incidents experienced by many communities, but especially the most vulnerable. In response, the federal government is sharpening security programs tailored to their needs to keep them safe.

    September 24, 2024

    Ottawa, ON

    Everyone who lives in Canada deserves to be and feel safe in their communities. These last few years, we’ve witnessed an unacceptable rise in hate incidents experienced by many communities, but especially the most vulnerable. In response, the federal government is sharpening security programs tailored to their needs to keep them safe.

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, launched the new Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), and announced that the program will be ready to receive funding applications from eligible organizations as of October 1, 2024.

    The CCSP replaces and enhances the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) to support communities by investing in security measures that will help keep them safe. Eligible measures include security equipment and hardware, minor renovations to enhance security, security and emergency assessments and plans, training to respond to hate-motivated events, and time-limited security personnel.

    The federal government has listened to organizations and partners and has designed the CCSP to be more responsive to community needs and provide more flexibility to organizations seeking financial support. Under the CCSP:

    • Eligibility for funding has expanded to include office and administrative spaces, cemeteries, and child care centres.
    • Up to 70% of a project’s eligible costs may be covered, an increase from 50% of the cost under the SIP.
    • Funding for time-limited third-party licensed security personnel is now a permanent feature of the program.
    • The maximum level – or stacking limit – of total government assistance (across federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal sources) has been removed, which opens up more opportunities for organizations to apply for other sources of funding.
    • Application requirements have been changed to reduce administrative barriers.
    • Organizations can apply for funding at any time throughout the year through a continuous intake application process.
    • Organizations may apply for funding and deliver projects on behalf of affiliated eligible recipients.

    Taken together, these measures will make it easier for organizations to fund their projects and protect their community gathering spaces. 

    “Everyone who lives in Canada deserves to be safe in their communities. The changes we’re bringing forward through the new Canada Community Security Program are informed by what we’ve heard from organizations that have experience in dealing with its predecessor, the Security Infrastructure Program. It is now a more flexible, more generous, and simpler program that will make it easier for vulnerable communities to protect themselves from hate-motivated crimes.”

    – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

    • Hate crimes are believed to be one of the most underreported offences. Research suggests that only about one third of hate crime victims in Canada report these crimes to the police. 

    • Additional funding for the Canada Community Security Program was announced in Budget 2023 and Budget 2024.

      • $16 million in 2024-25,
      • $16 million in 2025-26,
      • $11 million in 2026-27,
      • $11 million in 2027-28, and
      • $11 million in 2028-29 and ongoing.

    • The CCSP is one of four programs under the National Crime Prevention Strategy, which supports local, targeted crime prevention initiatives and the development and sharing of knowledge to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities. The other programs include the Crime Prevention Action Fund, the Youth Gang Prevention Fund, and the Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund.

    • The Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) was originally established in 2007 to support communities at risk of hate-motivated crime through the enhancement of their security infrastructure. This important work will now continue through the CCSP.

    • In total, the Government of Canada has invested over $30 million in funding through the SIP and the Expanded Security Infrastructure Program (ESIP) to over 770 projects to help Canadian communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes protect and strengthen the security of their community centres, places of worship and other institutions.

    • Organizations that currently have an application under SIP will be contacted by Public Safety to discuss the status of the application and their option to continue under the CCSP.

    • To better support communities in need, costs for time-limited security personnel may be eligible for reimbursement as of September 24, 2024 and once the project is approved. 

    •  Organizations interested in staying informed about the upcoming CCSP Call for Applications are encouraged to subscribe to the National Crime Prevention Strategy mailing list.

    • Following the National Summit on Antisemitism and the National Summit on Islamophobia, the Government of Canada committed to exploring adjustments to  SIP. The CCSP will enhance effectiveness and allow the Government of Canada to be more responsive to the security needs of communities.  

    • Budget 2024 provides $273.6 million over six years starting in 2024-25, with $29.3 million ongoing, for Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. The forthcoming Action Plan will support community outreach and law enforcement reform, tackle the rise in hate crimes and hate incidents, enhance community security, counter radicalization, and increase support for victims. Budget 2024’s additional funding for the Canada Community Security Program is part of the Budget 2024 investment for this first ever whole-of-federal government Action Plan to prevent and address hate. 

    Gabriel Brunet
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
    Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
    819-665-6527
    gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 4400 candidates get job offer letters at Bijnor Kaushal Mahotsav; Jayant Chaudhary felicitates young achievers

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 10:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Bijnor, September 24, 2024: The Bijnor Kaushal Mahotsav concluded successfully today under the leadership of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India in Bijnor, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering local youth through skill development.

    During a month-long job readiness program, more than 13,500 youth from Bijnor district registered on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Out of these, 3500 candidates were selected and offered jobs after 5 day of rigorous training and career counselling. Today, 6000 youngsters participated in the Kaushal Mahotsav and close to 900 on the spot job offers were distributed.

    The outreach efforts successfully engaged employers from Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, ensuring a diverse array of opportunities for local job seekers. Approximately 4,800 candidates underwent training over four weeks, with significant demand noted across various educational backgrounds.

     

     

    The mega recruitment drive saw major names from industry queueing up to recruit the youth of Bijnor and adjoining areas. Drawn from across a vast swathe of industry ranging from tourism and hospitality, logistics, food processing, IT-ITES, automotive, BFSI and electronics, corporates such as Burger King, Zepto, Quess Corp, Flipkart, Jubilant Foods, Barbeque Nation, Vision India and Yuva Shakti Foundation were among the corporates at the event today.

    The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of MSDE, initiated the ‘Kaushal Mahotsav: Job Readiness Program’ earlier this year to enhance job readiness among Bijnor’s youth. The program aims to establish Bijnor as a central hub for skilled workforce development, capitalizing on the district’s educational institutions that produce a consistent flow of qualified candidates.

    In his address, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India emphasized the critical role of skill development in fostering economic growth and said, “Our government is unwavering in its commitment to equip every young person in Bijnor with the skills essential for success in a competitive economy. Initiatives like Kaushal Mahotsav not only create job opportunities but also bring new industries to your doorstep. I am confident that the youth of Bijnor will once again showcase their remarkable talents and seize every opportunity that arises. It is crucial for them to fully leverage the schemes and benefits offered by the government. With their immense potential and renowned work ethic, the youth of Bijnor are poised to shape a prosperous future.”

    He further added, “Our efforts for every young student will continue and to support that initiative, we have introduced Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for connecting the youth around the country with the best of Indian industry. An initiative like this will open doors for the youth in Bijnor across a wide spectrum of industry. Our Government has tailor-made schemes for them and it is important that they fully leverage these. With their immense potential and renowned work ethic, the youth of Bijnor are well poised to shape a prosperous future.”

    His remarks underscored the government’s dedication to creating employment opportunities that align with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a skilled India.

    During his address, Shri Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development and Vocational Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “As part of the Skill India Mission, the government is committed to empowering the youth of regions like Bijnor, which are emerging economic hubs, with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive environment. I encourage all young people from Bijnor and the adjoining regions to participate in various training programs and initiatives run by the union government in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of skilling India’s youth.”

    The event was graced by notable attendees including Shri Chandan Chauhan, Hon’ble MP, Bijnor, Shri Chandrashekhar, Hon’ble MP, Nagina, Shri Shail Malge Joint Secretary, MSDE, Prabhat Kumar, Advisor to Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Colonel Mahendra Singh Payaal, Chief Program Officer (CPO), NSDC.

     

     

    The Kaushal Mahotsav featured a comprehensive 5-day, 40-hour intensive employability training program, which included training on essential soft skills and domain-specific skills for various roles such as Assembly Line Operator and Customer Care Executive. Over 30 companies participated in this recruitment drive from various sectors including electronics, automotive, logistics, banking, IT, and tourism with salaries ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹35,000.

    This initiative not only represents a substantial opportunity for Bijnor’s youth but also aims to stimulate local economic development by connecting skilled individuals with potential employers. The Kaushal Mahotsav stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government bodies and industry leaders in shaping a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.

     

     

    As a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the Kaushal Mahotsav represents a significant step towards enhancing employment prospects for youth on a large scale, with a commitment to speed and high standards in achieving the vision of a ‘Skilled India’.

    About National Skill Development Corporation

    National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the principal architect of the skill ecosystem in the country. It is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) enterprise working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. NSDC was established to catalyse the skilling ecosystem for private sector participation and be the strategic implementation and knowledge partner to Skill India Mission to build efficient vocational training initiatives, empowering India’s youth. NSDC provides support to enterprises, start-ups, companies, and organizations that are creating an impact by offering a world of opportunities in futuristic skills to the potential workforce. The organization develops appropriate models to enhance, support, and coordinate private sector initiatives in skilling by offering funding support to eligible entities, concessional loans to the candidates along with other innovative financial products and building strategic partnerships.

    *****

    MG/SB/DP

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Centre for Good Governances Commences the 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for Civil Servants of The Kingdom of Cambodia

    Source: Government of India

    National Centre for Good Governances Commences the 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for Civil Servants of The Kingdom of Cambodia

    39 Senior and Mid-Level Civil Servants from Ministry of Economy and Finance And Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovations are Attending the Programme

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) commenced the 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for the civil servants of Cambodia today in Mussoorie. The 2-week program is being organized from September 23rd to October 4th, 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is hosting 39 senior and mid-level civil servants from Cambodia, representing the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovations. The program offers a platform for policy dialogue and sharing best practices, helping participants gain valuable insights into institutional transformation and citizen engagement.

    The inaugural session was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Director General, NCGG & Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India. In his Inaugural address, he emphasized on the importance of longstanding collaboration between India and Cambodia, particularly in area of capacity building. He stressed on importance of finance and technology, which serves as the backbone of governance and is key to drive reforms aimed at national development. Highlighting the impact of transformative initiatives like Aadhaar, which have revolutionized subsidy transfer, he reflected on India’s vision for inclusive governance and the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for prioritizing governance reforms, which focus on digital transformation for better service delivery so as to bring citizens closer to government. He outlined that the goal is to create digitally empowered citizens and technologically transformed institutions. He elaborated that as India works toward India@2047 with focus on being a developed nation, the focus will continue on implementation of priority sector programmes in health, skilling, education, taxes and employment which will be central to achieving good governance.

     

    Speaking about various training programs at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Shri V. Srinivas highlighted the Centre’s increasing global engagement. “This year, NCGG has welcomed delegations from numerous countries and has initiated several first-time programs, including capacity-building initiatives for nations under the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), and Latin American regions. Additionally, we are planning to organize specialized capacity-building programs for BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries, further expanding our international outreach.”

    Mr. Ith Hunly, Deputy Director, Ministry of Science and Technology Innovations, and Head of Cambodia’s delegation, expressed gratitude to the Indian government for organizing a comprehensive program. He acknowledged how the learning’s from the sessions would help participants implement good governance practices in Cambodia.

    Dr. B S Bisht, Associate Professor, NCGG and Course Coordinator of the programme gave detailed information about National Centre for Good Governance and the milestones achieved by the NCGG over the years. In the elaborate presentation he discussed about objectives, activities, achievements and future plans of NCGG and how it has evolved as a Centre for Excellence. It was briefed that NCGG has trained civil servants from 33 countries including Bangladesh, Maldives, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji, Mozambique, Cambodia, Madagascar, Fiji, Indonesia, South Africa among others.

     

    The program is being coordinated by Dr. B.S. Bisht, Course Coordinator along with Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Co-Course Coordinator, Shri Brijesh Bisht, Training Assistant and Ms. Monisha Bahuguna, YP along with the NCGG’s capacity-building team.

     

    *****
     

    AG

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers the keynote address at the “Interactive TB Vaccines Dialogue” organized by STOP TB Partnership on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the UNGA

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers the keynote address at the “Interactive TB Vaccines Dialogue” organized by STOP TB Partnership on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the UNGA

    Reaffirms India’s commitment to Global TB Elimination Efforts; speaks about the Research & Development of TB vaccines in India

    India is progressing against the Sustainable Development Goals at a far greater pace than the global average, with a decline in TB incidence by 16% from 237 per hundred thousand population in 2015 to 199 in 2022 and a decline of 18% in TB deaths during this period: Smt. Patel

    “Till Aug 2024, NTEP has disbursed 373 million USD to more than 10 million TB patients under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana since its inception in 2018”

    “With over 7,767 molecular diagnostic laboratories, cutting-edge treatment protocols, and an 88% treatment success rate, India’s TB program has become a model for the world”

    “The Stop TB Partnership, a beacon of collective strength, has evolved into a global force comprising over 2,000 partners from diverse sectors, all united in our resolve to eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2030”

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 7:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivered the keynote address at the “Interactive TB Vaccines Dialogue” event organized by STOP TB Partnerships on the sidelines of the ongoing 79thsession of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, today. As part of ongoing initiatives to expedite the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the event convened experts, dignitaries, and critical stakeholders from around the globe.

    The objectives of the TB Vaccines Dialogue include: convening key and relevant country and global stakeholders and partners who, now and in the future, will be critical for the practical and realistic development and delivery of TB vaccines; and understanding and start addressing critical misconceptions, questions, and knowledge gaps, including needs, desires, and challenges related to the practical and realistic development and delivery of TB vaccines.

    Delivering an affirming statement of global leadership during the Dialogue, Smt. Patel highlighted India’s role as Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board and reiterated the nation’s commitment to eliminating TB as a public health problem by 2030 and ensuring a healthier future for all. She highlighted that “India is progressing against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) at a far greater pace than the global average, with a decline in TB incidence by 16% from 237 per hundred thousand population in 2015 to 199 in 2022 and a decline of 18% in TB deaths from 28 per hundred thousand population in 2015 to 23 in 2022.”

     

    She further added that, “under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable strides in TB care and prevention, from infrastructure expansion to financial support for patients”, referencing the National Strategic Plan that has significantly scaled up TB services nationwide. With over 7,767 molecular diagnostic laboratories, cutting-edge treatment protocols, and an 88% treatment success rate, India’s TB program has become a model for the world. India initiated Nikshay Poshan Yojana in 2018 for providing $6 USD/month to support nutrition of TB patients for the entire duration of treatment. Cumulatively, till Aug 2024, NTEP has disbursed 373 million USD to more than 10 million TB patients.”

    Emphasizing the critical need for new vaccines, Smt. Patel stated that “TB has been the worst killer amongst all infectious diseases. While the childhood BCG vaccine has been essential in protecting children, its protective effects diminish with age” and “despite our advances, the world still loses millions of lives to TB. So, the time to invest in innovative vaccines is now.”

    Highlighting the “urgent need for an innovative and effective TB Vaccine”, Smt. Patel emphasized that “the unmet need for a TB Vaccine, and its potential role in TB elimination is where the world is focusing now” and “this forum represents a critical opportunity for us to come together, share knowledge, and accelerate the development of these life-saving vaccines. The past decades have witnessed a reawakening of novel vaccine approaches. Technical advances in molecular genetics and the design of viral vectors and adjuvants have facilitated TB vaccine development.” She further added that “with around 16 vaccines having entered clinical trial assessments, the future of TB vaccine development looks considerably brighter than before.”

    She highlighted India’s Research & Development (R&D) with recombinant BCG VPM1002 and Immuvac, the ongoing trial for evaluation of BCG revaccination in adults, and another trial in Phase IIb with novel vaccine MTBVAC ongoing among adults.

    Underlining the importance of the Stop TB Partnership, Smt. Patel stated that, “the partnership is a beacon of collective strength and has evolved into a global force comprising over 2,000 partners from diverse sectors, all united in our resolve to eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2030.”

     

    Offering to “share India’s experiences and capacities in the area”, Smt. Patel stated that, “as chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board, my call to action is to ensure that the world has at least one new and effective TB vaccine in the next one year”.  She concluded her address by urging the stakeholders to come together for “increased funding for TB Vaccine research; fostering global collaboration of governments, public and private institutions, and donors to ensure that “the vaccines are not only developed but also made available to people equitably, learning from the painful lessons of access to COVID vaccines.”

     

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ MoS Stop TB event at 79th UNGA /24th September 2024/3

    (Release ID: 2058358) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia holds meeting of SAC on Telecom Sector OEMs, TSPs and Tele-Electronic Eco-System

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia holds meeting of SAC on Telecom Sector OEMs, TSPs and Tele-Electronic Eco-System

    Focus of meeting was on making India a hub of Telecom products manufacturing and ease of doing business

    Assures end-to-end government support for initiatives towards creating an eco-system of indigenous Telecom equipment manufacturing for selling to the world

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia along with Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, today held separate meetings with the recently constituted Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) on Telecom Sector Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Tele-Electronic Eco-System.  

     

       

     

    Focus of meeting was on making India a hub of Telecom products manufacturing and ease of doing business. In this regard, he said, that all Industry segments, Telecom Service Providers, Telecom Industry Associations, Global & Local manufacturers should work together to make India a Telecom Manufacturing hub for the world. Ministry of Communications will provide all the requisite support and work together with industry to realise the setting up of ‘Telecom Manufacturing Zone’. The Minister pointed out that there are already several schemes and incentives by the government including the PLI, to encourage indigenous manufacturing of telecom products in the country. He said, all these efforts aim at making “Bharat, a product manufacturing nation’ and giving a spur to “Make in India, Make for the World for Telecom products” vision.

    The meetings also reviewed progress on issues taken up previously.  In the meeting with TSPs, Minister Scindia emphasised that they must maintain the standards that align with the global standards. He also made it clear that any “inconvenience” to the customers is not acceptable by telemarketing or bulk messages, adding that option for acceptance or not must be provide to the users.  He insisting upon TSPs to providing top quality service to consumers.

    Shri Scindia exhorted the TSPs to encourage companies whose telecom products they use, to set up manufacturing the same in India. The Minister also suggested them to take an initiative to design an architecture of security related regulations and compliance with the law enforcement agencies for a more secure telecommunication environment.

    Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia assured representatives of all the three SACs meeting today, of full end-to-end government support for initiatives towards creating an eco-system of indigenous Telecom equipment manufacturing for selling to the world.

    The SAC on Telecom Electronics Ecosystem in its meeting discussed creating global manufacturing super giants having own R&D and IP creating eco-system in India. Others topics including access to market for Products made in India; One Nation – One Standard for Testing and Certification in India and resolving policy issues on PPP – MII scheme (Public Procurement Preference – Make in India), also were taken up.

    Industry leaders in the Advisory Committees expressed their thanks to the Minister for his continuing support and encouragement and the Department of Telecommunications for foster a productive and innovative environment for the growth of the telecom sector.

    Minister Scindia had constituted six distinct Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs) to provide valuable insights to the DoT on various matters pertaining to it. Industry thought leaders, top CEOs, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs and start-ups are members of six advisory committees (SACs).

     

    *****

    MG/SB/DP

    (Release ID: 2058359) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare organizes the National Conference on Implementing Digital Public Infrastructure under the Digital Agriculture Mission in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare organizes the National Conference on Implementing Digital Public Infrastructure under the Digital Agriculture Mission in New Delhi today

     Conference aims to discuss the implementation of DPI in continuation of the Centre-State collaboration to integrate digital technologies in agriculture

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 7:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, organized the National Conference on Implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) under the Digital Agriculture Mission in New Delhi today. The conference aimed to discuss the implementation of DPI in continuation of the Centre-State collaboration to integrate digital technologies in agriculture, focusing on the implementation of components of the Digital Agriculture Mission such as Agri Stack, Krishi DSS, soil profile mapping and others to streamline service delivery and enhance the efficiency of agricultural schemes. Senior officials from all parts of the country attended the conference. It was a crucial platform for addressing technical and administrative reforms required to implement the farmer registry, avail the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme funds and synergise national effort with state-level implementations.

    The conference began with a formal inaugural session, where Secretary (DA&FW), Shri Devesh Chaturvedi presented an overview of the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme, highlighting the government’s vision to revolutionize agriculture through technology enablement. This was followed by a presentation by Secretary Department of Land Resources, Shri Manoj Joshi discussing the synergy between land reforms, the Farmer Registry and the role of States in implementing these reforms.

    The unveiling of the Guidelines of Digital Agriculture Mission and SCA for Farmer Registry implementation and the Farmer Registry Handbook marked a significant milestone for the sustainability of digital agriculture initiatives, signalling a commitment by the Government of India to provide technical and financial support to the States.

    Key Sessions and Discussions:

    Throughout the day, a series of interactive sessions were convened, fostering vibrant discussion that delved deep into the multifaceted landscape of digital agriculture initiatives such as Farmer Registry implementation, Digital Crop Survey etc. These session discussions served as an invaluable platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives, insights, and experiences, shedding light on the states’ issues and challenges in nurturing a farmer-centric technology ecosystem. The Centre and the States discussed the issues, clarified their doubts and discussed solutions encouraging seamless collaboration between the Centre and the States-

    The session featured an insightful presentation on implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the SCA scheme funds to states on Farmer Registry implementation by Dr Pramod Kumar Meherda, Addl. Secretary (Digital), DoA&FW.

    Smt. Varsha Joshi, Addl Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, spoke about implementing Live Stack (DPI for livestock and animal husbandry sector), while Shri Sagar Mehra, Jt. Secretary (Do Fisheries) provided a vision for Aqua Stack (DPI for the fisheries sector) and integrated digital solutions in fisheries.

    • Session II

    The second session consisted of a context-setting presentation by Shri Rajeev Chawla, Chief Knowledge Officer and Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of India.

    The second session consisted of 3 panel discussions-

    • The first-panel discussion was on the State Farmer Registry implementation as part of Agri Stack, chaired by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary (DA&FW), with participation from senior Central and State officers.

     

    • Dr Pramod Meherda, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, chaired the second panel discussion with states. The session delved into challenges and opportunities in integrating Farmer Registries, Digital Crop Surveys, and Supporting Registries for enhanced service delivery, data accuracy, and addressing gaps in existing systems.

     

    The second session included a context setting by Smt. Ruchika Gupta, Advisor (DA), Department of Agriculture, on the adoption of Support Registers.

     

    • The third discussion focused on the issues in implementing the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) taken by CKO&A and Advisor (DA). The issues were discussed in detail, and solutions were presented to the states.

     

    Technical Discussions:

    The event concluded with technical discussions led by the Agri Stack Technical Team, emphasizing the operational details and future roadmap for advancing DPI across the agricultural value chain.

    The conference not only facilitated in-depth deliberations on the potential of digital technologies but also underscored the role of Digital Public Infrastructure in achieving the goals of the Digital India Mission.

    Shri Ravi Ranjan Singh, Director (DA), delivered the Vote of Thanks.

    *****

    SS

    (Release ID: 2058352) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare organizes the National Conference on Implementing Digital Public Infrastructure under the Digital Agriculture Mission in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare organizes the National Conference on Implementing Digital Public Infrastructure under the Digital Agriculture Mission in New Delhi today

     Conference aims to discuss the implementation of DPI in continuation of the Centre-State collaboration to integrate digital technologies in agriculture

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 7:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, organized the National Conference on Implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) under the Digital Agriculture Mission in New Delhi today. The conference aimed to discuss the implementation of DPI in continuation of the Centre-State collaboration to integrate digital technologies in agriculture, focusing on the implementation of components of the Digital Agriculture Mission such as Agri Stack, Krishi DSS, soil profile mapping and others to streamline service delivery and enhance the efficiency of agricultural schemes. Senior officials from all parts of the country attended the conference. It was a crucial platform for addressing technical and administrative reforms required to implement the farmer registry, avail the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme funds and synergise national effort with state-level implementations.

    The conference began with a formal inaugural session, where Secretary (DA&FW), Shri Devesh Chaturvedi presented an overview of the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme, highlighting the government’s vision to revolutionize agriculture through technology enablement. This was followed by a presentation by Secretary Department of Land Resources, Shri Manoj Joshi discussing the synergy between land reforms, the Farmer Registry and the role of States in implementing these reforms.

    The unveiling of the Guidelines of Digital Agriculture Mission and SCA for Farmer Registry implementation and the Farmer Registry Handbook marked a significant milestone for the sustainability of digital agriculture initiatives, signalling a commitment by the Government of India to provide technical and financial support to the States.

    Key Sessions and Discussions:

    Throughout the day, a series of interactive sessions were convened, fostering vibrant discussion that delved deep into the multifaceted landscape of digital agriculture initiatives such as Farmer Registry implementation, Digital Crop Survey etc. These session discussions served as an invaluable platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives, insights, and experiences, shedding light on the states’ issues and challenges in nurturing a farmer-centric technology ecosystem. The Centre and the States discussed the issues, clarified their doubts and discussed solutions encouraging seamless collaboration between the Centre and the States-

    The session featured an insightful presentation on implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the SCA scheme funds to states on Farmer Registry implementation by Dr Pramod Kumar Meherda, Addl. Secretary (Digital), DoA&FW.

    Smt. Varsha Joshi, Addl Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, spoke about implementing Live Stack (DPI for livestock and animal husbandry sector), while Shri Sagar Mehra, Jt. Secretary (Do Fisheries) provided a vision for Aqua Stack (DPI for the fisheries sector) and integrated digital solutions in fisheries.

    • Session II

    The second session consisted of a context-setting presentation by Shri Rajeev Chawla, Chief Knowledge Officer and Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of India.

    The second session consisted of 3 panel discussions-

    • The first-panel discussion was on the State Farmer Registry implementation as part of Agri Stack, chaired by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary (DA&FW), with participation from senior Central and State officers.

     

    • Dr Pramod Meherda, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, chaired the second panel discussion with states. The session delved into challenges and opportunities in integrating Farmer Registries, Digital Crop Surveys, and Supporting Registries for enhanced service delivery, data accuracy, and addressing gaps in existing systems.

     

    The second session included a context setting by Smt. Ruchika Gupta, Advisor (DA), Department of Agriculture, on the adoption of Support Registers.

     

    • The third discussion focused on the issues in implementing the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) taken by CKO&A and Advisor (DA). The issues were discussed in detail, and solutions were presented to the states.

     

    Technical Discussions:

    The event concluded with technical discussions led by the Agri Stack Technical Team, emphasizing the operational details and future roadmap for advancing DPI across the agricultural value chain.

    The conference not only facilitated in-depth deliberations on the potential of digital technologies but also underscored the role of Digital Public Infrastructure in achieving the goals of the Digital India Mission.

    Shri Ravi Ranjan Singh, Director (DA), delivered the Vote of Thanks.

    *****

    SS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Budget 2024-25 provided for an enhanced monetary limit for filing appeals related to Direct Taxes, Excise and Service Tax in various judicial fora

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Budget 2024-25 provided for an enhanced monetary limit for filing appeals related to Direct Taxes, Excise and Service Tax in various judicial fora

    Hon’ble Supreme Court today disposed off 573 direct tax cases in view of the revised monetary limit of filing of appeals

    The measures are expected to significantly reduce the burden of tax litigation and expedite the resolution of tax disputes in alignment with Government’s efforts to promote ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’

    CBDT and CBIC had issued necessary orders for implementation of the amendment

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 6:09PM by PIB Delhi

    The Hon’ble Supreme Court today disposed off 573 direct tax cases where the tax effect is less than ₹5 crore, in view of the revised monetary limit of filing of appeals.

    This significant milestone aligns with the government’s efforts to reduce tax litigation and promote Ease of Doing Business.

    The Union Budget 2024-25 provided for an enhanced monetary limit for filing appeals related to Direct Taxes, Excise and Service Tax in the Tax Tribunals, High Courts and Supreme Court and the limits were increased to ₹60 lakh, ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore respectively.

    In pursuant to the Budget 2024-25 announcement, the CBDT and CBIC had issued necessary orders to enhance the monetary limit for filing appeals in their respective domains. As a result, it is expected that the cases pending before various appellate fora will come down and reduce tax litigation.

     

    Direct Tax

    As per the announcements in the Union Budget 2024-25, the monetary thresholds for filing tax dispute appeals by the department were enhanced as follows:

    • For Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT): Increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹60 lakh.
    • For High Courts: Increased from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore.
    • For Supreme Court: Increased from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore.

     

    As a result of these revised limits, it is estimated that around 4,341 cases will be withdrawn from various judicial forums over the course of time:

    • ITAT: 717 cases
    • High Courts: 2,781 cases
    • Supreme Court: 843 cases

     

    Indirect Taxes

    Similarly, the limit for filing appeals for the specified legacy Central Excise & Service Tax cases was increased:

    • For CESTAT (Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal), the limit was increased to ₹60 lakh from ₹50 lakh
    • For the High Court, the limit was increased to ₹2 crore from ₹1 crore.
    • For the Supreme Court, the limit was increased to ₹5 crore from ₹2 crore.  

    As a result of these revised limits, it is estimated that around 1,044 cases pertaining to specified legacy Central Excise & Service Tax cases are estimated to be withdrawn from various judicial forums:

    • Supreme Court: 253 appeals
    • High Courts: 539 appeals
    • CESTAT: 252 appeals

     

    These measures on the Direct tax and Indirect tax front are expected to significantly reduce the burden of tax litigation and expedite the resolution of tax disputes.

    In addition, steps have been taken to deploy more officers dedicated to hearing and deciding appeals, particularly those involving significant tax amounts.

    These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for businesses and enhancing taxpayer services. By minimising litigation and simplifying tax procedures, the aim is to improve the ‘ease of living’ and Ease of Doing Business across the country.

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    NB/KMN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi advocates for Nutritional Excellence at ‘Kuposhan Mukt Jharkhand’ event

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi advocates for Nutritional Excellence at ‘Kuposhan Mukt Jharkhand’ event

    Ministry of Women and Child Development dedicated to ensuring holistic health and nutrition of future generations: Smt.Annpurna Devi

    Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasizes environmental aspects of Poshan Maah 2024, promoting tree planting in 13.95 lakh Anganwadi centers nationwide, with over 50 lakh saplings planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign

    Jharkhand conducts over 12.53 lakh sensitization activities across all 24 districts, reflecting the community’s commitment to improving nutritional standards

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move to enhance child welfare, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, chaired the “Kuposhan Mukt Jharkhand” event in Koderma, organized by the District Administration today. The event featured the Poshan Oath, discussions on “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” facilitation for PMMVY beneficiaries, and awards for outstanding 10th and 12th-grade students. Additionally, programs for Godh Bharai and Annaprashan were held.

     

    The Poshan Abhiyaan, launched by the  Prime Minister on 8th March, 2018, is the Government of India’s flagship scheme aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It seeks to tackle malnutrition through a strategic shift in nutrition delivery, fostering a convergent ecosystem to promote health, wellness, and immunity.

     

    During her address, Smt. Annpurna Devi pledged to achieve nutrition-related goals nationwide as part of the 7th Poshan Maah 2024, emphasizing the importance of community well-being, healthy diets, and lifestyles. She stated, “The Ministry of Women and Child Development is dedicated to ensuring the holistic health and nutrition of future generations. Our initiatives, including Poshan Maah and Mission Saksham Anganwadi, are crucial in the fight against malnutrition. I am encouraged by the active participation of the people of Jharkhand, and together, we will ensure that no child or woman suffers from malnutrition.”

    At the Anganwadi center in Balrotand, the Minister highlighted th “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” initiative, which emphasizes the holistic development of children by providing not only essential nutrition but also high-quality early education. A total of 15,364 Anganwadi workers have been trained as state-level master trainers, and 10,756 workers have received training in basic literacy and early childhood care, impacting 344,192 children across the state.

     

    The Minister acknowledged the key achievements of Poshan Maah 2024, which focuses on six core themes: Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Technology for Better Governance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. Jharkhand has conducted over 12.53 lakh sensitization activities across all 24 districts, reflecting the community’s commitment to improving nutritional standards.

    Furthermore, Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized the environmental aspects of Poshan Maah 2024, promoting tree planting in 13.95 lakh Anganwadi centers nationwide, with over 50 lakh saplings planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.

     

    The Minister recognized the collaborative efforts of various Ministries, including Education, Health and Family Welfare, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and AYUSH, in supporting Poshan Maah 2024. She also acknowledged the contributions of PIB and MyGov in driving these initiatives forward.

     

    Concluding her visit, Smt. Annpurna Devi commended the integrated efforts of various Ministries and government bodies in raising nutritional awareness and pledged continued support for upgrading Anganwadi Centers in Jharkhand. The Minister reiterated that the path to a malnutrition-free India is a shared responsibility. With the active involvement of all stakeholders, we are confident in achieving our goals and ensuring a healthier future for every child and mother in the country.

    The Ministry remains committed to achieving a malnutrition-free India through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices. Poshan Maah 2024 exemplifies the vision of a Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by the  Prime Minister.

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    SS/MS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India AI Fellowship For B.Tech, M.Tech & PhD scholars

    Source: Government of India

    India AI Fellowship For B.Tech, M.Tech & PhD scholars

    Students and scholars to submit their nominations as per the prescribed guidelines by 30th September 2024

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 5:36PM by PIB Delhi

    IndiaAI- Independent Business Division (IBD) is inviting nominations of B.Tech & M.Tech students for IndiaAI fellowship. Subsequently, IndiaAI is also inviting Top 50 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked research institutes to share their approval to participate in IndiaAI Fellowship for new PhD intakes researching in Artificial Intelligence.

    Nominations for B.Tech & M.Tech students

    Nominations for IndiaAI Fellowship are invited by IndiaAI from all B.Tech & M.Tech who are undertaking projects in AI. This fellowship support will supplement any existing fellowships and will cover the duration of the project one year for B.Tech. students, and two years for M.Tech. students.

    Students may submit their nominations on – https://indiaai.gov.in/article/proforma-for-submission-of-nominations-for-indiaai-fellowship-under-the-indiaai-mission  as per the prescribed guidelines by 30th September 2024.

    Fellowship opportunities for AI researchers in top institutes

    IndiaAI is offering fellowships to full time PhD scholars researching in the areas of Artificial Intelligence in the top 50 NIRF ranked Research Institutes. IndiaAI – IBD is inviting top 50 ranked research institutes to share their approval to participate in IndiaAI Fellowship and intake new PhD scholars in Artificial Intelligence. These scholars should not receive any scholarship / salary from any other organization at the time of enrolment into IndiaAI PhD Fellowship.

    Top 50 NIRF ranked Research Institutes are requested to submit their approval on the official letterhead signed and stamped by institute’s head agreeing to intake new PhD scholars as per the IndiaAI PhD fellowship guidelines to Smt. Kavita Bhatia, Sci ‘G’ & GC (AI & ET) on kbhatia@meity.gov.in by 30th September, 2024.

    Selection criteria for IndiaAI fellowship

    The actual selection of suitable candidates for the award of the IndiaAI Fellowship will be done by IndiaAI based on eligibility, relevance of the research proposal, profile of the student and availability of fellowships at the national level.

    About IndiaAI

    IndiaAI, an IBD under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI’s benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India AI Fellowship For B.Tech, M.Tech & PhD scholars

    Source: Government of India

    India AI Fellowship For B.Tech, M.Tech & PhD scholars

    Students and scholars to submit their nominations as per the prescribed guidelines by 30th September 2024

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 5:36PM by PIB Delhi

    IndiaAI- Independent Business Division (IBD) is inviting nominations of B.Tech & M.Tech students for IndiaAI fellowship. Subsequently, IndiaAI is also inviting Top 50 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked research institutes to share their approval to participate in IndiaAI Fellowship for new PhD intakes researching in Artificial Intelligence.

    Nominations for B.Tech & M.Tech students

    Nominations for IndiaAI Fellowship are invited by IndiaAI from all B.Tech & M.Tech who are undertaking projects in AI. This fellowship support will supplement any existing fellowships and will cover the duration of the project one year for B.Tech. students, and two years for M.Tech. students.

    Students may submit their nominations on – https://indiaai.gov.in/article/proforma-for-submission-of-nominations-for-indiaai-fellowship-under-the-indiaai-mission  as per the prescribed guidelines by 30th September 2024.

    Fellowship opportunities for AI researchers in top institutes

    IndiaAI is offering fellowships to full time PhD scholars researching in the areas of Artificial Intelligence in the top 50 NIRF ranked Research Institutes. IndiaAI – IBD is inviting top 50 ranked research institutes to share their approval to participate in IndiaAI Fellowship and intake new PhD scholars in Artificial Intelligence. These scholars should not receive any scholarship / salary from any other organization at the time of enrolment into IndiaAI PhD Fellowship.

    Top 50 NIRF ranked Research Institutes are requested to submit their approval on the official letterhead signed and stamped by institute’s head agreeing to intake new PhD scholars as per the IndiaAI PhD fellowship guidelines to Smt. Kavita Bhatia, Sci ‘G’ & GC (AI & ET) on kbhatia@meity.gov.in by 30th September, 2024.

    Selection criteria for IndiaAI fellowship

    The actual selection of suitable candidates for the award of the IndiaAI Fellowship will be done by IndiaAI based on eligibility, relevance of the research proposal, profile of the student and availability of fellowships at the national level.

    About IndiaAI

    IndiaAI, an IBD under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI’s benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –