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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Launches Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 to Protect the Health and Well-Being of India’s Youth

    Source: Government of India

    Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Launches Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 to Protect the Health and Well-Being of India’s Youth

    Every year around 13 lakh people lose their lives due to tobacco in India. Tobacco has become a fashion statement among the youth but it can lead to dangerous diseases like cancer: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    “The development of the nation is closely linked to the health of its young population”

    Renowned celebrities, sportspersons and influencers like Aparshakti Khurana, Manu Bhaker, Navdeep Singh, Ankit Baiyanpuria, Gaurav Chaudhary and Janhvi Singh addressed the gathering and shared insightful views

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched the second edition of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 at a hybrid event held at Lady Hardinge Medical College, here today. He also virtually inaugurated Tobacco Cessation Centres in medical institutions across India. The objective of the campaign is to protect the health and well-being of young people from the harmful effects of tobacco.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said that “every year around 13 lakh people lose their lives due to tobacco in India.” He also cautioned that “tobacco has become a fashion statement among the youth but it can lead to dangerous diseases like cancer.”

    Motivating the youth to prioritize their health over tobacco use, Shri Jadhav stated that “good health is intrinsically related to own as well as closed one’s happiness”. He also highlighted that the development of the nation is closely linked to the health of its young population and urged everyone to pledge to resist and quit tobacco. He also urged elders to take responsibility of ensuring the youth don’t fall into tobacco use.

    He stated that this year’s 60-day campaign prioritizes five key areas:

    1. Increasing public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, particularly among youth and rural communities;
    2. Improving compliance with the revised guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) to keep schools and colleges free from tobacco;
    3. Strengthening the enforcement of tobacco control laws, especially COTPA 2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, to limit youth access to tobacco;
    4. Promoting Tobacco-Free Villages, where communities work together to eliminate tobacco and create healthier environments; and
    5. Boosting social media outreach, using digital platforms to deliver strong messages about the harms of tobacco and the benefits of quitting to young people.

     

     

    All participants took the ‘Say No To Tobacco’ pledge to remain tobacco-free, followed by a photo session featuring students and celebrities. Renowned celebrities, sportspersons and influencers like Aparshakti Khurana, Manu Bhaker, Navdeep Singh, Ankit Baiyanpuria, Gaurav Chaudhary and Janhvi Singh addressed the gathering and shared insightful views.

      

     

    The event witnessed the launch of an educational video by WHO to be released in all schools, sensitizing young students on the detrimental effects of tobacco use. Three important guidelines- Health Workers Guide, SOPs for Villages to be Tobacco Free and the Guidelines for Law Enforcers for Effective Implementation of Tobacco Control Laws 2024 were launched during the occasion. A testimonial video by Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV), a group of cancer survivors sharing their experience of battling cancer due to tobacco use was also run at the event. A bike rally by two famous biking groups – Harley Owners Group and Delhi Bikers Breakfast Run was also flagged off during the event to spread awareness on the campaign.

    The event concluded with the Union Health Ministry officials urging all stakeholders to stay actively involved in the campaign by following its social media channels. The Ministry encouraged everyone to show their support by participating in the campaign’s activities and sharing updates on its progress, helping to amplify the message and reach a wider audience nationwide.

    Background:

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the first Tobacco Free Youth Campaign last year, on May 31, 2023, in celebration of World No Tobacco Day. The campaign centered around four main strategies: raising public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, promoting the establishment of Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), strengthening enforcement of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2023, and creating Tobacco-Free Villages. The campaign was a huge success, with over 1,42,184 educational institutions and more than 12,000 villages declared tobacco-free. Additionally, COTPA 2003 was strictly enforced, with numerous challans issued.

    Building on this success, this year the Ministry launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 with the aim to motivate young people to resist or quit tobacco use. The campaign will run for 60 days. It will focus on offering educational materials, promoting initiatives such as enforcement drives and IEC activities and establishment of tobacco free villages and educational institutions to encourage a tobacco-free lifestyle among young people across India.

    The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 also emphasizes a ‘whole of government’ approach through an increased partnership and coordination between seven ministries – Ministry of Education, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and Ministry of Tribal Affairs as well as law enforcement units.

    The launch event of the campaign saw the in-person participation of over ­­500 people, and many participants joined online. Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Puniya Salila Srivastava, Officer on Special Duty, MoHFW; Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Smt. V Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, MoHFW; Dr Sarita Beri, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College; Dr. Roderico Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, senior officials from MoHFW, celebrities, influencers, among others. More than 300 school students from nearby Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), NSS volunteers from My Bharat initiative and representatives from civil society organisations also participated in the event.

    Link for the Event: https://youtube.com/live/aosbWe7eNOY?feature=share

    Link for No Tobacco Pledge: https://pledge.mygov.in/say-no-to-tobacco/

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ MoS Tobacco Event /24th September 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2058225) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government recruitment activities in Beijing and Shanghai wrap up (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government recruitment activities in Beijing and Shanghai wrap up (with photos)
    HKSAR Government recruitment activities in Beijing and Shanghai wrap up (with photos)
    *************************************************************************************

         A series of recruitment activities organised by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) in Beijing and Shanghai wrapped up today (September 24), attracting an online and in-person participation of over 1 800 Hong Kong people interested in applying for and learning about civil service posts in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.     Five recruitment talks on the Administrative Officer (AO) and Executive Officer (EO) grades were held at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO), East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Renmin University of China, and China University of Political Science and Law respectively. Most of the attendees were university students with immense interest in the AO and EO grades, and they were keen to ask questions on the relevant grades.     The CSB had specifically arranged for serving AO and EO colleagues who had studied or lived on the Mainland to share their work and personal experiences, and encourage university students to join the civil service. The Principal Assistant Secretary for the Civil Service (Administrative Service), Ms Yen Pun, and the Senior Principal Executive Officer (General Grades), Miss Iris Ma, also introduced the entry requirements, training programmes, examination and interview arrangements, as well as tips on preparing for examinations of the AO and EO grades at the seminars.     In addition, representatives of the CSB participated in the “Gathering with Hong Kong Students and Youth in East China Region to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” organised by the SHETO to introduce the AO and EO grades to the young participants. The aim was to enable them to know more about the work and career prospects of the grades concerned, and encourage them to apply for civil service posts in the HKSAR Government.     The CSB is currently conducting a joint recruitment exercise for the civil service grades of AO, EO II, Assistant Trade Officer II and Transport Officer II. The application deadline is October 4. Eligible applicants are encouraged to seize the opportunity to apply. For details, please visit the CSB’s website at www.csb.gov.hk.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 18:38

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID and DFC Host Dialogue on Clean Energy Supply Chains as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Africa

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:‎

    Today, on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly, USAID Counselor Clinton White and DFC Deputy CEO Nisha Biswal co-hosted a side event on scaling clean energy supply chains in Africa can catalyze sustainable development and advance clean energy-led growth globally.  

    During the event, Senior Advisor to President Biden for International Climate Policy John Podesta and the DRC Minister of Mining Kizito Pakabomba discussed how to enhance collaboration to spur green industrialization in Africa, building on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

    Today’s event highlighted the vital role that clean energy supply chains play in driving sustainable development across Africa. Participants, including CEOs from clean energy manufacturing companies in Africa and in the United States underscored that by fostering partnerships among governments, the private sector, and civil society, we can harness Africa’s rich natural resources to build a clean energy industrial future that benefits all. The discussions not only focused on the opportunities presented by critical minerals but also addressed the imperative of ensuring that development is equitable, environmentally sustainable, and local. Participants agreed that there is an urgent need for collaboration across the private and public sector to scale clean energy supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: **UPDATE** News Release – Missing Work Furlough Inmate arrested, returned to custody

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    **UPDATE** News Release – Missing Work Furlough Inmate arrested, returned to custody

    Posted on Sep 23, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Sept. 23, 2024

    UPDATE: Missing Work Furlough Inmate arrested, returned to custody

    HONOLULU — O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) work furlough inmate Bobby M. Cotton is back in custody after sheriff’s deputies arrested him at The Queen’s Medical Center Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

    Cotton, 51, failed to return to OCCC Module 20 from his job-seeking pass by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Sheriffs and the Honolulu Police Department were notified.

    Cotton sought medical care at Queen’s Saturday and someone recognized him. Sheriffs were called and sheriff’s deputies subsequently arrested him at the hospital. He was returned to custody at OCCC at approximately 2:25 p.m. Saturday.

    Cotton is serving time for second-degree robbery. He may now face an additional second-degree escape charge. Second-degree escape is a Class C felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison, if convicted.

    Cotton is a community custody inmate in the work furlough program with pass privileges. Community custody is the lowest classification status.

    ### 

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Translation: Biographical notices

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Karen Mollica (BA Honours [Political Science], McMaster University, 2000; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 2003) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 after completing internships in Guyana and Costa Rica.

    Karen Mollica (BA Honours [Political Science], McMaster University, 2000; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 2003) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 after completing internships in Guyana and Costa Rica. Her early assignments included serving as coordinator of the Landmine Action Team and as a case officer for several West and Central African countries. She then worked at the Canadian International Development Agency, serving as First Secretary at the High Commission in South Africa and as Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy in Jordan. Upon her return to headquarters in 2019, she was appointed Director of Policy, Planning and Operations for Latin America and the Caribbean, a position she held until 2022. Most recently, she served as Director and Senior Ministerial Advisor in the Office of the Minister of International Development and Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy to the Holy See.

    Ajit Singh (BA [Communications], University of Winnipeg, 2003; BA Honours [Political Science], University of Winnipeg, 2004; MA [International Law], United Nations University for Peace, 2006; JD, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2012) has lived, studied and worked in a multilingual environment in 6 countries on 4 continents. He joined the Government of Canada in 2008 after working in media, education, the United Nations and civil society organizations. He then practised private law in Toronto and was called to the Ontario Bar as a barrister. In 2013, he joined the Privy Council Office in the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat. He subsequently worked at the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat, where he was responsible for relations with Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Latin America, as well as legal files. In 2017, he joined Global Affairs Canada as Deputy Director in the Foreign Policy Planning Division, where he led the Foreign Ministers’ Events team during Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2018. He then worked in the Conflict Prevention, Stabilization and Peacebuilding Division. In 2021, he joined the Department of National Defence as Director of Operations. He returned to the Privy Council Office in 2022, this time to become the first person to hold the position of Director of International Crisis Response.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Security: Sailor in the Spotlight – HM1 Jose Navarro

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (Sept. 4, 2024) – Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jose Navarro, 25, from Bremen, Indiana, joined the Navy in 2016 to be part of something bigger than himself. He arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in March 2023.

    “I show up and take care of my Sailors, day in, day out,” said Navarro, who was recently selected as U.S. Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Sigonella’s Senior Sailor of the Quarter. According to his leadership, Navarro has demonstrated exceptional leadership and worth ethic as the Human Resources department leading petty officer.

    Four junior Sailors have benefitted from Navarro’s mentorship; two have been promoted and two have earned college degrees. He has also managed more than 1,000 pieces of correspondence, more than 100 permanent change of station transfer transactions, ten awards boards, five awards ceremonies, and one command physical readiness assessment as the command fitness leader.

    “Petty Officer Navarro’s dedication and achievements exemplify his outstanding performance in his leadership role,” said Lt. Julius C. Wiseman III, human resources department head, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. “Furthermore, he recently achieved the milestone of graduating with a Master of Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport.”

    In addition to his administrative duties, Navarro holds several collateral duties, including: serving as Morale, Welfare and Recreation president; supply officer; assistant command fitness leader; and command, pay and personnel administrator. Navarro feels these roles help the command improve and help Sailors.

    “Serving means making sacrifices to help others,” said Navarro.

    Navarro’s proudest achievement in the Navy is promoting quickly and proving to himself that he can get what he wants if he works hard for it.

    U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.

    NAS Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

    For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassigonella/.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Kinetik Holdings and EPIC Midstream Announce Transformative Transactions for EPIC Crude

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback”), Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNTK) (“Kinetik”) and EPIC Midstream Holdings LP (“EPIC Midstream”), today announced a series of transactions to support the continued growth and strengthened financial profile of EPIC Crude Holdings, LP (“EPIC Crude”), an affiliate of EPIC Midstream, including:  

    • Diamondback and Kinetik (together, the “Partners”) acquired a 30% equity interest in EPIC Crude. The Partners now each own 27.5% of EPIC Crude.
    • EPIC Midstream continues to own a 45% equity interest in and manage the operations of EPIC Crude.
    • Diamondback is converting its existing commitment on EPIC Crude into a significantly larger volume commitment of 200 MBpd to accommodate additional crude barrels from Diamondback’s newly completed merger with Endeavor Energy Resources. As a result of that merger, Diamondback is the third largest crude producer in the Permian Basin.
    • Kinetik is also entering into a new transportation arrangement with EPIC Crude and a new connection between Kinetik’s crude gathering system and the EPIC Crude pipeline.
    • The combined long-term volume commitments from the Partners are expected to commence in 2025 and extend until 2035, fully supported by minimum volume commitments (“MVC”) and representing over 33% of EPIC Crude’s volume capacity.
    • EPIC Crude and its Partners are continuing to focus on reducing controllable costs and enhancing financial returns which will further maximize value for all stakeholders of EPIC Crude.
    • Taken together, these actions will position EPIC Crude for long-term success while increasing its long-term strategic alignment with Diamondback and Kinetik.

    EPIC Crude continues to transport more than 600 MBpd and has secured MVCs or contracts for approximately 90% of 2025 total volumes while substantially extending the weighted average contract life. EPIC Crude’s differentiated strategy helps its customers gain access to all markets and docks in Corpus Christi, in addition to the Dated Brent market through the EPIC dock.

    “Along with our execution over the past couple of years, these transactions position EPIC Crude for continued strategic and financial success,” said Brian Freed, Chief Executive Officer of EPIC Midstream. “The business continues to be transformed, and the strategic importance of this asset is supported by our Partners’ long-term commitments. EPIC Crude continues to be a critical asset for Permian Basin crude production egress to the Corpus Christi market.”

    “This series of transactions signifies a major step in ensuring reliable, cost-effective takeaway out of the basin for our expanded crude portfolio for a significant period of time, and positions EPIC Crude to be our preferred crude pipeline given our increased ownership stake and expanded governance role in the joint venture,” said Kaes Van’t Hof, President and Chief Financial Officer of Diamondback.

    “We are excited to partner with Diamondback, Ares Management funds and EPIC Midstream on these transactions,” said Jamie Welch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinetik. “Our volume commitment, alongside Diamondback, will generate incremental value for our crude customers seeking access to a premium market.”

    “Going forward, we believe EPIC Crude is even better positioned for shared business, customer and owner success,” said Robert Kimmel, Partner in the Ares Private Equity Group. “We remain excited to partner with Brian and his team in this transformative next chapter for EPIC Crude.”

    EPIC Crude’s financial profile continues to strengthen and is supported by continued improvement expected in its credit ratings. Its improving leverage, investment grade customers, and long-term contract profile provide a strong foundation for the business.

    EPIC Crude has the only remaining opportunity for a large-scale, highly economic crude oil pipeline expansion in the Permian. The potential expansion project is highly economic given its limited capital requirements, mostly focused on additional pumps for the existing pipeline. EPIC Crude anticipates the potential expansion project will be carried out with fully underwritten contracts, with the Partners having an option for approximately one-third of the expansion capacity.

    About EPIC Midstream

    EPIC was formed in 2017 to build, own and operate midstream infrastructure in the Delaware, Midland and Eagle Ford basins. EPIC’s Crude Oil Pipeline and NGL Pipeline each span approximately 700 miles and transport crude and natural gas liquids for delivery from the Permian and Eagle Ford basins into the Corpus Christi market. The Crude Oil Pipeline connects to the Port of Corpus Christi, including EPIC’s Marine Terminal, third-party export terminals and local refineries. EPIC’s NGL Pipeline has connectivity to EPIC’s operated fractionation complex in Robstown, Texas as well as Gulf Coast refiners, petrochemical companies and export markets. EPIC is a portfolio company of funds managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management. For more information, visit www.epicmid.com.

    About EPIC Crude

    EPIC Crude Holdings, LP (“EPIC Crude”) was formed in 2017 to build and operate the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline, a 700-mile, 30” crude oil pipeline that extends from Orla, Texas to the Port of Corpus Christi and services the Midland, Delaware and Eagle Ford basins. The Crude Oil Pipeline is currently operating at a capacity of greater than 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) and has a maximum capacity of 1,000,000 bpd, as well as total operational storage of approximately 7,500,000 barrels. EPIC Crude includes terminals in Orla, Pecos, Saragosa, Crane, Wink, Midland, Helena and Gardendale, with Port of Corpus Christi connectivity and export access.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    About Kinetik Holdings Inc.

    Kinetik is a fully integrated, pure-play, Permian-to-Gulf Coast midstream C-corporation operating in the Delaware Basin. Kinetik is headquartered in Houston and Midland, Texas. Kinetik provides comprehensive gathering, transportation, compression, processing and treating services for companies that produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and water. Kinetik posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.kinetik.com. 

    Investor and Media Contacts:

    EPIC Midstream Holdings, LP
    Mike Garberding
    Chief Financial Officer        
    (346) 231-1776
    mike.garberding@epicmid.com

    Kinetik
    Alex Durkee
    Investor Relations        
    (713) 574-4743
    adurkee@kinetik.com

    Diamondback
    Adam Lawlis
    Investor Relations
    (432) 221-7467
    alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Reportage: Nine out of ten targeted by scams, but New Zealanders getting more scam savvy

    Source: BNZ statements

    New research from Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) shows a significant jump in scam activity over the past 12 months, with nine out of ten New Zealanders targeted by a scam, up 13 percent on the same time last year.

    But while the volume of scams has surged, New Zealanders are getting more scam savvy, with only one in ten falling victim.

    The research comes as BNZ launches its annual Scam Savvy Week to raise awareness, help people know how to identify scams, and be safer online.

    BNZ’s Head of Financial Crime, Ashley Kai Fong, says, “While it’s fantastic that New Zealanders are learning to spot the red flags, the sheer volume of scams is a stark reminder for all of us to remain vigilant.

    “All scams require people to do something – whether that’s clicking on a link, engaging in a conversation, or sending money. Ultimately the best defence against scams is you. If you can recognise the signs of a scam, you’re less likely to fall victim. That’s why BNZ has developed tools and resources to help New Zealanders get scam savvy at www.getscamsavvy.co.nz.”

    Businesses getting “con-conscious”  

    Businesses have also improved their ability to identify and avoid scams, with the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) falling victim to scams dropping from 47 percent in 2022 to 34 percent in 2023.

    “Scams are a significant threat to our business community, but these figures show that SMEs are taking the right steps to protect themselves,” says Kai Fong.

    Despite the reduction, businesses are not being complacent. Reporting of scams to banks has seen a marked increase, with 60 percent of businesses scammed in 2023 reporting the incident, compared to 39 percent in the previous year.

    “This underscores the growing awareness among businesses of the importance of swift reporting and robust prevention measures. It’s a clear indication that the business community is recognising the threat posed by scammers,” says Kai Fong.

    More people reporting scams, but further progress needed

    Reporting by individuals also increased with 64 percent of individuals impacted by a scam reporting it, up from 46 percent last year.

    “Reporting scams is a crucial step in fighting fraud,” says Kai Fong. “It provides valuable data to help us understand and combat these threats more effectively, making it harder for scammers to operate.

    “It’s great that Kiwis are increasingly reporting scams, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Too many of us don’t report scams, or even tell loved ones, due to embarrassment or shame, but we need to remember that this is a scammer’s fulltime job.

    “Every minute of every day, they are out there thinking of new ways to take people’s hard-earned money. There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you do experience a scam, and by reporting it, you could be helping someone avoid being scammed in the future.”

    Top three scams 

    Government impersonation scams were the most prevalent over the last 12 months (45%), followed by bank impersonation scams (31%), and fake lottery, prize or grant scams (24%).

    Email was found to be the most common channel for scams (40%), followed by text (34%), and social media (28%).

    “Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, impersonating trusted brands and institutions and exploiting a range of channels to deceive New Zealanders,” says Kai Fong.

    Despite the rise in scams, the research shows that educating New Zealanders to spot and avoid scams is helping to keep them safe.

    “Around two-thirds of those surveyed reported having seen educational material about scam prevention,” he says. “Knowledge is power. We want as many people as possible to get Scam Savvy as the more we know about scams, the better equipped we are to spot and avoid them.”

    Our Scam Savvy tools are available online at www.getscamsavvy.co.nz.

    Top tips to get Scam Savvy

    • Don’t click on links or open attachments sent by someone you don’t know or seem out of character for someone you do know. Hover over links to reveal the actual site.
    • If it doesn’t seem right, call the sender using contact details you already have or that are available on their public website.
    • Urgency is a red flag – scammers will try to rush you.
    • Banks will never ask for your bank account details, password or pin number, nor will they send you an email or text message with a link asking you to log in.
    • Keep your computer and phone security software up to date.
    • If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank as soon as possible.
    • Trust your gut – if it feels wrong, it probably is.

    Scam Savvy Research

    Other key findings from BNZ’s research:

    • One in ten New Zealanders have fallen victim to a scam in the last 12 months, losing money, personal information, bank or card details, or device access
    • Of those that lost money, two thirds (69%) lost under $500, 26 percent between $500 and $5,000, and five percent over $5,000
    • Email is the most common way to have fallen victim to a scam (40%), followed by text (34%), social media (28%), phone calls (18%), online websites (9%) or by someone you know (3%)
      • Those aged 15 – 34 years are more likely to have been targeted via social media (44%)
      • Social media and online website scams are harder for victims to recover stolen money, with 56 percent of victims who were targted via social media and 22 percent of victims targeted via an online website saying they couldn’t recover their money
    • Those over the age of 50 are more likely to be targeted by tech scam calls
    • One in ten males has responded to a dating or romance scam in the last 12 months, significantly higher than females
    • Females are more likely to be more concerned about their personal data online

    Business stats

    • 45 percent of SMEs reported being the target of scam attempts in the last year
    • Of those targeted, one third have responded to a scam attempt, by clicking on a link (15%), or replying to the scam via email, text, or phone call (14%)
    • Almost half (47%) of scam attempts are by email, with another 38% by text message. One third (33%) are by phone calling, with websites (19%) and social media (18%) rounding out the top 5
    • One in five (22%) of SMEs reported falling victim to a scam in the last 12 months
    • 43 percent of businesses that fell for a scam reported a financial loss. Of those, more than half lost less than $500, 38 percent between $501 and $5,000, and 11 percent lost more than $5,000. It is important to note that losses to scams are not just financial, and can include data loss, operational impacts, technical damage and/or reputational damage

    The post Nine out of ten targeted by scams, but New Zealanders getting more scam savvy appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Reportage: BNZ warns of increased tax scams as tax time approaches

    Source: BNZ statements

    As tax time approaches, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is urging New Zealanders to be alert to the heightened risk of tax-related scams.

    “The end of the financial year is a prime opportunity for scammers, who take advantage of tax time to trick and defraud New Zealanders out of their money,” says Ashley Kai Fong, BNZ’s Head of Financial Crime.

    “Scammers exploit the urgency and importance of tax-related matters, creating fraudulent but realistic scenarios about tax debts or refunds that can seem both timely and credible,” he says.

    “Tax scams are particularly effective because people often have genuine interactions with the IRD during this time of year,” says Kai Fong. “Scammers exploit this familiarity to make their attempts more believable. It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of any unsolicited communication claiming to be from government agencies.

    “A recent example we’ve seen is of customers receiving an email claiming to be from the IRD. The email, which originates from an unofficial email address, contains a link that directs customers to a fraudulent IRD website, which then leads them to a fake bank login page.

    “Examples like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited emails, even if they appear to be from trusted sources like the IRD or government agencies.”

    New Zealanders should always access their accounts through official websites, rather than clicking on a link which directs them to do so.

    “At this time of year, be particularly wary of emails or communications about tax refunds or debts. Verify the source thoroughly, and if in doubt, contact the IRD via the details on its official website. Remember, the IRD will never prompt you to log in to your online banking via their website or ask you to provide your banking login credentials.

    “The simplest yet most powerful defence you have is being aware. Trust your instincts and always take a sec to check before providing sensitive information.”

    In case of suspicious activity or suspected scams, BNZ encourages anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam to contact their bank immediately. For more information on protecting yourself from scams, visit www.getscamsavvy.co.nz.

    The post BNZ warns of increased tax scams as tax time approaches appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF and Ukrainian Authorities Reach Staff Level Agreement on the Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement– Ukraine

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 10, 2024

    • International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and the Ukrainian authorities have reached staff-level agreement (SLA) on the Fifth Review of the 4-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement. Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, Ukraine would have access to about US$ 1.1 billion (SDR 834.8 million).
    • Program performance remains strong. The authorities met all end-June quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) and the structural benchmark for the review. Understandings were also reached on policy settings and reforms to sustain macroeconomic stability as the war continues.
    • The economy remained resilient in the first half of 2024, but headwinds are intensifying and the outlook remains exceptionally uncertain. The continuing war will entail fresh financing needs, requiring determined policy efforts by the authorities and large-scale support from donors.

    Kyiv, Ukraine – September 10, 2024: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Gavin Gray held discussions in Kyiv with the Ukrainian authorities, during September 4-10, 2024, on the Fifth Review of the country’s 4-year EFF Arrangement. Upon the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Gray issued the following statement:

    “IMF staff and the Ukrainian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the Fifth Review of the EFF. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, with Board consideration expected in the coming weeks.

    “Ukraine’s four-year EFF Arrangement with the IMF, continues to provide a strong anchor for the authorities’ economic program in times of exceptionally high uncertainty. Performance under the program has remained strong despite the war, with all quantitative performance criteria for end-June met, as well as the structural benchmark due for this review.

    “Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on the country and its people. Skillful policymaking, the adaptability of households and firms, and robust external financing has helped support macroeconomic and financial stability. Real GDP grew by 6.5 percent y/y in the first quarter of 2024, inflation has remained low at 5.4 percent y/y in July, and gross international reserves were adequate at US$42.3 billion as of September 1.

    “However, an economic slowdown is expected in 2024H2 due to repeated attacks on energy infrastructure and the impact of the war on labor markets and confidence; growth is expected at 3 percent for 2024. Addressing the energy deficit ahead of the winter is critical, requiring coordinated efforts, including with international partners. With the war is expected to continue through 2025, real GDP growth is projected to be between 2.5-3.5 percent. Inflation is expected to rise to around 9 percent by end-2024. Risks to the outlook remain exceptionally high.

    “The 2025 Budget needs to respect financing constraints and debt sustainability objectives, and determined domestic revenue mobilization efforts are critical. Timely and predictable external financial support, on terms consistent with debt sustainability, remains indispensable for maintaining economic stability.

    “Tax revenues need to increase in 2025 and beyond to create space for critical spending, to preserve essential buffers and restore fiscal sustainability. Achieving this will require the implementation of permanent tax policy measures and relentless efforts to close existing opportunities for tax evasion, improve compliance, and combat the shadow economy, in line with the National Revenue Strategy (NRS). Legislation to reform the Customs code should confirm the central role of the Finance Ministry in overseeing customs, while robust processes should be established for selecting a permanent head of customs as well as other key leadership roles.

    “The successful treatment of Ukraine’s Eurobonds will deliver substantial debt relief, freeing up resources for priority spending areas. Attention is now shifting to the remaining external commercial claims in the restructuring perimeter, including the GDP warrants, which should be treated in line with the program’s strategy to restore debt sustainability.

    “Upside risks to inflation have reduced the scope for further easing through the end of the year, and the monetary policy stance remains appropriate and consistent with achieving the inflation target over the medium term. The exchange rate should continue to act as a shock absorber and adjust to market fundamentals, thereby helping to safeguard external stability. Appropriate monetary policy combined with the framework of managed exchange rate flexibility should help prevent excessive exchange rate volatility and the de-anchoring of FX and inflation expectations. A judicious and staged approach to FX liberalization should continue in line with the National Bank of Ukraine’s (NBU) strategy, and consistent with the overall policy mix.

    “Effective governance frameworks are critical for durable growth, levelling the playing field, and pursuing the path to EU accession. In this regard, the independence, competence, and credibility of anti-corruption and judicial institutions should continue to be enhanced. In particular, strengthening the criminal procedural code, establishing a new high administrative court, and reforming the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine are key. The inaugural external audit of the National Anti-corruption Bureau is a short-term priority. The full supervisory board of Ukrenergo should be re-established by end-December.

    “The financial sector is stable and liquid, with reforms continuing apace despite challenges under Martial Law. To preserve financial stability and enhance preparedness for potential shocks, priorities include strengthening the bank rehabilitation framework, contingency planning, and bank governance.

    “The mission met with Finance Minister Marchenko, National Bank of Ukraine Governor Pyshnyy, other government ministers, public officials and civil society. The mission thanks them and their technical staff for their close collaboration and constructive discussions.”


    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/11/pr24326-IMF-and-Ukrainian-Authorities-Reach-Staff-Level-Agreement-Fifth-Review-EFF

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation Discussions with the Kingdom of the Netherlands—Curaçao and Sint Maarten

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 17, 2024

    Washington, DC: On September 10, 2024, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation discussions[1] with the Kingdom of the Netherlands—Curaçao and Sint Maarten and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting on a lapse-of-time basis[2]. These consultation discussions form part of the Article IV consultation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

    Context. Curaçao and Sint Maarten have continued to experience a vigorous post-pandemic recovery underpinned by strong stayover tourism, which is outperforming Caribbean peers. Headline inflation has declined rapidly led by international oil price developments, notwithstanding a recent uptick, while core inflation remains elevated. In both countries, current account deficits improved markedly from pandemic years but remain high. Fiscal positions remained strong and in compliance with the fiscal rule. The landspakket, the structural reform package agreed with the Netherlands in 2020, continues to guide both countries’ reform agenda.

    Curaçao outlook. Growth is expected to accelerate in 2024 before gradually converging to its potential over the medium term. Stayover tourism supported by fiscal expansion is projected to drive economic growth at a robust 4.5 percent in 2024 due to new airlifts and further expansion in hotel capacity. Growth is then expected to moderate to reach 1.5 percent over the medium term, given subpar investment and productivity growth coupled with sustained population decline and beginning saturation in tourism flows, assuming no further reforms and diversification. Headline inflation is projected to decline mildly to 3.2 percent in 2024 from 3.5 percent in 2023, but to continue falling towards its steady state of around 2 percent by 2027 reflecting international price developments. Fiscal balances would be guided by the fiscal rule and debt would continue to decline, while surpluses narrow as investments return and social spending pressures mount. The current account deficit is expected to improve in the medium term but would remain elevated.

    Sint Maarten outlook. Growth is expected to moderate in the medium term as tourism recovery and the reconstruction taper off. Growth is expected to be 2.7 percent in 2024 and 3 percent in 2025, supported by a delayed recovery in cruise passengers towards pre-pandemic levels. However, the near-term outlook is threatened by the electricity load shedding (since June) and political instability. From 2026 onwards, growth is expected to gradually converge towards 1.8 percent as the stimulus from the reconstruction peters out, and tourism growth becomes constrained by the island’s carrying capacity and ailing infrastructure. Inflation is expected to remain broadly contained while remaining vulnerable to international price developments. Over the medium term, the government will continue to comply with the golden fiscal rule and capacity constraints will continue to weigh on public investment.

    Monetary Union. Monetary policy is appropriately targeted towards maintaining the peg. Efforts to absorb excess liquidity should continue while closely monitoring developments in core inflation driven by tourism-related services. The financial sector is sound and risks to financial stability have substantially diminished as the CBCS advances its reform agenda. Banks are highly liquid and adequately capitalized and systemic risks are contained. Building on the CBCS’s strong progress in strengthening supervisory and regulatory capacity, and the recent resolution agreement for ENNIA, staff welcomes CBCS’s continued efforts in its reform agenda, including financial stability and crisis management.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Curaçao

    Curaçao’s economy successfully embraced the pivot towards tourism-led growth, giving rise to a strong near-term outlook. After losing key traditional industries, Curaçao quickly and successfully leveraged its tourism potential to grow, attract new hotels, and create jobs. While this is serving the economy well in the near term – growth is projected to accelerate to 4½ in 2024 – structural shifts have started to emerge, including a low-skilled, informal recovery of the labor market amidst low investment in non-tourist sectors. Growth is expected to moderate over the medium term given saturation in tourism flows, sustained population decline, and subpar investment. Notwithstanding the economy’s recent overperformance, inflation declined significantly and only reversed some of its gains recently on the back of higher international oil prices and unfavorable base effects. Inflation is expected to gradually converge towards its steady state rate of around 2 percent. Fiscal policy remains guided by the fiscal rule, albeit past surpluses are expected to unwind, allowing for the reversal of pandemic wage cuts and a return of public investments. The current account markedly improved thanks to lower oil prices but the deficit remains elevated.

    Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced. Growth slowdown in major economies could negatively impact tourism receipts, while positive surprises could boost foreign demand. Domestically, a successful expansion of renewable energy and faster-than-expected development of hotel capacity and yachting marinas would boost growth, while delays in public investment and more persistent core inflation could dent tourist experience and competitiveness.

    Efforts to safeguard recently created fiscal space are welcome. Overall surpluses in 2022 and 2023 helped reduce debt and granted access to favorable financing terms from the Netherlands. Safeguarding this space and avoiding procyclical impetus is warranted, including through more gradual unwinding of pandemic wage cuts in 2024, prudent liquidity management to repay a bullet loan in 2025, and general efforts to strengthen tax administration, review procurement and domestic arrears management, and streamline transfers to public entities. Ensuing room for maneuver could be used for priority investments, including for climate adaptation, guided by a medium-term fiscal framework steering towards the island’s debt anchor.

    Healthcare and pension reforms are needed to lock in a sustainable expenditure path and mitigate medium-term fiscal risks. Growing health and old-age pension deficits, exacerbated by an aging population, pose risks to the sustainability of public finances. Recent initiatives to incentivize the use of generics and raise the pension age are commendable, and more needs to be done to put the system on a sustainable path. Staff sees a broad range of efficiency gains in health spending, including lowering pharmaceuticals and laboratory costs and enhancing primary care’s gatekeeping role. Reforms on the revenue side, including broadening the contributor base and increasing co-payments, are politically more difficult.

    Sustaining the positive growth momentum in the medium term requires investments in capital and labor and resolving existing growth bottlenecks. First, moving up the value chain with high-end resorts and complementary recreational activities would help sustain valuable income growth from tourism but requires scaling up investments in infrastructure and deregulating the transportation sector. Second, further investments in electricity grid and energy storage, as well as a revised pricing strategy, are needed to accompany the ongoing energy transition and reap its vast benefits, including lower fuel imports, emissions, and electricity prices. The envisaged floating offshore wind park for hydrogen production would be a game changer for the island. Boosting public investment to achieve these objectives, however, requires ramping up capacity in planning and execution. Third, to further stimulate growth and offset the sustained population decline, formal labor markets and skills would need to be strengthened. And fourth, continued improvements in the business climate in line with the landspakket’s economic reform pillar could help overcome decade-low productivity growth.

    Important strides in reducing ML/FT vulnerabilities are welcome and could be built upon. The draft online gaming law, implementation of risk-based supervision, and a new law to address EU grey listing and enable automatic information exchange represent important strides in enhancing Curaçao’s defenses against ML/FT and related reputational risks. Curaçao can further improve upon these important accomplishments, including by passing and implementing the aforementioned legislations in a timely manner and enhancing coordination and monitoring across relevant agencies.

    Sint Maarten

    Near-term growth is strongly anchored but preserving the positive momentum hinges on investments to revamp an ailing infrastructure and improve tourism’s value added. The economic recovery is well underway, underpinned by tourism recovery and the reconstruction. GDP is expected to surpass its pre-Irma level in 2025. However, without investments to upgrade an ailing infrastructure, growth will falter as the island approaches its maximum carrying capacity. Strategies should continue to focus on enhancing tourist’s experience, differentiating from other Caribbean destinations, and improving tourism’s value added.

    A comprehensive strategy is required to durably resolve the electricity crisis. Mobile electricity generators have been leased and efforts to replace old engines are underway. Once the immediate crisis is resolved, efforts should be devoted towards developing a detailed masterplan for the energy transition with targets, projects, costing, timeline, and a comprehensive assessment of ancillary investments. The Trust Fund could receive a new mandate, beyond 2028, to operate as a public investment agency in charge of planning, securing the financing, and implementing plans for the energy transition.

    Revenue mobilization efforts are essential to ensure fiscal sustainability. Plans to lower tax rates, to make the country more competitive with neighboring islands, should be avoided as this would reduce government’s revenues and endanger fiscal sustainability. Instead, additional revenues are required to satisfy the fiscal rule, service loans with the Netherlands, raise public wages to attract and retain talent, increase transfers to cover public health costs, and clear public arrears with the SZV. Envisaged reforms to enhance the tax administration and to digitize and interface government systems should be complemented with plans to i) tax casinos’ profits, turnover, and winnings; ii) enforce the lodging tax on short-term rentals, and income and profit tax on the proceeds from such rentals; iii) update the price of land leases; and iv) institute a tourist levy at the airport.

    Without reforms, the healthcare and pensions funds are unsustainable. Health premiums and government transfers are insufficient to cover health costs, which are being cross-financed with pension savings. With unchanged policies, given population aging and rising administrative costs, both health and pensions funds will run deficits by 2027, and the SZV would deplete its liquid assets by 2027. By 2030, the government would need to transfer about 4 percent of GDP per year to sustain the system. Reforms are urgently needed to contain health costs including: i) introducing the General Health Insurance, ii) rationalizing benefits, iii) extending the use of generics, iv) optimizing referrals, v) strengthening preventing care, and vi) adopting out-of-pocket payments. Given the rapid pace of population aging, additional measures such as increasing the contribution rates and linking the retirement age to life expectancy, should also be considered.

    Strengthening the implementation of AML/CFT measures is necessary to increase effectiveness of the AML/CFT regime. Laws for an effective AML/CFT framework were approved but their implementation is lagging. UBO registration is yet to begin, while the investigation and prosecution of suspicious activities is lacking. Granting the FIU full independence to investigate and prosecute cases, and increasing its budget for recruitment and operations could strengthen the AML/CFT framework.

     

    The Monetary Union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten

    The current account deficit is expected to improve in the medium term but would remain elevated, while international reserves are expected to remain broadly stable. Large CADs in both countries are expected to improve and remain well-financed, leading to a stable and broadly adequate level of international reserves over the medium term. Curaçao’s external position is assessed to be weaker than implied by fundamentals and desired policy settings due to an elevated CAD and sustained appreciation of the real effective exchange rate, while that of Sint Maarten is considered in line with fundamentals and desired policy settings.

    Monetary policy is appropriately targeted towards maintaining the peg. In line with global monetary policy tightening, the CBCS increased its benchmark rate during 2022-23 and has kept it unchanged since September 2023. Efforts to absorb excess liquidity should continue while closely monitoring developments in core inflation driven by tourism-related services. Even though credit growth declined further and reached negative territory in real terms amidst monetary tightening, the transmission mechanism of monetary policy remains weak. Structural factors include the absence of interbank and government securities markets. The continued increase in mortgages, the only credit component to display growth, was accompanied by a broadly stable loan-to-value ratio on aggregate, albeit more granular data is needed to monitor potential vulnerabilities. Further acceleration in mortgage credit could warrant introducing a macro prudential limit below the currently by banks self-imposed ratio.

    The financial sector is sound and risks to financial stability have substantially diminished as the CBCS advances its reform agenda. Banks are highly liquid and adequately capitalized and systemic risks are contained. Near-term risks to financial stability have substantially diminished with the agreement for a controlled wind-down of ENNIA and the start of the restructuring process, as well as the CBCS’s continued improvements in supervision, regulation, and governance. Staff welcomes CBCS’s initiatives to establish a financial stability committee, further refine stress-testing, and enhance crisis management capacities, including lender of last resort and a deposit insurance scheme.

    Table 1. Curaçao: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2020–25

    (Percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated)

     

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    Prel.

    Prel.

    Prel.

    Prel.

    Proj.

    Real Economy

    Real GDP (percent change)

    -18.0

    4.2

    7.9

    4.2

    4.5

    3.5

    CPI (12-month average, percent change)

    2.2

    3.8

    7.4

    3.5

    3.2

    2.4

    CPI (end of period, percent change)

    2.2

    4.8

    8.4

    3.1

    3.2

    2.4

    GDP deflator (percent change)

    2.2

    3.8

    4.0

    3.5

    3.2

    2.4

    Unemployment rate (percent) 1/

    13.1

    13.5

    7.2

    7.0

    6.9

    6.6

    Central Government Finances 2/

    Net operating (current) balance

    -15.0

    -10.6

    0.7

    0.6

    0.0

    0.5

    Primary balance

    -13.2

    -8.8

    2.0

    2.5

    2.0

    1.9

    Overall balance

    -14.5

    -10.0

    1.0

    1.3

    0.1

    0.5

    Central government debt 3/

    87.1

    90.3

    81.6

    70.8

    65.4

    61.1

    General Government Finances 2, 4/

    Overall balance

    -15.7

    -10.4

    0.3

    0.9

    -0.3

    -0.1

    Balance of Payments

    Current account

    -27.2

    -18.6

    -26.8

    -19.7

    -17.9

    -16.5

    Goods trade balance

    -37.0

    -41.6

    -47.9

    -38.3

    -40.4

    -39.9

       Exports of goods

    10.7

    12.5

    18.0

    16.9

    16.5

    16.2

       Imports of goods

    47.7

    54.1

    65.9

    55.2

    56.9

    56.1

    Service balance

    9.6

    21.7

    20.5

    18.4

    22.6

    23.7

       Exports of services

    29.3

    37.2

    48.6

    46.6

    50.3

    51.3

       Imports of services

    19.7

    15.6

    28.1

    28.2

    27.7

    27.6

    External debt

    197.3

    194.8

    180.9

    177.1

    169.1

    164.0

    Memorandum Items

    Nominal GDP (millions of U.S. dollars)

    2,534

    2,740

    3,075

    3,318

    3,578

    3,789

    Per capita GDP (U.S. dollars)

    16,492

    18,135

    20,648

    22,160

    23,775

    25,065

    Credit to non-government sectors (percent change)

    0.1

    -9.7

    3.2

    2.5

    …

    …

    Sources: The Curaçao authorities and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Staff understands that the unemployment rate of 7.0 percent published in the 2023 Census data is not comparable to the historically published unemployment rates from the labor force survey by the Curacao Bureau of Statistics. As such, staff estimated the unemployment rate and overall labor force for the period of 2012 to 2022. Staff understands that the Curacao Bureau of Statistics intends to revise the historical series in the near future.

    2/ Defined as balance sheet liabilities of the central government except equities. Includes central government liabilities to the social security funds.

    3/ Budgetary central government consolidated with the social security fund (SVB).

    4/ The latest available datapoint is as of 2018. Values for 2019-2023 are IMF staff estimates based on BOP flow data.

     

     

    Table 2. Sint Maarten: Selected Economic Indicators 2020–25

    (Percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated)

     

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    Est.

    Est.

    Est.

    Est.

    Proj.

    Real Economy

     

       

    Real GDP (percent change) 1/

    -20.4

    7.1

    13.9

    3.5

    2.7

    3.0

    CPI (12-month average, percent change)

    0.7

    2.8

    3.6

    2.1

    2.5

    2.3

    Unemployment rate (percent) 2/

    16.9

    10.8

    9.9

    8.6

    8.5

    8.2

       

    Government Finances

     

       

    Primary balance excl. Trust Fund operations 3/

    -8.7

    -5.4

    -0.6

    1.5

    0.9

    0.9

    Current balance (Authorities’ definition) 4/

    -9.6

    -6.3

    -1.5

    0.5

    -0.1

    0.0

    Overall balance excl. TF operations

    -9.3

    -5.9

    -1.1

    1.0

    0.2

    0.2

    Central government debt 5/

    56.1

    55.3

    49.3

    49.0

    46.2

    44.1

       

    Balance of Payments

     

       

    Current account

    -25.5

    -24.6

    -3.9

    -7.5

    -7.8

    -3.0

    Goods trade balance

    -40.7

    -49.8

    -59.2

    -59.3

    -62.4

    -60.5

       Exports of goods

    11.8

    11.4

    14.1

    14.8

    13.1

    11.2

       Imports of goods

    52.4

    61.2

    73.2

    74.1

    75.5

    71.7

    Service balance

    20.2

    33.1

    62.8

    60.3

    62.6

    65.2

       Exports of services

    34.4

    51.0

    78.7

    81.4

    81.5

    83.9

       Imports of services

    14.3

    17.9

    15.9

    21.1

    18.9

    18.7

    External debt 6/

    274.3

    253.7

    213.6

    206.3

    200.8

    194.0

       

    Memorandum Items

       

    Nominal GDP (millions of U.S. dollars)

    1,141

    1,268

    1,479

    1,563

    1,645

    1,733

    Per capita GDP (U.S. dollars)

    26,796

    29,646

    34,437

    36,088

    37,570

    39,160

    Credit to non-gov. sectors (percent change)

    2.4

    1.3

    4.5

    1.0

    …

    …

               

       Sources:

               

       1/ Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten and IMF staff estimates.

               

       2/ The size of the 2022 labor force reported by the 2023 Census was adjusted to ensure consistency with the reported total population.

       3/ Excludes Trust Fund (TF) grants and TF-financed special projects.

     

       4/ Revenue excl. grants minus interest income, current expenditure and depreciation of fixed assets.

     

       5/ The stock of debt in 2018 is based on financial statements. Values in subsequent years are staff’s estimates and are higher than the values under authorities’ definition in quarterly fiscal reports.

       6/ The latest available datapoint is as of 2018. Values for 2019-2022 are IMF staff estimates based on BOP flow data.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time-procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Reah Sy

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/17/pr-24330-curacao-and-sint-maarten-imf-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation-discussions

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 10m holiday travellers expected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Immigration Department today said it estimates that around 10.03 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming National Day festive period from September 28 to October 7.

    In consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection, the department added that it estimates around 8.54 million passengers will transit through land boundary control points.

    The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on October 1, with around 523,000 and 632,000 passengers respectively.

    Passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point is expected to reach a daily average of about 208,000 passengers, while the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point are forecast to handle around 185,000 and 118,000 passengers respectively.

    To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the department has minimised leave for frontline officers for the flexible deployment and operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks. Additional security guards will also be deployed to provide crowd management support.

    Apart from setting up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point with Police, Customs and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation to closely monitor passenger conditions, the department will establish close communication with Mainland authorities.

    Appropriate traffic diversion plans will also be adopted when necessary to ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow.

    Travellers are advised to plan in advance and avoid making their journeys during busy times.

    They can check the expected busy times at boundary control points on the department’s website and find the estimated waiting times at all land boundary control points via its app.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Law News – MinterEllisonRuddWatts named Gender Diverse Organisation Leader at governance awards

    Source: MinterEllisonRuddWatts

    Leading New Zealand law firm MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ diversity leadership was again recognised at the Women on Boards New Zealand’s Women in Governance Awards 2024 last night.
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts was awarded top honours for the Gender Diverse Organisation Leader (with more than 50 employees) category.
    The firm’s Chief Executive, Andrew Poole says ” This award is a reflection of the gender diversity within our board and the progress we’ve made across the firm. We recognise that there’s more work to be done but we are proud of our progress to encourage and support diversity and inclusion in all its forms. It’s the foundation of our firm’s unique culture.”
    Board member, Partner and the firm’s EDI Committee Chair, Janine Stewart accepted the award on behalf of MinterEllisonRuddWatts, commenting ” Setting both aspirational and achievable goals is vital to make a difference, and there needs to be some quick wins. This helps to build the momentum needed to tackle larger goals. We are proud of our work so far, but we acknowledge there is more to be done within our firm and the wider legal profession.”
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a proven leader in diversity and is proud of its progress and achievements to encourage and support greater gender equity. Examples of the firm’s commitment to empowerment, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) include:
    • Its established EDI Committee comprises partners and staff and focuses on advancing diversity in all its forms.
    • Being the first New Zealand law firm to publicly report its gender and ethnic pay gap via Mind the Gap.
    • Supporting the New Zealand Law Society’s Gender Equitable Engagement and Instruction Policy.
    • Paying the living wage as a minimum since 2021, and ensuring our key contractors are also paying their staff the living wage as a minimum.
    • Fostering cultural diversity by actively supporting cultural celebrations such as Māori language week, Diwali and Lunar New Year and Te Reo language classes are offered to all staff.
    • Supporting TupuToa’s scholarship programme to grow more Māori and Pacific leaders, by offering students fully paid internships and employment opportunities during their tertiary studies.
    • Partnering with the ICE Base and Global Women to support the next generation of women leaders.
    • Being Rainbow Tick certified which demonstrates our commitment to a LGBTTQIA+ inclusive culture and systems, and showing that we are a safe and welcoming workplace for employees who are members of the Rainbow community.
    • Providing unconscious bias training to all staff as part of our induction, and cultural intelligence training to leaders across the firm.
    • Being named National Firm of the Year for Gender Diversity at the Asia-Pacific Women in Business Law Awards 2023, for the sixth time. The awards recognise the best initiatives for gender diversity, innovation, mentoring, work-life balance, pro bono work and talent management.
    The Women in Governance Awards are New Zealand’s only awards celebrating women in governance, and organisations and individuals with a strong commitment to gender equity and diversity.
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a top tier New Zealand law firm known for providing clients with technically excellent legal solutions and innovative advice. We are trusted advisors and work alongside our clients to ensure success. We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington can access an international network through our firm’s strategic alliance with MinterEllison, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific. The firm supports numerous charitable endeavours and organisations through its pro bono and fundraising initiatives.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: News Releases

    Source: US State of Kansas

    TOPEKA—Applicants who successfully passed the Kansas bar examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys at 9:30 a.m. Friday, September 27, in Topeka. 

    The ceremony will take place at The Beacon at 420 SW 9th St.  

    New attorneys can choose to be sworn in during the ceremony Friday or at another time by a state or federal judge. 
     
    Chief Justice Marla Luckert will preside over the Supreme Court, and District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. 
     
    Doug Shima, clerk of the Kansas appellate courts, will administer the state oath. Traci Anderson, a clerk from the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, will administer the federal oath. 

    New attorneys 

    New attorneys eligible to be sworn in, listed alphabetically by county, are: 

    Barton 

    Clarissa Noelle Ratzlaff, Great Bend
    Jack Leander Roenne, Great Bend 

    Butler 

    Hayley Ann Koontz, Benton 

    Cherokee 

    Addison Alese Tucker, Galena 

    Cowley 

    John Michael Taylor, Atlanta 
    Christin Dunnell Smith, Winfield 

    Douglas 

    Madisyn Dianne Schmitz, Eudora 
    Michael Aaron Archer, Lawrence 
    Elm P. Beck, Lawrence 
    Damien James Burger, Lawrence 
    Chad Josiah Cook, Lawrence 
    Jackson Scott de la Garza, Lawrence 
    Rosston Joseph Eubank, Lawrence 
    Anna Christine Hedstrom, Lawrence 
    James Andrew Henderson, Lawrence 
    Natalie Alison Jabben, Lawrence 
    Carter Michael Jones, Lawrence 
    Makaylah Lynn Jones, Lawrence 
    Jared James Lenz, Lawrence 
    Sarah Kathryn Lynch-Chaput, Lawrence 
    Jillian Elizabeth Roy, Lawrence 
    Isabela Guadalupe Solorio, Lawrence 
    Collin Winslow Studer, Lawrence 
    Chloe Ann Thompson, Lawrence 
    Trace Lee Tobin, Lawrence 
    Elijah Jeffrey Waugh, Lawrence 
    Hudson David Weaver, Lawrence 

    Ellis 

    Brianna Kay Brin, Hays 

    Ford 

    Nichole Marie Byer, Dodge City 

    Harvey 

    Destiny Dawn Denney, Newton 

    Johnson 

    Mandi Michelle Abbott, Leawood 
    Megan Elizabeth Gannon, Leawood 
    Madisen Kate Hane, Leawood 
    Benjamin Richard Baker, Lenexa 
    Annie Elizabeth Birney, Lenexa 
    Drew Elizabeth Davis, Lenexa 
    Juliana Mare Herrera, Lenexa 
    Emily Hope O’Donnell, Lenexa 
    Samuel Alejandro Sketers, Lenexa 
    Lucas Ryan Zoller, Lenexa 
    Cinthia Terrazas, Mission 
    Dilini Lankachandra, Mission Hills 
    Madeline Lizette Ames, Olathe 
    Tristin Andrieu Lewis Dierking, Olathe 
    Isaiah Cole Eaton, Olathe 
    Morgan Renee Hood, Olathe 
    Kelsey Danielle Saunders, Olathe 
    Lindsay Marie Barash, Overland Park 
    Brooke Ashton Brownlee, Overland Park 
    Cody Von Byrd, Overland Park 
    Wangxue Deng, Overland Park 
    Makenzie Ryan Fankhauser, Overland Park 
    Emily Rosalyn Featherston, Overland Park 
    Jamie Elizabeth Gallagher, Overland Park 
    Richard Ryan Love, Overland Park 
    Alden John Vogel, Overland Park 
    Molly Sue Wackerly, Overland Park 
    Tiffany Lauren Wylde, Overland Park 
    Caitlin Daly McPartland, Prairie Village 
    Julea Miranda Pina, Prairie Village 
    Elizabeth Grace Rohr, Prairie Village 
    Monica Sandu, Prairie Village 
    Andrew Dean McLandsborough, Roeland Park 
    Caroline Maria Rene McCord, Shawnee 
    Nicholas Christopher Kaechele, Spring Hill 
    Caitlin Alyse Kremer, Spring Hill 

    Leavenworth 

    Angelique Joeann Margve, Basehor 

    Lyon 

    Nickolas Reid Velo, Emporia 

    Pottawatomie 

    Daniel Mark Frazier, Saint Marys 
    Margaret Elizabeth Shermoen, Wamego 

    Riley 

    Carolo Dionicio Gonzalex, Manhattan 
    Joseph Logan Hoover, Manhattan 
    Candice Lea Wilson, Manhattan 

    Saline 

    Emma Rose Dipota, Salina 
    William David Strommen, Salina 

    Sedgwick 

    Michael Dee Vinson, Derby  
    Michael Roy Van Deest, Maize  
    Gabrielle Christine Altenor, Wichita 
    Joel Geoffrey Amend, Wichita 
    Leslie Nichole Anderson, Wichita 
    Cameron Joseph Edens, Wichita 
    Brooke Stanton Flucke, Wichita 
    Baron Jack Hoy, Wichita 
    Sophia Ana Padgett, Wichita 
    Caitlin Corrine Riffer, Wichita 
    Makaela Breanne Stevens, Wichita 
    Ethan John Ward, Wichita 

    Shawnee 

    Joshua Nolan Becker, Topeka 
    Loretta Anne Caballero, Topeka 
    Jacob Wendell Cibulka, Topeka 
    Kiley Jan-Elizabeth Deain, Topeka 
    Andrew Zachary Foreman, Topeka 
    Edgar Fuentes, Topeka 
    Quinn McLean Hughes, Topeka 
    William Elliot Woody Naeger, Topeka 
    Dylan James Pryor, Topeka 
    Jacob Christian Alexander Reaves, Topeka 
    Carly Paige Steward, Topeka 
    Megan Kristine Walden, Topeka 
    Gabriel Reece Walker, Topeka 

    Wyandotte 

    Olivia Leigh Banes, Bonner Springs  
    Bailey Hannah Baker, Kansas City 

    _______________

    Arizona 

    Noel Kenmadu Ahaneku, Maricopa  
    Chance Matthew Berndt, Phoenix 

    Colorado 

    Emily Jean Marie McCurley, Larkspur 

    Florida 

    Bryna Rachelle Faimon, Pensacola 

    Iowa 

    Spencer Ray Mitchell, University Heights 

    Missouri 

    Samantha LeAnn Mishler, Independence 
    Kevin Christopher Birzer, Kansas City 
    Austin Marcus Polina, Kansas City  
    Brien Charles Stonebreaker, Kansas City 
    Vincent Cyrus Amiri, Kearney  
    Kyleigh Jo Rupe, Lee’s Summit 

    New York 

    Rebecca Rachel Halff, New York 

    Oklahoma 

    Paige Elizabeth Harding, Afton 

    South Carolina 

    Zachary Christian Freeman, Aiken 

    Virginia 

    Cody Grant Hoagland, Concord  
    Alisha Deanna Mehdi, Herndon 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Economics: ESX Gruppe AG: BaFin warns consumers against offers on website esx-gruppe.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority BaFin warns consumers against offers on website esx-gruppe.com. According to information available to BaFin, financial and investment services are being provided on this website without the required authorisation.

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SJ at forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, today (September 24):Vice President Vo (Vice President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Vo Tan Thanh), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,     Good afternoon, xin chào buổi trưa. Firstly, a very warm welcome, a very big thank you to all of you joining our forum this afternoon co-organised by the Department of Justice of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The theme of today’s forum is “Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond”.     In my opening remarks, I simply wish to try to answer two questions, two very obvious questions that I suppose you have in mind. Firstly, who we are; secondly, why are we here.     For the purpose of this forum, I have a very big delegation consisting not simply of government lawyers from my Department. The Department of Justice of Hong Kong is in fact quite similar to the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam. So, a lot of people would think I will be responsible for criminal prosecutions, giving advice to the Government. But perhaps not so well known is that, it is also one of my duties to promote legal services in Hong Kong to friends outside the jurisdiction. Apart from my colleagues from the Department of Justice, I am very fortunate to have the support of about 15 legal practitioners from Hong Kong. They are very experienced legal practitioners specialised in different areas. And in fact we have all together, if I recall correctly, six supporting organisations. And you can tell from the nature of the organisations to have some idea as to who these legal practitioners are representing. We have representatives from the two legal professional bodies in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, we still adopt the British system, we still have a divided legal profession. We have barristers who go to the courts to do advocacy work, and then we have solicitors handling all sorts of legal matters from non-contentious commercial matters to dispute resolution. So the representatives from two legal professional bodies, and then we have representatives from the main arbitration institutions in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, HKIAC, which is the main arbitration institute in Hong Kong. We also have the South China International Arbitration Center (Hong Kong), which is also a very important institution. And then we have the AALCO, Asian African Legal Consultative Organization, with a regional arbitration centre in Hong Kong. We also have a representative from eBRAM which provides electronic services, not just for dispute resolution, but also for deal making. So from looking at the nature of these organisations, I hope you will be convinced that we have a wide spectrum of legal practitioners who are going to share their experiences and their knowledge about Hong Kong legal services to you in due course.     Having told you very briefly who we are, the second question perhaps is even more relevant and important: Why are we here? What do we aim to achieve in the next couple of hours? We have two hours for the forum. We decided to share with you some of the things about Hong Kong which you may be interested in for the two hours. And I believe many of you will join our dinner after the forum, so it will be around four hours. A lot can be achieved within four hours.     As I said earlier, I come across this question quite often. People wonder, in my capacity as the Secretary for Justice, I should be responsible for legal matters. It is not really my responsibility to promote trade and finance. I am not a minister of commerce. So what on earth am I doing here? To answer this very pertinent question, I think we should remind ourselves of the very close relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong. I think we have to set the scene, we have to put things in context first.     As a matter of fact. I am sure you would agree that Hong Kong and Vietnam share very close ties both as a matter of history and also at present. Now we are in the beautiful city of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh is the founding father of Vietnam, and I am sure you would remember that Mr Ho Chi Minh actually founded the Communist Party of Vietnam in Hong Kong in the early 1930s. I had a very quick chat with Vice President Vo just a moment ago. He reminded me that in the last century, from the 60s, 70s, all the way up to 90s, a lot of trade concerning Vietnam actually went through Hong Kong for a lot of reasons. And then fast forward, what is the position as at today?     At the moment, I think there are more than 7 000 Vietnamese settling in Hong Kong, because I attended the national day celebration held by the Consul-General of Vietnam last week, so I got all the figures. There are more than 7 000 Vietnamese settling in Hong Kong. We have a lot of good Vietnam restaurants. I like the pho and banh mi. But more than that, we have roads and streets in Hong Kong named after places in Vietnam. We have the Saigon Street, Hanoi Road, so on and so forth.     Last October, the Hong Kong Government has relaxed some immigration regulations, and as a result, it is much easier and convenient for Vietnamese talent to come to work in Hong Kong. In addition, the criteria for taking multiple visas, either as tourists or on business, have also been relaxed. And a little bit closer to today, about two months ago, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Government came to Vietnam. I think he held a forum exactly in this particular venue. On that occasion, I was told that altogether 22 co-operation agreements have been signed between business people in Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong, covering a wide range of areas. And you look at the figures, look at the statistics, Vietnam is Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. I don’t remember the exact figures, but the amount is huge. And in terms of direct investment in Vietnam, the Vice President also confirmed to me that Hong Kong ranks among the top five.     So plainly, if you put the matter in context, the relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong has always been very close. And we look to the future. The Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam actually paid a visit to Hong Kong about two weeks ago to attend the Belt and Road Summit. And he gave a very inspiring speech touching upon the relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong. He mentioned the development plan of “Two Corridors, One Belt”, which is a very important development plan of Vietnam. He said he is hoping that we can connect the Vietnamese “Two Corridors, One Belt” plan with the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China. So these two plans actually can have a sort of very good synergy. So this is the background that I would like to remind ourselves.     But still you might think, well, I haven’t answered the very pertinent question yet, because so far I did not mention the word “law” very often. So how is legal service, how are lawyers in Hong Kong relevant to what I have said to the future relationship between the jurisdictions? I think the answer must be obvious, because most of you are very successful, very influential business people in Vietnam, and most of you will be engaged in international commercial investment transactions. And you must recognise that no matter how much you hate lawyers, in particular the fees that they are charging you, lawyers are indispensable from the moment you decided to set up a business in a foreign place to the point you have to negotiate or conclude a contract with a foreign party; when it comes to how to manage your risk when you set up a business in a particular place, including: should I be concerned about the labour law there, tax or whatsoever; and in the im
    portant event that you run into dispute with your business partner or other people that clearly you will require legal service to assist you to resolve dispute. So the point that I wish to make is that, in the whole business cycle, I would use the analogy “from cradle to grave” but need to be more precise in the context from the inception of a business to the termination, to the point when you rip your profit from your joint venture, at each and every stage, legal service would be indispensable. But that still doesn’t answer the question. Assuming legal service is indispensable, obviously you have to consider who should I instruct? Legal services of which jurisdiction would be to my advantage, would serve my best interest?     Now, here comes the ultimate objective of today’s event. I am hoping that after four hours, you will be convinced that Hong Kong will be your best choice. I am not suggesting that Hong Kong is the only choice because the choice is yours, but I am assisting you to make an informed choice. We will be trying our best to persuade you that among all the options, Hong Kong is the best choice. Why? Because Hong Kong is a common law gateway for Vietnamese businesses to China and beyond.     This is my short answer. We do have a long answer, but I am afraid that the long answer is not going to be given by me. It is going to be provided by my eminent friends coming from Hong Kong. They will speak from their own area of practices, from their experiences to substantiate the point that I wish to make. And of course, after they share their experiences and what they wish to tell you, at dinner time, I am hoping that most of you would join the dinner, I will have the chance to speak to you again, just to do my closing submission. I will wait for your verdict at the end of your dinner.     On this note, I hope you all have a very enjoyable afternoon and a very fruitful afternoon. And I hope that I will be able to convince you, because the duty of a lawyer is to convince people. I will be failing my duty if I am unsuccessful in this respect. I need your support and I am very optimistic because I have very good friends with me doing the job together with me. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Europe: The OSCE Mission to BiH Donates Specialized Equipment to Police K9 Units across the country

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

    Headline: The OSCE Mission to BiH Donates Specialized Equipment to Police K9 Units across the country

    The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has donated specialized equipment to K9 police units. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) has donated today specialized equipment to K9 police units across the country. The donation includes essential work gear and is part of the Mission’s project on Addressing Security and Safety Risks of Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their Ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina. K9 units will receive muzzles, Kevlar suits, training sleeves, scent detection boxes, specialized SALW suitcases, alpinist equipment for dogs as well as a scent detection carousel, altogether worth approximately EUR 70,000
    The equipment will increase the weapons and explosives detection capacities of various agencies across BiH, including the BiH Border Police, the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Police of Brčko District BiH, the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior, the Federal Police Administration, as well as the Ministries of Interior of the Tuzla Canton, Una-Sana Canton, and Zenica-Doboj Canton.
    “We are proud to be able to provide this gear to our partners across the country. It will significantly enhance the ability of police K9 units to detect concealed weapons, ammunition, and explosives,” said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “This donation would not have been possible if it were not for our international partners and the support that they have provided to the Project. Through our joint efforts we can help BiH address serious security threats and increases safety for all citizens,” he added.
    Mlađen Božović, Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Security, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing efforts to equip police agencies, enhancing their operational capabilities in the fight against illegal arms trade. He stated that: “These criminal activities present an increasing security challenge for all countries. Police agencies must adapt by continually strengthening their capacity to detect illegal weapons and disrupt smuggling routes. Preventing the illegal arms trade remains a top priority for the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our goal is to enhance security and prevent criminal activities related to weapons by curbing smuggling, both in the region and across the European Union member states.”
    The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to support authorities at all levels in mitigating security risks posed by the illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition. By this commitment, the Mission contributes to creating a safer and more secure environment for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    The multi-year project: Addressing Security and Safety Risks of Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their Ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina is implemented by the Mission thanks to the generous support provided by Austria, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovakia, Türkiye, and the United States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Security: St. George  — Two youths charged following assault with a weapon

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two youths have been charged following an assault with a weapon in St. George.

    On September 16, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., the St George RCMP Detachment responded to a report of an assault on Portage Street, in St. George. When police arrived on scene, they found a 43-year-old male victim. The man was transported to hospital with what were believed to be serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

    Shortly after, police were able to identify two youths of interest. The first youth was arrested September 17, 2024, and the second youth was arrested on September 18, 2024.

    On September 19, 2024, the two youths appeared in Saint John Provincial Youth Court, and were charged with aggravated assault. They were both later released on conditions and are expected to return to court at a later date.

    Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the assault to contact the St. George RCMP at 506-755-1130. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — RCMP investigates collision on Veterans Memorial Highway, occupants of truck flee scene, one apprehended by Police Service Dog Marlow

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Harbour Grace RCMP is continuing to investigate a collision that occurred between two vehicles on the Veterans Memorial Highway on the evening of September 20, 2024.

    Shortly before 7:15 p.m. on Friday, police received a report of the collision that occurred on the highway near Tilton. A truck towing a utility trailer crossed over the centre line and collided with an oncoming SUV. Two of the three occupants of the truck fled the scene on foot. The third occupant was located with serious injuries at the scene. The two occupants of the SUV received non-life-threatening injuries. All three individuals were transported to Carbonear General Hospital.

    RCMP Police Service Dog (PSD) Marlow and her handler were engaged and, while approaching the scene of the collision, observed a man in a wooded area on the side of the highway. The man, who had serious injuries, was identified as one of the occupants from the truck and was arrested for leaving the scene of the collision. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries and was released from police custody.

    The third occupant of the truck was tracked by PSD Marlow and her handler from the scene of the collision to a business in Spaniards Bay. Officers learned that the man had departed the business prior to their arrival. Efforts are underway for his arrest.

    A quantity of suspected cocaine, as well as numerous prescription pills, were located and seized from inside the truck.

    The investigation is continuing with charges pending.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G7 foreign ministers’ statement in New York, September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Following the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly, the following statement was made by Chair Antonio Tajani.

    1. Introduction

    In today’s meeting in New York, in the wake of the Summit of the Future, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law, humanitarian principles and international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and to protecting human rights and dignity for all individuals.

    They re-emphasized their determination to foster collective action in order to preserve peace and stability to address global challenges, such as the climate crisis and to advance the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    In doing so, the G7 members renewed their commitment to the promotion of free societies and democratic principles, where all persons can freely exercise their rights and freedoms.

    2. Summit for the Future

    In the spirit of the renewed determination to strengthen the multilateral system based on the UN Charter’s principles, as reflected  in the Pact for the Future adopted  at the Summit of the Future by world Leaders, the G7 members committed to continue working with countries and all relevant stakeholders  within the UN system through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect in the pursuit of common solutions, with the aim of upholding and reforming the multilateral system  so that it better reflects today’s world and is fit to respond to the complex global challenges of the future. They reaffirmed their commitment to work with all UN member states to strengthen the roles of the UNSG as well as the UNGA. They also recommitted to the reform of the UNSC.

    3. Steadfast Support to Ukraine

    The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support to Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, against Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression. The G7 members strongly condemned Russia’s blatant breach of international law, including the UN Charter, and of the basic principles that underpin the international order. They strongly condemned the serious violations of international humanitarian law perpetrated by Russia’s forces in Ukraine, which have caused a devastating impact on the civilian population. Violence against civilians, including women, children, and prisoners of war is unacceptable.

    They expressed their outrage at Russia’s repeated attacks against critical infrastructure and they condemned in the strongest possible terms any targeting of civilian buildings and even hospitals. Ensuring the protection and resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid and its power generation capacity remains a fundamental and urgent priority as winter approaches. They welcomed the international conference on energy security held on August 22. .as well as the ongoing coordination of the G7 energy group. They reiterated their commitment to help Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs, as well as support its long-term recovery and reconstruction priorities. 

    Russia must end its war of aggression and pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. The G7 members reiterated their commitment to explore and use all possible lawful avenues by which Russia is made to meet those obligations.

     The launch of the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine, as mandated by G7 leaders, will make available approximately USD 50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine that will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other relevant jurisdictions.

    The G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative are working, together with Finance Ministers, to operationalize the G7 Leaders’ commitment by the end of the year. They will maintain solidarity in this commitment to providing this support to Ukraine. The G7 members confirmed that, consistent with all applicable laws and their respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in their jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia ends its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine.

    They also committed to strengthening the Ukraine Donor Platform to help coordinate the disbursal of funds and ensure they align with Ukraine’s highest priority needs at a pace it can effectively absorb. This will play a key role in advancing Ukraine’s reforms in line with its European path and in contributing to a successful Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Italy in 2025.

    Any use of nuclear weapons by Russia in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine would be inadmissible. They therefore condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia’s irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric, as well as its posture of strategic intimidation. They also expressed their deepest concern about the reported use of chemical weapons as well as riot control agents as a method of warfare by Russia in Ukraine. 

    The G7 members remained committed to holding those responsible accountable for atrocities in Ukraine, in line with international law. They also condemned the seizures of foreign companies and called on Russia to reverse these measures and seek acceptable solutions with the companies targeted by them.

    They condemned Russia’s seizure and continued control and militarization of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which poses severe risks for nuclear safety and security, potentially affecting the entire international community. They reiterated their support to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts directed at mitigating such risks.

    They underlined once again their support for Ukraine’s right of self-defense and reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, recalling the launch of the Ukraine Compact in Washington on 11 July 2024. They re-affirmed the intention to increasing industrial production and delivery capabilities to assist Ukraine’s self-defense. They highlighted their support to Ukraine in its efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its own defense industry. They expressed their resolve to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to save lives and protect critical infrastructure.

    They remained committed to raising the costs of Russia’s war of aggression by building on the comprehensive package of sanctions and economic measures already in place. Though existing measures have had a significant impact on Russia’s war machine and ability to fund its invasion, its military is still posing a threat not just to Ukraine but also to international security.

    The G7 members expressed the intention to continue taking appropriate measures, consistent with their legal systems, against actors in China and in third countries that materially support Russia’s war machine, including financial institutions, and other entities that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of items for its defense industrial base.

    They expressed their intention to continue to apply significant pressure on Russian revenues from energy and other commodities. This will include improving the efficacy of the oil price cap policy by taking further steps to tighten compliance and enforcement, including against Russia’s shadow fleet, while working to maintain market stability.

    They especially emphasized the urgency to support Ukraine’s energy security, including by coordinating international assistance through the G7+Ukraine Energy Coordination Group. They underscored the importance to continue working with the Ukrainian authorities and International Financial Institutions through the Ukraine Donor Platform, and by mobilizing private investments and fostering participation of civil society.

    They highlighted the reality of millions of internally displaced Ukrainians and the importance of an inclusive rights-based, gender-responsive recovery, including the reintegration of veterans and civilians with disabilities, and to address the needs of women, children as well as other population groups who have been disproportionately affected by Russia’s war of aggression. They reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children and welcomed coordinated efforts to secure their safe return.  They called on Russia to release all persons it has unjustly detained and safely return all civilians it has illegally transferred or deported, starting with children. They welcomed the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10 point peace formula that will be hosted by Canada on October 30-31.

    They reiterated the need to support Ukraine’s agriculture sector, which is critical for global food supply, particularly for the most vulnerable nations, and called for unimpeded exports of grain, foodstuffs, fertilizers and inputs from Ukraine.

    They acknowledged the importance to involve the private sector in the sustainable economic recovery of Ukraine. They welcomed and underscored the significance of Ukraine itself continuing to implement domestic reform efforts, especially in the fields of anti-corruption, justice system reform, decentralization, and promotion of the rule of law. These endeavors are in line with the Euro-Atlantic path Ukraine has embraced. The G7 members were unanimous on the need to continue to support efforts of the Ukrainian government and people in these endeavors.

    They resolutely condemned Russia’s holding of illegitimate ‘elections’ in the occupied Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Russia’s actions once again demonstrate its blatant disregard for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, and the UN Charter. They called on all members of the international community to refrain from recognizing Russia’s illegitimate actions.

    They welcomed the Summit on Peace in Ukraine that took place in Switzerland on June 15-16 and its focus on the key priorities needed to achieve a framework for peace based on international law, including the UN Charter and its principles, and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They remained committed to follow up on the Conference through constructive engagement with all international partners to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

    The G7 members acknowledged that Russia continues to expand its campaigns of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). They condemned Russia’s use of FIMI to support its war of aggression against Ukraine. They reiterated their determination to bolster the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism by developing a collective response framework to counter foreign threats to democracies.

    4. Situation in the Middle East

    The G7 members reiterated their condemnation of Hamas’ horrendous attacks on October 7, 2023. 101 hostages are still in the hands of Hamas. They noted with deep concern the trend of escalatory violence in the Middle East and its repercussions on regional stability and on the lives of civilians shattered by this conflict, from the Gaza Strip to the Israeli-Lebanese Blue Line. Actions and counter-reactions risk magnifying this dangerous spiral of violence and dragging the entire Middle East into a broader regional conflict with unimaginable consequences. They called for a stop to the current destructive cycle, while emphasizing that no country stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.

    They expressed their deep concern about the situation along the Blue Line. They recognized the essential stabilizing role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon in mitigating that risk. They demanded the full implementation of UNSCR 1701 (2006) and urged that all relevant actors implement immediate measures towards de-escalation.

    The G7 members reaffirmed their strong support for the ongoing mediation efforts undertaken by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to reach a resolution between the parties to the conflict in Gaza. They reiterated their full commitment for the implementation of the UNSC Resolution 2735 (2024) and the comprehensive deal outlined by President Biden in May that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, to secure a pathway to a two-state solution with a safe Israel alongside a sovereign Palestinian state. They urged the parties to the conflict to unequivocally accept the ceasefire proposal, stressing the need for countries in a position to directly influence the parties to cooperate in strengthening mediation efforts. They called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions.

    They called on all parties to fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. They expressed their deep alarm for the heavy toll this conflict has taken on civilians, deploring all losses of civilian lives equally and noting with great concern that, after nearly a year of hostilities and regional instability, it is mostly civilians, including women and children, who are paying the highest price. Protection of civilians must be an absolute priority for all parties at all times.

    The G7 members expressed concern at the unprecedented level of food insecurity affecting most of the population in the Gaza Strip. Securing full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in all its forms and through all relevant crossing points remains an absolute priority. They urged all parties to allow the unimpeded delivery of aid and ensure protection of humanitarian workers by properly implementing de-confliction measures. They recognized the crucial role played by UN agencies and other humanitarian actors in delivering assistance especially health care for the most vulnerable persons, including the polio vaccination campaign. They expressed their support for UNRWA to effectively uphold its mandate, emphasizing the vital role that the UN Agency plays.

    The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering commitment, through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process, to the vision of a two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and in this regard stress the importance of unifying the Gaza strip with the West Bank under Palestinian Authority. We note that mutual recognition, to include the recognition of a Palestinian state, at the appropriate time, would be a crucial component of that political process.  They expressed their concern about the risk of weakening the Palestinian Authority and underlined the importance of maintaining economic stability in the West Bank. They welcomed the EU’s 400 million Euro emergency package for the Palestinian Authority. All parties must refrain from unilateral actions and from divisive statements that may undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including the Israeli expansion of settlements and the “legalization” of settlement outposts. They condemned the rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens prospects for a lasting peace. They expressed their deep concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank.

    They reiterated their commitment to working together – and with other international partners – to closely coordinate and institutionalize their support for civil society peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that they are part of a larger strategy to build the foundation necessary for a negotiated and lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace. The G7 members called on Iran to contribute to de-escalation of tensions in the region. They demanded that Iran cease its destabilizing actions in the Middle East. They underlined that they stand ready to adopt further sanctions or take other measures in response to further destabilizing initiatives.

    They reiterated their determination that Iran must never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon and that the G7 will continue working together, and with other international partners, to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. A diplomatic solution remains the best way to resolve this issue.  As the IAEA remains unable to verify that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, they urged Iran’s leadership to cease and reverse nuclear activities that have no credible civilian justification and to cooperate with the IAEA without further delay to fully implement their legally binding safeguards agreement and their commitments under UNSCR 2231(2015).

    They condemned in the strongest possible terms Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. Evidence that Iran has continued to transfer weaponry to Russia despite repeated international calls to stop represents a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has used Iranian weaponry such as UAVs to kill Ukrainian civilians and strike their critical infrastructure.

    They reiterated that Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs and related technology, which constitute a direct threat to the Ukrainian people as well as European and international security more broadly.

    They reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to hold Iran to account for its unacceptable support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine that further undermines global security. In line with their previous statements on the matter, they underscored that they are already responding with new and significant measures.

    They also reiterated their deep concern about Iran’s human rights violations, especially against women and minority groups. They reiterated their call on Iran to allow access to the country to relevant UN Human Rights Council Special Procedures mandate holders.

    De-escalation efforts in the region must also include the immediate and unconditional termination of any attack by the Houthis against international and commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. The G7 members reiterated their strong condemnation of these attacks and the right of countries to defend their vessels from attacks. They called for the immediate release by the Houthis of the Galaxy Leader and its crew. They expressed their strong concern about the August 21 attack on the merchant vessel Sounion and the ongoing risk of an environmental catastrophe as salvage operations continue. They welcomed the efforts by the EU maritime operation Aspides and by the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect vital sea lanes. They appreciated the efforts of those countries that are committed to protect freedom of navigation and trade, as well as maritime security, in line with UNSCR 2722 (2024) and in accordance with international law.

    5. Fostering partnerships with African Countries

    The G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to support African nations in the pursuit of sustainable development as well as the creation of jobs and growth. The focus remains on fostering fair partnerships, built on shared principles, democratic values, local leadership, and practical initiatives.

    They reiterated their intention to align actions with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the specific needs of African countries, including plans to improve local and regional food security, infrastructure, trade, and agricultural productivity. They expressed their support for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, a crucial factor for Africa’s growth in the next decade.

    The G7 members emphasized the need to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries and regional organizations. In addition to maintaining financial support for African nations, they expressed their determination to improve the coordination and effectiveness of G7 resources, mobilizing domestic resources and encouraging increased private investments.

    They welcomed the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, and the creation of an additional Chair for Sub-Saharan Africa on the IMF Executive Board in November.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to the G20 Compact with Africa, a tool aimed at enhancing private investment, driving structural reforms, supporting local entrepreneurship, and fostering cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. The G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), and initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway can contribute to promote sustainable, resilient, and economically viable infrastructure in Africa, ensuring transparency in project selection, procurement, and financing. In this framework, they welcomed Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

    They recognized that sustainable development, peace and security and democracy go hand in hand, reaffirming their commitment to help African governments in strengthening democratic governance and respect for human rights, while addressing conditions conducive to terrorism, violent extremism, and instability.

    They expressed their deep concern about the destabilizing activities of the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group and other Russia-supported entities. They called for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.

    6. Indo-Pacific

    The G7 members reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure, grounded on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights. They reaffirmed the importance of working together with regional partners and organizations, notably the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They reaffirmed their thorough support for ASEAN centrality and unity. They reaffirmed their intention to work to support Pacific Island Countries’ priorities, as articulated through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

    As they seek constructive and stable relations with China, they recognized the importance of direct and candid engagement to express concerns and manage differences. They reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate with China to address global challenges. They expressed their deep concern at the China’s support to Russia. They called on China to step up efforts to promote international peace and security, and to press Russia to stop its military aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine. They encouraged China to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including through its direct dialogue with Ukraine. They also expressed their deep concern at China’s ongoing support for Russia’s defense industrial base, which is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine and has significant and broad-based security implications. They called on China to cease the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, that are inputs for Russia’s defense sector.

    They recognized the importance of China in global trade. However, they expressed their concerns about China’s persistent industrial targeting and comprehensive non-market policies and practices that are leading to global spillovers, market distortions and harmful overcapacity in a growing range of sectors, undermining our workers, industries and economic resilience and security, as well as impacting on currencies.  The G7 members are not decoupling or turning inwards. They are de-risking and diversifying supply chains where necessary and appropriate and fostering resilience to economic coercion. They called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures, particularly on critical minerals, that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. Together with partners, the G7 members will invest in building their respective industrial capacities, promote diversified and resilient supply chains, and reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities.

    They remained seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. They reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and they reiterated their opposition to China’s militarization and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea. They re-emphasized the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirmed UNCLOS’s important role in setting out the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and the seas. They reiterated that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016 is a significant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. They reiterated their strong opposition to China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation. They expressed deep concern about the dangerous and obstructive maneuvers, including water cannons and ramming, by the China Coast Guard and maritime militia against Philippines vessels. 

    The G7 members reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity, and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. There is no change in the basic position of the G7 members on Taiwan, including stated One-China policies. They supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is.

    They remained concerned by the human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang and Tibet. They are also worried about the crackdown on Hong Kong’s autonomy and independent institutions, and ongoing erosion of rights and freedoms. They urged China and the Hong Kong authorities to act in accordance with their international commitments and applicable legal obligations.

    The G7 members strongly condemned North Korea’s continuing expansion of its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple UNSC resolutions and its continuous destabilizing activities. They reiterated their call for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and demanded that North Korea abandons all its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other WMD and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, in accordance with all relevant UNSC resolutions. They called on North Korea to return to dialogue to promote peace and stability in the Korean peninsula. They urged all UN Member States to fully implement all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They reiterated their deep disappointment with Russia’s veto last March on the mandate renewal of the UNSC 1718 Committee Panel of Experts.

    They condemned in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including North Korea’s export and Russia’s procurement of North Korean ballistic missiles and munitions in direct violation of relevant UNSCRs, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles and munitions against Ukraine. They are also deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missiles-related technology to North Korea, in violation of the relevant UNSCRs. They urged Russia and North Korea to immediately cease all such activities and abide by relevant UNSCRs. They urged North Korea to respect human rights, facilitate access for international humanitarian organizations, and resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    They called on China not to conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions, and to act in strict accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

    7. Regional Issues

    Venezuela

    The G7 members reiterated their deep concern about the situation in Venezuela, following the vote on July 28.

    They emphasized that the announced victory of Maduro lacks credibility and democratic legitimacy, as indicated by reports of the UN Panel of Experts and independent international observers as well as data published by the opposition. They underscored that it is essential for electoral results to be complete and independently verified to ensure respect for the will of the Venezuelan people. 

    They expressed their outrage for the arrest warrant and constant threats to the security of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who decided to seek refuge in Spain. According to the above-mentioned independent reports, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia appears to have won the most votes.

    They urged Venezuelan representatives to cease all human rights violations and abuses, arbitrary detentions and widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms, particularly affecting the political opposition, human rights defenders, and representatives of independent media and civil society. They called for the release of all political prisoners and for a path to freedom and democracy for the people of Venezuela.

    They urged the international community to keep Venezuela high on the diplomatic agenda and they expressed their support for efforts by regional partners to facilitate the Venezuelan-led democratic and peaceful transition that the people of Venezuela have clearly chosen in the polls.

    Haiti

    The G7 members expressed their determination to continue supporting Haitian institutions – including the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and the Government of Prime Minister Conille – in their commitment to create the necessary conditions of general security and stability for the convening, by February 2026, of free and fair elections. The expression of popular will would set the foundation for the full restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Haiti.

    They also expressed full support to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is providing critical support to the Haitian National Police as they counter criminal gangs engaged in illicit trafficking and inflicting brutal violence upon the population.

    The G7 members emphasized the importance of continued support to the MSS mission through financial contributions to the UN Trust Fund as well as contributions in kind. They expressed their strong appreciation for the commitment of the Government of Kenya – which has already deployed 380 personnel on the ground – to support the Haitian National Police in restoring peace and security.

    They called on all countries that have committed to deploy their contingents to the MSS mission to do so as soon as possible, to consolidate the mission and its fundamental role in the Country. They called on Haiti’s partners to continue their humanitarian assistance to the Haitian people and to expedite their financial and in-kind contributions to the MSS mission to help ensure that the mission is resourced for success.

    They called also on the United Nations Security Council to consider a UN Peace Operation to maintain the security gains of the Haiti National Police and the MSS mission for holding free and fair elections and called on the Secretary-General accordingly to provide support.

    The G7 members welcomed the work of the G7 Working Group on Haiti in monitoring institutional, political, social and security developments in Haiti, with a view to supporting the stabilization of the country and the restoration of full democratic governance.

    Libya

    The G7 members reiterated their unwavering commitment to Libyan stability, sovereignty, independence and unity. They expressed deep concern about recent developments in the country, in particular those involving the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya and the High Council of State, which show the fragility and unsustainability of the present status quo. They urged relevant Libyan parties to rapidly reach the necessary compromises to begin to restore the institutional integrity of the Central Bank of Libya and its standing with the international financial community. They called on Libyan political actors to refrain from taking harmful unilateral actions that create further political tension and fragmentation and make the country vulnerable to harmful foreign interference.

    They noted advances made in the organization of local elections and they called for a free, fair and inclusive participation of all Libyans. It is now imperative to relaunch a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the UN towards free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

    They expressed their support and commended the efforts made by UNSMIL officer in charge Stephanie Koury in support of the stabilization of Libya. They called on the Secretary General to appoint a new Special Representative without delay.

    Sudan

    The G7 members reiterated their grave concern over the ongoing fighting, mass-displacement and famine in Sudan.

    They condemned the serious human rights violations and abuses against the civilian population, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence, as well as international humanitarian law violations by both sides to the conflict. They called for an immediate end to the escalating violence, which is creating further displacement, and urged the warring parties to ensure the protection of civilians. They reiterated their commitment to holding accountable all those responsible for violations of international law in Sudan.

    They condemned the emergence of famine in Sudan as a direct consequence of efforts to restrict access of humanitarian actors. They noted recent progress in relation to the re-opening of the Chad-Sudan Adre border crossing, in the wake of the Paris Conference and of the Geneva talks.  They called for full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access both into Sudan and across lines of conflict so aid can reach all those in need.

    They urged all parties to cease hostilities immediately and to engage in serious negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire, humanitarian access and protection of civilians without pre-conditions.

    They called on external actors to refrain from fueling the conflict, to respect the UN arms embargo on Darfur, and to play a responsible role in resolving the crisis.

    They welcomed mediation efforts by regional and international actors and organizations to facilitate a durable peace for the country.

    Inclusive, national dialogue, aimed at restoring democracy, re-establishing and strengthening the civilian and representative institutions after the end of the conflict, is a prerequisite for lasting peace. The G7 Members emphasized that it is necessary for representatives of Sudanese civil society, including women, to be fully engaged in the reflection on the political future of the country.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt recruitment talks attract 1.8k

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A series of recruitment talks organised by the Civil Service Bureau in Beijing and Shanghai wrapped up today, attracting over 1,800 Hong Kong people who are interested in applying for civil service posts in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

    Five recruitment talks on the administrative officer (AO) and executive officer (EO) grades were held at the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO), East China University of Political Science & Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Renmin University of China, and China University of Political Science & Law respectively.

    The participants, mostly university students, joined the talks online or in person.

    At the seminars, participants were introduced to the entry requirements, training programmes, examination and interview arrangements, as well as tips on preparing for AO and EO grade exams.

    In addition, the bureau had specifically arranged for serving AO and EO colleagues who had studied or lived on the Mainland to share their work and personal experiences.

    The bureau’s representatives also attended a SHETO event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, taking the occasion to introduce the AO and EO grades to the young participants, with a view to encouraging them to apply for civil service posts in the Hong Kong SAR Government.

    A joint recruitment exercise is being held for the civil service grades of AO, EO II, assistant trade officer II and transport officer II. The application deadline is October 4.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Investment-Group: BaFin warns consumers about the website trade-mgrp.pro

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Investment-Group and the services it is offering. BaFin suspects the operators of the website trade-mgrp.pro of offering consumers financial and investment services without the required authorisation. The operators claim to be supervised by the European Financial Supervisory Authority. There is no such authority; BaFin has already issued a warning to this effect. On 1 July 2024, BaFin also published a warning regarding an identical offer on the website investmgrp.com.

    Anyone wishing to conduct banking business or provide financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Accomplishments at the United  Nations

    Source: The White House

    Since his first day in office, President Biden has been committed to restoring American leadership at the United Nations. Our world today faces many challenges that no one country can or should confront alone. But when the United States shows up and leads at the UN, we can rally global action to tackle problems that affect us all. That is why the Biden-Harris Administration has worked tirelessly at the UN to advance American values, safeguard human rights for all, and address conflict and instability. Alongside our allies and partners from around the world, we have worked with UN agencies to tackle the climate crisis, shape our digital future, and fight poverty and disease.

    At a time of increasing geopolitical challenges and growing global needs, strong and effective American leadership at the UN is more critical than ever. The Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen American leverage at the United Nations, uphold the UN Charter, and keep human rights at the core of the organization. Without robust American engagement, our competitor nations would gain leverage to advance their interests and values at our expense.

    The Biden-Harris Administration has also been committed to reforming and adapting the UN to the needs of the 21st century. For example, President Biden announced a new U.S. openness to expanding the membership of the UN Security Council, including permanent seats for Africa and Latin America. The UN is not a perfect organization, but given the scale of today’s challenges, the world needs global institutions that are more inclusive and effective.

    Over nearly four years, the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership at the UN has delivered results for the American people. At the UN, we have:

    Responded to Threats to International Peace and Security

    • After Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we worked at the UN to build support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and hold Russia to account. We rallied 141 countries in the UN General Assembly to condemn Russia’s violations of international law. We used UN Security Council debates to shine a spotlight on Russia’s illegal war and atrocities. We pressed the UN General Assembly to kick Russia off the UN Human Rights Council. We isolated Russia by denying it senior UN appointments and preventing its election to UN bodies.
    • Responding to the security situation in Haiti, we partnered with Ecuador to obtain UN Security Council authorization of a new Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission.
    • Working with African partners, we secured a UN Security Council decision to create in December 2023 a new mechanism to largely fund future African Union-led Peace Support Operations from the UN-assessed budget.
    • Following the horrific October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, we defended at the UN Security Council Israel’s right to defend itself and demanded the release of hostages. Also in the Security Council, we called for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza and established a new UN mechanism to improve aid coordination. In July 2024, we secured Security Council endorsement of President Biden’s plan for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
    • As the Sudan conflict worsened, we mobilized action in the UN Security Council, including the adoption of a resolution in June 2024 demanding an end to the siege of El Fasher.
    • Responding to concerns that Russia intended to deploy nuclear weapons in space, we and Japan proposed a UN Security Council resolution calling on countries not to develop such weapons.
    • In 2022, we partnered with Ireland at the UN Security Council to reform, expand and strengthen humanitarian exemptions for UN sanctions.
    • Working with the United Kingdom, we secured adoption of the first-ever UN Security Council resolution condemning the February 2021 military coup in Burma.

    Protected and Upheld Universal Human Rights

    • We rejoined the UN Human Rights Council in 2021, enabling the United States to once again lead multilateral efforts to hold accountable human rights violators worldwide.
    • We issued a standing invitation to all UN thematic human rights monitors to visit the United States and assess our human rights record at home. In contrast to authoritarian governments, this invitation showed that a confident democracy is willing to have its record scrutinized and receive advice on strengthening rights protections for its citizens.
    • We pressed for the release of a landmark report from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights violations against Uighurs in China.
    • We worked in the UN Human Rights Council to establish a new Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia to examine Moscow’s crackdown on dissent at home and a Commission of Inquiry on violations and abuses in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
    • We restored American leadership at the UN in defending the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals around the world. This included participating in high-level meetings of the Core Group of countries advocating for LGBTQI+ rights, including a September 23 meeting where the First Lady represented the United States. We also secured the renewal of the mandate of the UN’s Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and urged the UN to release its first-ever organization-wide strategy on LGBTQI+ rights, co-sponsoring the first-ever Human Rights Council resolution on the rights of intersex persons, and convening the second-ever informal UN Security Council meeting on the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
    • We spotlighted egregious human rights violations by North Korea, including by organizing the first briefing of the UN Security Council on North Korea human rights since 2017.
    • We helped establish mechanisms through the UN Human Rights Council to investigate human rights violations and abuses in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nicaragua.
    • We worked at the UN to advance the global fight against antisemitism, including to ensure 36 countries and four multilateral organizations joined the U.S.-led Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. In 2023, we convened a UN meeting on antisemitism with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and, in 2022, a roundtable at UNESCO.  
    • We advanced the UN’s work to promote racial equality, including by championing the inaugural session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. We co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution designating July 25 as International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent.
    • We engaged seriously with the human rights treaty body process, including through periodic reports about our domestic human rights record to the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
    • Reaffirming support for the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we pressed for enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples throughout the UN system. In 2022, Ambassador (ret.) Keith Harper, the first-ever Senate confirmed U.S. ambassador from a federally-recognized tribe, was elected to the UN’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues.  
    • We supported efforts in the UN General Assembly to advance discussion of a proposed convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity.  
    • After assuming the presidency of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), we hosted the UNCAC conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2023, with approximately 2,600 delegates, including an unprecedented 1,000 from civil society.

    Advanced Gender Equity and Equality

    • We restored American leadership in pressing at the UN for the rights of women and girls, advancing their inclusion in societies, and supporting strong language in UN resolutions and at the Commission on the Status of Women on sexual and reproductive rights.
    • The January 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Protecting Women’s Health at Home and Abroad restored life-saving funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
    • We announced that the United States will contribute for the first time to the UNICEF–UNFPA Global Program to End Child Marriage.
    • Following the Iranian regime’s killing of Mahsa Amini and crackdown on protestors, we helped establish a new UN Fact-Finding Mission to investigate human rights abuses. We spearheaded efforts to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women.
    • In 2024, we reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action.
    • We launched the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, which included actions at the UN to address online safety for women and girls.

    Shaped Our Digital Future, Promoted Labor Rights, and Tackled Synthetic Drugs

    • We sponsored the first-ever UN General Assembly resolution outlining principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). This landmark resolution helped define a global consensus on safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems for advancing sustainable development.
    • We hosted events at the UN on misuses of new technologies, such as countries using commercial spyware to surveil dissidents and journalists.
    • We worked at the International Labor Organization (ILO) to empower workers worldwide and joined the ILO’s Equal Pay International Coalition to share best practices to close the gender wage gap.
    • At the first Summit for Democracy in 2021, we announced the Multilateral Partnership for Organizing, Worker Empowerment and Rights (M-POWER), an initiative working with governments, trade unions, labor support, civil society organizations, and philanthropy to uphold and promote workers’ trade union rights around the world.
    • In coordination with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), we launched and hosted at the UN high-level meetings of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats and secured adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution to enhance international action to fight such drugs.

    Strengthened Global Health Cooperation, Advanced Sustainable Development, and Bolstered Climate Action

    • We redoubled efforts to support implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, launching a U.S. Strategy on Global Development to accelerate progress and mobilizing $150 billion of U.S. funding and billions more from the private sector, philanthropic, and other donor resources.
    • In 2021, we reversed the previous administration’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling the United States to shape the WHO’s work on global health and reform. With the WHO, we led the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic by launching the COVID-19 Global Action Plan and donating nearly 700 million vaccine doses to 117 countries.
    • We hosted the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria’s 7th Replenishment in 2022, resulting in more than 75 governments, foundations, and corporations delivering pledges totaling a record $15.67 billion.
    • We worked at the UN to advance universal health coverage, continue the fight against tuberculosis and mpox, and combat global antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including to push countries for commitments on AMR that are bold, aspirational, and implementable.
    • We focused attention at the UN on addressing global food insecurity, repeatedly using the U.S. presidency of the UN Security Council to focus on the nexus between food security and conflict. We hosted at the UN ministerial-level meetings to generate new commitments to expand agricultural capacity and respond to famine with over 100 partner countries.
    • U.S. Representative to the UN Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland co-led the U.S. delegation to the 2023 UN Water Conference, where they announced more than $49 billion towards water security both at home and abroad.
    • In 2024, Secretary Haaland co-led the U.S. delegation to the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), where we announced new efforts to enhance our partnerships with SIDS.
    • After rejoining the Paris Agreement, we galvanized efforts at the UN to combat climate change, raising global climate ambition through countries’ enhanced national contributions, accelerated action to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, forward-leaning decisions at annual UN Climate Change Conferences, and major initiatives for ocean-climate action catalyzed by the annual Our Ocean Conference.
    • Former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy John Podesta have helped lead an all-out effort, including critical agreements at the UN Climate Change Conference COPs 26 and 28 to partner with countries to accelerate climate efforts worldwide and reduce global emissions sufficiently to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius. 
    • We advanced efforts within the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, and other multilateral organizations to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from the aviation, shipping, and other sectors.

    Strengthened American Presence at the United Nations

    • After a five-year absence, we rejoined the UN Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This allowed us to partner with UNESCO to combat the scourge of antisemitism, support global Holocaust education, promote journalist safety, safeguard Ukrainian cultural heritage, bolster ethical uses of AI, and advance science education for girls in Africa.
    • We led robust campaigns resulting in the election of U.S. citizens to key UN positions, including Doreen Bogdan-Martin as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Amy Pope as Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Sarah Cleveland as Judge on the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
    • We supported the appointments of highly qualified Americans to lead UN agencies, such as Ambassador Cathy Russell as Executive Director of UNICEF, Ambassador Cindy McCain as Executive Director of the World Food Program, and Ian Saunders as Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization.
    • Co-chairing the UN Accessibility Steering Committee, we worked to make UN headquarters in New York more accessible for all delegates, including construction of a 24/7 entrance for wheelchair users and the installation of a lift so everyone can address the General Assembly from behind the official rostrum.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Global: Parents with disabilities have faced discrimination for years in the US, but new rules will help ensure that child welfare systems treat them more fairly

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elizabeth Lightfoot, Distinguished Professor of Social Policy, School of Social Work, Arizona State University

    Parents with disabilities have new legal protections. Westend61/Getty Images

    Parents with any kind of disability are much more likely to have some type of interaction with the child welfare system than other parents. This means they are more likely than other parents to be reported for child abuse and neglect and more likely to have abuse or neglect substantiated by child welfare workers. They are also more likely to have their children placed in foster care and more likely to permanently lose their parental rights.

    More than one-third of mothers with intellectual and developmental disabilities have an interaction with the child welfare system within four years of their child’s birth, and about one-fifth of all children in foster care have a parent with some type of disability.

    However, there is little evidence that parents with disabilities abuse or neglect their children at higher rates than anyone else. Instead, there’s evidence that many young adults raised by a parent with a disability have very positive childhood experiences.

    New rules that went into effect in July 2024 provide the first federal protections specifically for parents with disabilities. These new rules ban discrimination against parents and caregivers with disabilities throughout the child welfare system.

    Government is changing these rules

    I’m a social work policy researcher who has studied policies affecting parents with disabilities since 2007.

    In 2010, I found that three-quarters of states had laws which said that a parent’s disability could be used as the grounds for terminating their parental rights. Most of these state laws focused on parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities or mental health disabilities, though some listed physical disabilities and other types as well.

    Many of these laws were vague and used outdated language such as “mental deficiency.”

    Parental disability is the only grounds for termination of parental rights that focuses on a condition of the parent. The rest focus on behaviors. For example, parental poverty is not listed as grounds for termination of parental rights in any state, but neglect – a behavior – is.

    State laws were only one of the issues parents with disabilities encountered related to child protection. For years, there had been confusion as to how the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal law banning disability discrimination, applied to parents in the child welfare system. Until 2015, most state courts denied ADA claims by parents with disabilities who believed they were discriminated against.

    In addition, most child welfare workers do not receive formal training on working with parents with disabilities. They are not trained in how to assess parenting skills or how to make accommodations to services that they typically provide, such as providing in-home parent training or conveying information in plain language. They might not know about the overwhelming evidence that parents with intellectual disabilities can learn parenting skills.

    This has historically led many child welfare workers to make decisions based on stereotypes or speculation.

    One of the main biases that parents with disabilities face is the “presumption of unfitness bias.” This is a widespread bias that parents are unable to parent solely because of their disability.

    This bias can lead child welfare workers to not consider that parents with disabilities can rely on “parental supports” to assist them in parenting, ranging from adaptive cribs and baby monitors to in-home helpers. It also can result in parents with disabilities being held to a higher standard than others.

    State laws specifically naming parental disability as a for termination of parental rights, the lack of federal protection, and widespread biases left parents with disabilities vulnerable in encounters with the child welfare system.

    Gaining national attention

    Two federal actions in the early 2010s brought national attention to parents with disabilities.

    First, the National Council on Disability, the independent federal agency that advises the federal government on disability issues, released a report in 2012 called Rocking the Cradle. That report focused on the widespread discrimination faced by parents with disabilities; highlighted and called for changing the state child protection laws; and called for the application of ADA protections in child welfare cases involving parents with disabilities.

    This report received a lot of media attention and led to more awareness of the plight of these parents.

    Then, in 2015, Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services released guidance directing child welfare agencies to protect parents with disabilities from discrimination. This was the first federal action indicating that the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act applied to child protection services.

    This guidance followed the departments’ investigation of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families’ removal of a newborn baby from Sara Gordon, a new mother with a developmental disability, in 2012. The Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services found that the state agency had made assumptions that Gordon was unable to take care of her child and unable to learn parenting skills. The state agency had also failed to take into account that Gordon had support systems in place. She lived with her parents, and her mother had quit her job to assist with parenting.

    Making progress for parents with disabilities

    The momentum for protecting parental rights has led to some positive changes.

    A few states changed their own child protection laws to address some of these problems before the federal government took action by providing new protections for parents with disabilities. In addition, the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services have reached agreements with state agencies in Oregon, Georgia and Massachusetts related to discrimination against parents with disabilities.

    Despite this progress, parents with disabilities are still discriminated against by the child welfare system in many parts of the country.

    At the same time, I have no doubt that the federal government’s revision of the rules of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a major step forward for parents with disabilities.

    In particular, it is promising that Section  84.60 of the rule clarifies that disability discrimination is not allowed in any part of the child welfare process. Child welfare agencies throughout the United States now must ensure that they are not making decisions based on speculation, stereotypes or generalizations.

    Thanks to changes in the federal rule, when a child welfare agency evaluates how a child is being parented, the tools it uses must be backed by research. The evaluations must be conducted by a qualified professional and tailored to the needs of the individual parent. Agencies must ensure that parents with disabilities can participate in any services they provide. These services include parent-child visitation, parenting skills programs, family reunification services and child placements in foster care settings or in the care of another relative.

    Disability advocacy groups applauded this new rule when it went into effect in the summer of 2024.

    I believe these new rules will protect parents with disabilities when interacting with child protection authorities. They will also make it easier for child welfare agencies and state courts to recognize disability discrimination when it appears in their caseloads or on their dockets.

    Elizabeth Lightfoot receives funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research and the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.

    – ref. Parents with disabilities have faced discrimination for years in the US, but new rules will help ensure that child welfare systems treat them more fairly – https://theconversation.com/parents-with-disabilities-have-faced-discrimination-for-years-in-the-us-but-new-rules-will-help-ensure-that-child-welfare-systems-treat-them-more-fairly-238185

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI China: Xinjiang’s Khunjerab Pass offers full-year service

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xinjiang’s Khunjerab Pass offers full-year service

    Updated: September 24, 2024 20:37 Xinhua
    A police officer of Khunjerab border inspection station is pictured on duty at the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. Khunjerab Pass is a land port on the China-Pakistan border and an important gateway to South Asia and Europe. The pass used to offer seasonal access service that started on April 1 and ended on Nov. 30, but it has shifted to full-year service as of Sept. 20 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Police officers of Khunjerab border inspection station check a vehicle at the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A truck passes through the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo shows the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Customs staff check electronic products at the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A police officer of Khunjerab border inspection station (R, front) helps a Swiss tourist at the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at business luncheon Hong Kong-Spain: Partnering for Success (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at business luncheon Hong Kong-Spain: Partnering for Success in Madrid, Spain, today (September 24, Madrid time): Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), Ms Jarillo (Deputy Director General for Asia, Europe and Oceania, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise of Spain, Ms Laura Jarillo), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,      Good afternoon. I’m delighted to be here, in Madrid, the dynamic capital and financial heart of Spain, a city renowned for its world-class museums and fine dining and wine, not to mention the best football club in Europe, if not the world. What more can a visitor ask for?     Well, I can tell you that this speaker, and the young and energetic innovation and technology delegation here with me, are pleased to be here, with you, to talk about how Spanish and Hong Kong business can partner for success long-term, mutually rewarding success.Hong Kong, connecting Spain and Asia     Ladies and gentlemen, like Spain, Hong Kong is back in business after the challenges of the COVID pandemic, back creating opportunity for a world of business. Spain, included of course.     Hong Kong has long been recognised as one of the best connected cities in the world. Half the global population is no more than a five-hour flight away from us.     Before the pandemic, Hong Kong International Airport operated 1 100 flights a day, covering 220 destinations. Today, passenger throughput is rebounding, reaching over 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on peak days, with full resumption expected by year’s end.     As for cargo, our airport has been the busiest in the world for 13 of the last 14 years.     This strategic connectivity is enhanced by Hong Kong’s institutional advantages, reinforcing our role as a “super connector” in Asia.     The unique “one country, two systems” arrangement makes this possible.     As part of China, Hong Kong enjoys convenient and sometimes priority access to the vast Mainland market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a city cluster comprising Hong Kong, Macao and nine Mainland cities in Guangdong province.      The Greater Bay Area’s collective population counts more than 87 million, with a GDP exceeding 1.8 trillion euros, surpassing that of Australia and the Republic of Korea.     And, on a purchasing power parity basis, the per capita GDP of the Greater Bay Area is US$40,000, 75 per cent of Spain’s. (Note: HK’s is US$71,500)     Hong Kong, let me add, is the most international city in China, thanks to the “two systems” that distinguish us.     We are the only jurisdiction in China practising the common law system, our judiciary exercising its powers independently. Information, capital, goods and people flow freely in and out of our city. Our taxes are low and simple, with a currency pegged to the US dollar. Our regulatory systems and professional services align with the best international standards.     Our commitment to the rule of law is exemplified by the Rule of Law Index, produced by the World Justice Project. In the latest Index, Hong Kong ranked 23rd and Spain 24th, both ahead of the United States.     Hong Kong’s enduring strengths will continue to thrive, as our country is committed to the “one country, two systems” principle for the long term. This commitment has been reiterated by President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions, and reaffirmed at various high-level state and party meetings in Beijing.     Last year, China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. And those ties continue to grow. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sanchez was in Beijing, his second trip to the Chinese capital in two years.     As political and economic ties between our two countries strengthen, Hong Kong is proud to play a pivotal role in fostering more two-way investments, and more economic, innovation and cultural exchanges.Financial Services     One obvious area where we can contribute is financial services.      Hong Kong, after all, is an international financial centre – number three worldwide, behind only New York and London, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index, released today.     We have a robust fund-raising market. Our stock market’s total capitalisation stands at 3.7 trillion euros, while assets managed by private equity and venture capital exceed 200 billion euros. Hong Kong is the leading biotech fund-raising hub in Asia, too.     A defining feature of our capital market are the “Connect Schemes” with the Mainland. Under the schemes, Mainland investors can buy stock, bonds, ETFs and derivatives directly from Hong Kong, while foreign investors can buy similar financial products on the Mainland through Hong Kong. In short, Spanish companies looking to list or issue bonds in Hong Kong can tap the capital from both the Mainland and international markets.     Hong Kong is also the world’s offshore renminbi hub. As the use of renminbi as a trade and reserve currency increases, businesses will naturally look for renminbi-denominated investment and risk-management tools. Hong Kong handles approximately 80 per cent of global offshore renminbi transactions, offering a wide range of investment and risk-management products.     Then there’s green and sustainable finance. We have long been Asia’s leader in green finance, issuing, on average, more than 55 billion euros in green and sustainable debt a year over the past three years.     Our green standards align with the best international practices. To take an example, the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, released in May, is highly compatible with the European Union’s Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities.     For green projects looking for funding, Hong Kong is simply Asia’s premier destination.Innovation and Technology     No less important is our commitment to rise as a global innovation and technology hub, together with the Greater Bay Area.     We have what it takes to realise that ambition. Hong Kong is home to five global top 100 universities, and our two medical schools are among the world’s top 40.     We also support 29 labs and research and development centres in collaboration with prestigious universities around the world.      Our start-up system is thriving, offering a variety of innovative products in fintech, green tech, biotech, supply-chain management, big-data analytics and more. And 20 per cent of our 4 200 start-ups were founded by overseas entrepreneurs.     Many of them are based in our two main innovation flagships: Science and Technology Park and Cyberport. And you will soon hear more from senior executives from these institutions, Albert and Eric. Let me add that our delegation members, many of them founders and CEOs of start-ups, are eager to talk to you, to explore business opportunities together.     Hong Kong boasts a full-spectrum financing market, including banks, private equity funds, venture-capital funds and a well-developed stock and bond market. These provide abundant financial support for tech companies local and global, at different stages of growth.     Greater Bay Area cities, let me add, each offers distinct strengths in innovation and technology; from basic research to technological application, commercialisation, and advanced manufacturing.      This year, the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index ranked the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster second, globally, for the fifth consecutive year.     Now, allow me now to highlight a few I&T areas where Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area offer singular advantages, starting with artificial intelligence.      Crucial to AI are algorithms, supercomputing power, data and application scenarios, all of which Hong Kong is blessed with. We serve as a convergence point for Mainland and international data. We are also investing in the necessary i
    nfrastructure, including a supercomputer centre. Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area provide many different application scenarios for AI. Many AI companies, let me add, are choosing Hong Kong to develop their large language models and to go global.     Biotechnology is also a priority. And we are planning to conduct clinical trials for the Greater Bay Area. We are also working on a “primary evaluation system” that will allow medicine and medical devices approved in Hong Kong to be widely used in the Greater Bay Area, the Asian region and around the world.     Then there’s the Northern Metropolis, a 300-square kilometre area in Hong Kong bordering Shenzhen. The Northern Metropolis is destined to rise as an innovation and technology hub, a vast bridgehead for Hong Kong’s co-operation with other Greater Bay Area cities.     Ladies and gentlemen, that just touches on the opportunities Hong Kong is actively pursuing. But let me say that we’re particularly focused on four areas: AI, biotech, fintech and new energy and new materials. We are bringing in strategic companies to help us develop those sectors. Since the end of 2022, we have attracted over 100 tech companies to Hong Kong. Together, they will invest about 6 billion euros and create more than 15 000 jobs in our city.      We are equally keen on attracting talent. Since the launch of the new talent admission schemes and updating existing ones, to date, we’ve received some 360 000 applications under our various talent admission schemes. About 226 000 applications have been approved, and 150 000 professionals have already arrived in Hong Kong, I’m pleased to say.Concluding remarks     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong offers boundless opportunities for Spanish companies – as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and throughout Asia, and as a hub for financial services and I&T.     My thanks to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for hosting today’s luncheon, and to our Spanish partners, including CEOC, ICEX and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, for make this welcome gathering possible.     I am happy now to take your questions, to hear your thoughts and ideas on how our two economies and peoples can deepen our co-operation, creating far-reaching opportunities that benefit us all.     Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Friends With Paws celebrates therapy dog at Calhoun County Middle High School

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CategoriesEnglish, MIL OSI, US State Governments, US State of West Virginia

    Post navigation

    MOUNT ZION, WV –  First Lady Cathy Justice announced today that one of the state’s newest therapy dogs through the Friends With Paws program is thriving and doing incredible work at Calhoun County Middle High School.

    Coco is a male Chocolate Labrador Retriever and was celebrated during a Pup Rally held at the school. Representatives from the First Lady’s Office, along with students, faculty, staff, and several other local leaders, were in attendance. 

    While Coco is the 29th dog placed through the program, a total of 38 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed throughout the state.

    “We are thrilled to celebrate Coco at Calhoun County Middle High School,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “Therapy dogs like Coco offer so much more than just a friendly face—they provide comfort, reduce stress, and create a calming environment for our students. These dogs are making a real difference, offering support when it’s needed most, helping children feel safe, and encouraging emotional well-being. Coco will be a cherished companion and an important part of this school’s journey toward a brighter, healthier future.”

    The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. 

    Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

    “Coco fosters meaningful relationships and provides comfort to both students and staff, showing us that compassion and connection can profoundly enhance our school community,” Michael Fitzwater, Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools, said.

    Following today’s assembly, students and staff had the chance to spend extra time with Coco.
    “Calhoun Middle High School believes that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to thrive,” Michelle Paxton, Principal at Calhoun Middle High School said. “Therapy dogs, such as Coco, provide unique emotional support, and we are excited to see how this initiative can positively impact our students at Calhoun Middle High School.”

    The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education. Therapy dogs are placed in schools within CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal. The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues.

    “Coco has made an incredible impact at Calhoun Middle High School,” Assistant Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools Jeannie Bennett-Yoak said. “His presence brings joy, comfort, and a sense of calm to our students and staff alike. We are immensely grateful to First Lady Justice, her dedicated staff, Ultimate Canine, and Communities in Schools for providing such a valuable resource. The bond Coco has formed with our school community is truly uplifting and has significantly enhanced the emotional well-being of everyone here.”

    More information about Friends With Paws can be found in Communities In Schools: Friends With Paws, a documentary produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Click HERE to view the documentary.
     
    A 2019 study published by the National Institute of Health found that a dog’s presence in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.

    In addition, research shows that the simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Therapy animals’ lower anxiety and help people relax, provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and increase mental stimulation. They are also shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, reduce the number of medications some people need, help control breathing in those with anxiety, and diminish overall physical pain, among other profound benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 16th Judicial Conference

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    Thanks so much to everybody. Good morning to you. Thank you for inviting me to join you for your 16th Judicial Conference.

    You had me a couple of years ago. The fact that you welcomed me back notwithstanding the intervening time as Secretary I take as a mildly positive sign. We’ll see how the reviews are on that at the end of the speech.

    Chief Judge [Michael] Allen, thank you so much for the introduction. It’s fitting that you’ve stepped up to Chief Judge during this conference because, as I gather, your introduction to Veterans law for the first time was when you accepted an invitation to speak to this very conference in 2006. And at that conference, you recognized the importance of Veterans law, and so here we are.

    Thanks for all you have done for Veterans, even before you joined this Court. You became one of the first professors with expertise in Veterans law, and you founded one of the law school clinics providing pro bono legal access for our nation’s heroes. I appreciate that one of your very first actions as Chief Judge was to introduce me just now. And so, I take that very seriously. So, thanks for that. I hope the rest of your tenure is as auspicious.

    Judge [Margaret] Bartley, also known as Chief Judge Bartley for the last five years, congratulations. And thank you for your 30 years of service to Veterans. You’ve worked to ensure that Veterans receive all the benefits and services they’ve deserved and they have so richly earned, provided them with pro bono representation yourself, clerked for this Court, been appointed as a judge on this Court, and elevated then to Chief Judge. Your service to Veterans, to the national interest, to the country, has been remarkable.

    And thanks also to all of you here at this Court, including this Court’s other distinguished judges, VA employees from the Board of Veterans Appeals and Office of General Counsel, attorneys representing Veterans before the CAVC [Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims], law professors, law students, and of course Veterans. No matter your role, you all care deeply about our nation’s heroes.

    One of the benefits of this biannual event is that it brings us all together. It might be on different sides of the table, but each one of us supports Veterans all the time.

    Let me begin where this Court began.

    During legislative hearings leading to passage of the Veterans’ Judicial Review Act in 1988, Sonny Montgomery—then-Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee—said, “Accurate, informal, efficient, and fair. These are the goals which have guided the committee in … expanding judicial review of VA decision-making …. [It is] not intended to express displeasure with the BVA [Board of Veterans’ Appeals] method of reviewing claims or imply that the existing review process is unfair.”

    “To the contrary,” he said, “the committee believes that Veterans presently receive every possible consideration where the BVA reviews a case, and the committee expects that the new court will be similarly inclined.”

    That’s quite a statement from the chairman of a Congressional committee. And given that statement, and Chairman Montgomery’s observation about “Veterans [receiving] every possible consideration,” I’ve been wondering what he would think of the last few years, years which have seen significant improvements and significant developments in Veterans law.

    Two changes in particular have impacted the Veterans law landscape.

    First, the Appeals Modernization Act [AMA], implemented in 2019, has improved the appeals process—so far. The AMA has made appeals faster, it’s provided Veterans different options for addressing denied claims. But we are still operating in two separate legal systems, with different options for Veterans filing appeals, and thousands of Legacy claims being adjudicated.

    Second, President Biden’s PACT Act in 2022 greatly expanded VA health care eligibility for toxic-exposed Veterans and extended enhanced eligibility for Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 combat Vets. We’re seeing Veterans file more benefits claims than ever before.

    In 2023, VA processed nearly 2 million benefits claims—a record high. So far this year, we’ve exceeded that by processing more than 2.4 million, with another 10 days left, yet, in the fiscal year, on pace to surpass last year’s record by more than 27%. The VBA grant rate for these claims is 64.2%—and as high as 75% for PACT Act claims. In 2024, the average overall disability rating granted to Veterans is 70%, with over $20,000 per year in disability compensation.

    Now, I know I’ve just listed a bunch of stats. Nearly every one of them represents all-time VA highs. But let’s remember that behind every one of them is a Veteran and their family receiving life-changing benefits and care.

    Now, breaking records is good. But it’s not good enough. Because here’s the bottom line: we have a lot of work left to do, a lot of improvement. In fact, we need to improve. We must keep Veterans at the heart of everything we do. Part of that involves the appeals process. So, let’s talk about what that looks like.

    When Veterans aren’t satisfied with decisions they’ve received, they have several recourses under the AMA, as you well know. Over the last three years, the Board of Veterans Appeals has hired more than 50 Veterans Law Judges, hired more than 350 attorneys, and has issued more decisions than ever before.

    In 2023, the Board issued 103,245 appeals decisions, again a record. And in 2024, the Board has already issued more than 111,000 decisions—another record again, with 10 days left in the fiscal year—so I don’t want any of the BVA personnel or the Board of Appeals team in the room there thinking that you can take the next 10 days off.

    The appeal rate to this Court has dipped over the last several years also. And last year, it was 7.4% of cases. However, this year there will still be about 9,000 BVA decisions appealed to this Court. Nine thousand of our nation’s heroes who have not received all the benefits they believe they’re entitled to, and in fact they believe VA has wrongfully denied them access to.

    Nine thousand.

    It’s long and complicated, and many of appeals don’t result in the outcome they desire. But it’s not simply the denial of benefits that makes Veterans unhappy. It’s the process, which can involve remand after remand and years and years of waiting.

    Each week, hundreds of Veterans send me letters. I’d estimate that a third of those express frustration—and let’s just say I’m being diplomatic here—frustration with the benefits claims and appeals process. Let me share selections from a few of them.

    In June, Travis in North Carolina wrote me: “Dear Secretary McDonough, I am a military Veteran writing to express my deep frustration with the unacceptably long wait times for decisions on VA disability claims. After sacrificing for my country, I now find myself struggling with service-connected disabilities and trapped in a seemingly endless bureaucratic process. This unresolved claim has caused tremendous stress and hardship for myself and my family. We rely on disability compensation not only for income, but for access to VA health care critical for treating my service-connected disability.”

    Later in June, I received a letter from Chris in California—U.S. Marine, Vietnam, now in his 70s. He described multiple remands from Board judges ordering tests from an orthopedic specialist and x-rays to determine service connection for arthritis. But, Chris wrote, a VA contractor sent him to urgent care, not a specialist, and sent him to an imaging center incapable of conducting x-rays. He’s still waiting to see a specialist. He’s still waiting for x-rays. Chris ended with, “I am dismayed, disappointed, even appalled that our government and country I was so excited and happy to serve at 17 years of age would treat me this way. Shame on you and on your team.”

    Shame.

    And in August, Deborah in Tennessee, emailed me. Her husband, Army Vet, had a disability compensation rating of 100%. “Since his death in 2022,” she wrote, “I’ve been trying to get widows benefits. I’ve filed, been rejected, appealed, got a Veterans assistance firm to help, but every time the VA comes up with some sort of excuse, in the hopes I’ll give up. I have to borrow money from family members just to pay utilities bills. I fear I’ll lose my home. I need help to get through the process. Please help me.”

    Now, there’s countless other Veteran letters I receive that express similar disappointment, heartache, anger, betrayal. So how can we address—alleviate—that frustration that Veterans so clearly express with our appeals process?

    Well, we do it by getting to the root of these issues.

    The Board of Veterans Appeals grants Veterans relief about one third of the time. One third.

    Yes, we have to follow the law, we want to follow the law, we do follow the law. There’s no way to wave a wand and grant every single appeal. But too many Veterans—caught in the endless churn of remand after remand, claims examination after examination, hearing after hearing—don’t trust the process. We need Veterans to trust us, to trust the appeals process, and to understand why we reach the decisions, even if, in fact particularly when, they walk away disappointed. We—the Board, this Court, private counsel—can gain trust through final decisions, and final decisions that are faster than Veterans get today.

    Look, the AMA has enabled us to make the process better, although there is still more to be done. Over the last few years, the Board’s AMA decisions result in 20% fewer remands and 10% higher grant rates. On average, final resolution of all issues in AMA cases takes between two to three years, faster than the seven to 10-year average before the passage of the AMA. But still, two to three years is too long.

    Here’s the reality. Today, Legacy appeals take about six years. That’s faster than before, but that’s still six years. None of us thinks six years is fast enough. That duration is going to tick up and up, and appeals are going to take longer and longer, because there’s 40,000 Legacy cases still at VA.

    Each year this Court remands thousands of additional Legacy cases to the Board. At any given time, 54% of the Legacy cases the Board is adjudicating have already been seen by a Board judge at least twice, nearly 30% at least three times, and almost 10% have already been adjudicated five times or more. 

    Even after the Board resolves all issues, for many Veterans the journey’s not over. It can take years to get a decision from this Court or the Federal Circuit. Typically, that decision just returns the case to the Board for further adjudication.

    I think we can do better for Veterans. I know some of you are talking about these issues in various settings, including sessions with the Bar Association. And that’s encouraging. Yes, it’s important to capture ideas and suggestions for change down the road, but let’s think about how we can help more Veterans now—improvements that VA, this Court, the private bar can implement sooner rather than later to benefit Vets. Now, none of us is immune here. We can all do better, no matter where we work.

    First, the claims examination process. Contractors speeding through compensation and pension exams, or not carrying out clear instructions on what to focus on, or conducting exams rife with inaccuracies. VA can—in fact, must—ensure that these exams are more accurate, with higher quality, leading to more resolved claims. Under Secretary [of Benefits, Josh] Jacobs and his team are working hard to implement quality measures on C&P exams—reducing unnecessary exams where we can so as to get to a decision sooner.

    Second, the Board of Veterans Appeals. I’ve challenged the Board to increase efficiencies. I’ve asked them to increase capacity, increase output. I’ve asked them to find ways to fill hearing slots that open up due to cancellations and increase appeal resolution rates so that we can reduce wait times for Veterans. I’ve also asked the Board to explore how we better inform Veterans of the expected wait times before their appeal will be issued. I know they are discussing these issues, and they’re figuring out how to do it. It’s not easy. The hiring process, which we’ve had our foot on the gas on over these last several years—also too slow.

    Remands going back and forth between the Board and this Court often aren’t productive, in my view. We’ve heard concerns that sending remanded cases back to the same Board judge may not always be the best way to get finality.

    Third, this Court. I ask you to ask yourselves, if we’re remanding 75% of appeals back to the Board, are we doing everything we can for Vets? Are we moving with efficiency and urgency? Vets don’t want to wait year after year, not knowing whether they’ll receive benefits or not. Veterans need timely, fair, final decisions on their claims, decisions that either grant their benefits, or fairly deny those benefits only after proper hearing, proper development, a full consideration of all the evidence developed, and a correct application of law. They don’t want to be stuck in legal limbo. 

    Fourth, private counsel. One of the AMA’s improvements is that it gives Veterans options besides filing an appeal with this Court. Consider whether you’re always choosing the best option for your client, especially when the Veteran, or their surviving family member, or their living family member, wants a final decision on the claim—and quickly. Is an appeal to this Court the best option for your client when you know there’s a strong likelihood of a remand, or even multiple remands, and no resolution for years and years? Or would it be better for the Veteran to file a supplemental claim that can be processed much faster than a remanded appeal?

    To everyone, please think about what happens if the system stays the same. Thousands and thousands of Veterans will continue to wait, burdened by what to them is a broken bureaucracy. They will continue to view appeals with disappointment and anger.

    What are Veterans doing to make the system work for them? They are turning to unaccredited representatives who call themselves “coaches” or “consultants,” charging Vets high amounts or outrageous percentages of future benefits. Veterans turn to these claim sharks because they promise the Veteran they’ll get a quicker resolution. And as payment, the Veteran signs over a portion of the benefits that Veteran earned serving our nation. This surely is not what we want.

    We have to do better.

    We need finality, and we need that finality more quickly. Finality in the appeals process isn’t dictated by just one factor or one specific actor. Getting to final decisions—and how we get there—depends on actions and decisions of VA, claimants, their lawyers, and judges. If we want Vets to receive benefits they are entitled to, and for their claims decided fairly and justly—which everyone in this room surely wants—we must focus on finality and achieving finality with urgency.

    Let’s consider how we make the system better for Vets. Talk about this with each other during your time here and after you leave. Because what everyone wants, I know, is for Veterans to receive all the benefits they have earned, accurately, quickly, fairly—the goals Chairman Montgomery hoped this Court would achieve.

    The President often says that our nation’s only sacred obligation is to prepare and equip the troops we send into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they come home. The second part of that solemn duty is VA’s to fulfill, each and every day. And in this instance, it’s not on VA alone. It’s on each of us here. Each decision at VBA, the Board, this Court, and counsel appearing before this Court has an impact on the Veteran. And often, the impact on a Veteran, their families, and survivors is, in fact, life changing.

    Remember, justice delayed is justice denied. Veterans did not hesitate to raise their hands and put their lives on the line for all of us. They didn’t say wait. So, let’s not make them wait one second longer than they have to for their hard-earned benefits.

    It’s on all of us to make that happen.

    Thanks for letting me be here today with you, and now let’s hear from you on your questions.

    Really appreciate you.

    Chief Judge, back to you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI: Onfolio Holdings Inc. Signs Agreement To Acquire Eastern Standard Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onfolio Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ONFO, ONFOW) (the “Company” or “Onfolio”), a company that acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of online businesses, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire the majority interest in the assets of Eastern Standard LLC. The Company expects the acquisition to close October 1, 2024. The asset purchase agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the parties and the closing of the asset purchase agreement is subject to customary closing conditions. 

    As with the previous DDS Rank acquisition, this acquisition will occur with the assistance of Onfolio’s Special Purpose Vehicle “Onfolio Agency SPV LLC,” and an additional SPV “Onfolio Agency SPV 2 LLC” which will acquire a minority interest in the business.

    Eastern Standard provides clients with digital marketing services including integrated branding, and digital customer experiences. Their past client roster includes Neil de Grass Tyson, and Cornell Law, among others. For the fiscal year ended 12/31/2023, Eastern Standard generated approximately $4,000,000 in revenue and $630,000 in unaudited adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).

    “Eastern Standard is an excellent business, with a strong leadership team and another exciting acquisition for us. Similar to Revenuezen, Eastern Standard is not alone a standalone business, but a platform for us to use for further acquisitions targeting organic and inorganic growth,” commented Onfolio CEO Dominic Wells. “As we build out the agency side of our portfolio, we continue to both level up the quality of business we own, and increase our capabilities to serve clients and cross-promote services.”

    On the deal structure, Wells added, “As with DDS Rank, we will complete this acquisition without Onfolio Holdings paying any upfront cash or issuing any common shares.”

    “The purchase price is $2,160,000 for 90% ownership. Our special purpose vehicle funding program, which continues to raise capital that is not dilutive to Onfolio shareholders, is investing $500,000 in exchange for 20% of Eastern Standard. Onfolio will own 70% of Eastern Standard in exchange for $410,000 of Series A Preferred Shares and through two secured promissory notes totalling $1,250,000 in the aggregate.”

    The Series A Preferred Shares and secured promissory notes to be issued by Onfolio will pay dividends and interest and are not convertible into Onfolio common shares.

    “We have mentioned previously that we have several acquisitions with structures similar to the DDS Rank and Eastern Standard transactions and should have enough capital to close because of our special purpose vehicle program’s non-dilutive funding,” said Dom Wells. “This acquisition should help us in our efforts to achieve profitability,” concluded Wells.

    About Eastern Standard

    Eastern Standard, a Philadelphia-based combined web and branding agency since 2014, was created to help clients navigate the creation of integrated branding and digital customer experiences. Using a data-first approach, Eastern Standard blends strategy, creativity, and technology to drive end-to-end brand and digital transformation.

    About Onfolio Holdings

    Onfolio acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of online businesses. Onfolio acquires business that meet its investment criteria, being that such businesses operate in sectors with long-term growth opportunities, have positive and stable cash flows, face minimal threats of technological or competitive obsolescence and can be managed by our existing team or have strong management teams largely in place. The Company excels at finding acquisition opportunities where the seller has not fully optimized their business, and Onfolio’s experience and skillset allows it to add increased value to these existing businesses. Visit www.onfolio.com for more information.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “explores,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing new customer offerings, changes in customer order patterns, changes in customer offering mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, delays due to issues with outsourced service providers, those events and factors described by us under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our SEC filings and other risks to which our Company is subject, and various other factors beyond the Company’s control.

    Investor Contact

    investors@onfolio.com

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Biographical notes

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Karen Mollica (BA Hons [Political Science], McMaster University, 2000; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 2003) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 following internships in Guyana and Costa Rica.

    Karen Mollica (BA Hons [Political Science], McMaster University, 2000; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 2003) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 following internships in Guyana and Costa Rica. Her early assignments included coordinator in the Anti-personnel Mine Action Team and desk officer for several countries in West and Central Africa. She subsequently moved to the Canadian International Development Agency and served as first secretary at the High Commission in South Africa and as counsellor and head of cooperation at the Embassy to Jordan. Upon her return to Headquarters in 2019, she became director of policy, planning and operations for Latin America and the Caribbean, a position she held until 2022. Most recently, she served as director and senior departmental adviser in the Office of the Minister of International Development and as chargé d’affaires at the Embassy to the Holy See.

    Ajit Singh (BA [Communications], University of Winnipeg, 2003; BA Hons [Political Science], University of Winnipeg, 2004; MA [International Law], United Nations University for Peace, 2006; JD, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2012) has lived, studied and worked in multiple languages in 6 countries on 4 continents. He joined the Government of Canada in 2008 after working in media, academia, the United Nations and civil society organizations. He later worked in private law in Toronto and was called to the Bar of Ontario as a barrister and solicitor. In 2013, he joined the Privy Council Office in the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat. He then worked in its Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat, where he led on relations with Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia regions and Latin America and on legal files. In 2017, he joined Global Affairs Canada as a deputy director in the Foreign Policy Planning Division to lead the team responsible for the foreign ministers’ track during Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency. After this, he worked in the Conflict Prevention, Stabilization and Peacebuilding Division. In 2021, he joined the Department of National Defence as a director of operations. In 2022, he rejoined the Privy Council Office, this time as the first person to hold the position of director of international crisis response.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024
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