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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing for Violent Confrontation That Turned Nearly Fatal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 102 months in prison for shooting a victim multiple times and leaving him seriously injured.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Robert Abeyta, 51, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, went to John Doe’s residence located on the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo armed with a loaded pistol and confronted Doe. When Doe, who has law enforcement experience, attempted to disarm Abeyta, a struggle ensued during which Abeyta shot Doe multiple times in the head, neck, and shoulder.

    Witnesses reported that Abeyta continued to assault Doe after the shooting. Neighbors intervened, disarming Abeyta and restraining him until law enforcement arrived. Doe’s girlfriend and young child were inside the home during the shooting and witnessed its immediate aftermath.

    Upon his release from prison, Abeyta will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department and Santa Clara Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Violent Gang Member Charged with Alleged Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant allegedly robbed drug customer of approximately $24,000 in drug proceeds at gunpoint during home invasion

    BOSTON – A Lynn man appeared in federal court yesterday in connection with charges involving a January 2023 armed robbery of a drug distributor, during which the defendant and another individual allegedly stole approximately $24,000 in drug trafficking proceeds intended for the purchase of a kilogram of cocaine.

    Claudio Melo, a/k/a “Blue Drilla,” 33, was charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery). Melo is currently being held on unrelated state charges.

    It is alleged that Melo is a Crip Street gang member and, according to court documents, is a convicted felon, having served various state prison sentences including assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, armed robbery, larceny and malicious destruction of property.

    According to the charging documents, on Jan. 30, 2023, a drug transaction was scheduled to take place at an apartment in Woburn, during which an associate of Melo was to deliver a kilogram of cocaine in exchange for approximately $24,000. It is alleged that, during the transaction, Melo and another individual entered the apartment and pointed semiautomatic pistols at the drug customer before taking the $24,000 in cash. According to the charging documents, the $24,000 cash was proceeds of drug trafficking activities the drug customer was engaged in, which had been paced in an unmarked soft black lunch box on a table. Melo and the other individual then allegedly forced the drug customer to open a safe in his bedroom, which was empty. Shortly thereafter, both robbers departed with the $24,000 cash.

    The charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Armed Robber Who Stalked, Kidnapped, and Robbed Victims in Virginia and Maryland Is Sentenced to 228 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Tyree Eugene McCombs, 29, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 228 months in federal prison for his role in the September 2022 stalking, armed robbery, and kidnapping of a pair of victims in Alexandria, Virginia, and for the November 2022 stalking, kidnapping, robbery, and shooting of a woman in Maryland and Washington, D.C. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. 

              McCombs pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson, to one count of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (a “Hobbs Act” robbery) for the September 2022 offense, and to one count of kidnapping for the November 2022 offense. In addition to the 228-month prison-term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered McCombs to serve five years of supervised release. 

               According to court documents, in September and November 2022, McCombs and his co-conspirators twice executed plans to surveil, stalk, forcibly detain, bind, assault, and rob women at gunpoint. McCombs was a leader in both schemes, personally stalking the victims, holding them at gunpoint, physically assaulting them, and demanding that they pay their own ransoms. In each case, the kidnapping was abruptly cut short either by the sound of an alarm (September) or the victim’s daring escape (November).

               During the first incident, on the evening on September 3, 2022, the two victims entered their car – a black Mercedes S63 AMG Sedan – and drove from Alexandria, Virginia to a family gathering in Maryland. Unbeknownst to the victims, they were being electronically surveilled. A GPS tracking device purchased by McCombs had been placed inside the Mercedes. That night, McCombs and three co-conspirators laid in wait for nearly four hours for the victims to return home to their apartment building in Alexandria. As the couple returned to their building, McCombs and his co-conspirators, wearing masks and blue surgical gloves and carrying zip ties, ambushed them with handguns and robbed them of their most valuable belongings.

               McCombs and his crew stole two Audemars Piguet watches worth about $120,000 from the couple and another $63,500 worth of jewelry, including a Cuban link chain and a custom pendant with the letters “GQ” overlaid on a speedometer. McCombs and his co-conspirators took the keys to the victim’s Mercedes then forced the victims at gunpoint from the parking garage to the victims’ apartment.

               Once inside of the apartment, McCombs and his co-conspirators pistol-whipped the victims and ordered them to tell them where their money was hidden. The co-conspirators ransacked the residence but were unable to find any cash. During the crime, a security alarm activated, and the co-conspirators tore the alarm from the wall and fled the apartment. McCombs and his co-conspirators then fled the apartment complex in a stolen white Kia as well as the victim’s Mercedes, which still had the GPS tracking device inside. The co-conspirators drove the Mercedes into Washington, D.C. then abandoned the vehicle in Maryland, where it was found by law enforcement. About a month later, on October 10, 2022, McCombs sold the custom pendant, worth tens of thousands of dollars, to a pawn shop in Maryland for $200.

               On the night of November 7, 2022, McCombs led another kidnapping and robbery, this time targeting and abducting a 25-year-old woman in Maryland. At the time of this crime, McCombs was on supervised release for a 2019 attempted armed robbery conviction and, two weeks earlier, had been ordered to wear a GPS monitor. McCombs’s GPS data showed that he stalked the woman for hours through the evening of November 7, following her from work to a family member’s home to a bank. Eventually, the victim traveled by car to an apartment building in Elkridge, Maryland. McCombs and a co-conspirator, traveling in a carjacked Toyota Camry, followed her to the Elkridge apartment.

               As the victim exited her vehicle and began to enter the building, McCombs and his co-conspirator grabbed her and forced her into the back seat of the Camry at gunpoint. The kidnappers pistol-whipped the victim, robbed her, and bound her hands behind her back using a black plastic zip tie. McCombs and his co-conspirator then held the woman captive in the vehicle for nearly three hours, driving to various locations in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Surveillance video footage from a gas station in Forestville, Maryland, captured McCombs and his co-conspirator exiting the Camry with the victim still held inside. As McCombs walked into the gas station to purchase gas, the co-conspirator entered the back seat of the vehicle and sexually assaulted the victim. After leaving the gas station, the kidnappers, who had already taken a significant amount of cash and property from the victim, repeatedly demanded to know “who she could call to save her life, that could get more money,” while threatening to kill her.

            The victim, believing she was going to be killed, used her foot to open a rear door of the vehicle, pushed open the door, and, after struggling with McCombs, jumped out of the moving vehicle. As she sprinted down the street, McCombs and the co-conspirator fired at least five gunshots at her, striking her twice in the foot. Within minutes of the shooting, law enforcement identified McCombs based on his GPS data. They located and arrested McCombs, who was still wearing the GPS monitor, several hours later.

               This case was investigated by FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. The Fairfax County Police Department, Howard County Police Department, and Metropolitan Police Department assisted with the investigation. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Mayer-Dempsey and Charles R. Jones.

    McCombs (center) and his co-conspirators carry the Alexandria victims’ shoes and handbag in the hallway of the apartment building.

    Crime scene photograph taken inside the Alexandria apartment where McCombs’s first victims resided.

    Still images of McCombs and his co-conspirator abducting a woman at gunpoint in Maryland on November 7, 2022.

    McCombs (right) and a co-conspirator talk at the gas station in Forestville, MD, as the victim remains captive in the back seat of a carjacked Toyota Camry.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Nonprofit Finance Director Sentenced for Theft of Government Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ashley Clark Ingram, 35, of Columbia, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft of government funds for misappropriating funds from Habitat for Humanity of Central South Carolina.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that while employed as the director of finance and operations for Habitat for Humanity, Ingram applied for an employee retention tax credit for retaining employees during the COVID-19 pandemic from the IRS on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, but without the knowledge of the nonprofit. Ingram then received checks totaling $388,550.75 from the United States Treasury and deposited the funds into a Habitat for Humanity account that she controlled then transferred the money from the Habitat for Humanity account into her own bank accounts. In total, Ingram misappropriated approximately $514,672.37 from Habitat for Humanity and the United States Government.

    United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Ingram to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. Ms. Ingram was ordered to pay a remaining balance of $30,165.47 in restitution to Habitat, which she rendered today. Ms. Ingram was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and a $100 special assessment fee.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Vancouver, Washington tax preparation business that catered to immigrants sentenced to nine months in prison for tax fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tacoma –The owner of a Vancouver, Washington, business that sought to assist immigrants with a variety of services was sentenced late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 9 months in prison and 4 months of electronic home confinement for tax fraud charges, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Saul Valdez was an unlicensed tax preparer who led his immigrant customers to believe he was filling out their tax forms correctly. Instead, from 2016 through 2018, Valdez inserted a variety of false deductions and expenses on tax returns, lowering the customers’ tax obligations. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, ““This is a serious offense…. deterrence drives this case. This sentence should be one that deters you and sends a message to you and others like you that there will be a real penalty, not probation, for this conduct.”

    “This defendant built his business by obtaining inflated tax refunds for clients who had little understanding of the U.S. tax system,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Ultimately some of these clients were hit with back tax payments, fees, and penalties because this defendant intentionally filed false tax returns on their behalf.”  

    “Mr. Valdez abused credits designed to help low-income taxpayers, and his clients incurred over $23,000 in penalties along the way,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “We encourage those seeking a tax preparer this season to be vigilant and report dishonest business practices.”

    According to records in the case, Valdez operated Conexion Latina and used programs such as TaxAct and TurboTax to prepare clients’ taxes. For tax year 2017, Valdez admits claiming false and fraudulent expenses, donations, and credits on 36 different tax returns. The tax loss on those 36 returns is $54,045.  That is the amount of restitution Valdez has agreed to pay.

    Using statistical sampling of 50 of some 2000 returns prepared by Valdez from 2016 through 2018, Valdez admits that the total tax loss for his fraud is $1,293,921.

    The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh-area Drug Trafficker Who Tried to Flush Drugs Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fuquay Varina man who was part of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in and around Raleigh was sentenced to 138 months in prison for drug trafficking after attempting to flush cocaine down his toilet.  On November 19, 2024, David Weaver, age 46, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, in 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) initiated an investigation into a DTO which distributed firearms, marijuana, and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Weaver was identified, along with others, as an individual who was provided drugs to distribute on behalf of the DTO.  On May 23, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Weaver’s Raleigh residence. Weaver was encountered as he exited the bathroom after a failed attempt to flush cocaine down the toilet.  During the search, the following items were seized: a loaded 9mm pistol; 102 rounds of 9mm ammunition; cocaine; crack cocaine; marijuana; and more than $11,000 in cash.

    This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. ATF and RPD investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Sandling prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00134-D-BM-18.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Woman Sentenced to Three Tears in Prison for Armed Robberies of Postal Workers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the armed robberies of United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers on Nov. 29, 2022 in Mattapan, Mass. and Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park, Mass.

    Myesha Lewis, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2024, Lewis pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States, aiding and abetting and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, aiding and abetting. In May 2023, Lewis was indicted by a federal grand jury along with co-defendant Kenneth Demosthene.

    USPS has seen a rise in the use of arrow keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An arrow key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These arrow keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. According to data from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service headquarters, from 2019 through 2022, there was a 512% increase year over year in arrow key robberies from letter carriers nationwide – rising from 64 robberies in 2019 to approximately 412 robberies in 2022. In 2023 the Postal Service reported 605 Arrow key robberies – a 49% increase in robberies over the previous year. In the last two years, 89 postal carriers were significantly injured during these robberies and at least one carrier was killed.

    On Nov. 29, 2022, in Mattapan, Lewis and Demosthene forcibly robbed a USPS letter carrier of an arrow key. Demosthene approached the letter carrier and said, “I’m going to need your master key,” before reaching into the letter carrier’s mail satchel and grabbing the arrow key. The key was secured around the letter carrier’s belt with a brass chain. The force used to physically break the brass chain caused the letter carrier to be pulled off the front steps. Lewis and Demosthene then fled the scene in a rental vehicle.

    On Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park, Lewis and Demosthene robbed another USPS letter carrier of an arrow key at knife point. Demosthene approached the USPS letter carrier and said, “Give me your f****** arrow key.” The letter carrier put their hands in the air as the defendants attempted to remove the arrow key, at first by force pulling at the chain. Lewis and Demosthene then attempted to cut it with the knife, eventually breaking it loose and fleeing the scene on foot.  

    In October 2024, Demosthene was sentenced to three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
     

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Belize on Advancing Education for Women and Girls, Raise Questions on Gang Warfare and Gender-Based Violence and on Female Healthcare

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the combined fifth to ninth periodic report of Belize, with Committee Experts commending the State for advancing education for women and girls, while raising questions on gender-based violence in the context of gang warfare and on access to healthcare for women and girls.

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for advancing the rights of women and girls to education, including through the creation of the Belize Education Upliftment Programme launched to improve access to education for students from low-income households. Additionally, the Committee commended the State party for introducing compulsory psychosocial support sessions for children aged five and six, aimed at building their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive behaviours for building relationships.

    Another Expert said the pervasive gender-based violence in Belize needed to be considered in the context of high levels of insecurity, and of proliferation of firearms and their possession and use by criminal networks and armed gangs. About 65 per cent of women and girls who were murdered were victims of gender-related murders or femicide, and 50 per cent of these murders were committed with firearms. What measures would the State party undertake to guarantee quality support services for women survivors of gender-based violence? Another Expert said gang warfare had impacted many women in Belize, including putting them at risk of gender-based violence. How did the Government ensure services for gang-impacted women?

    A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated that the Government had removed all fees in public hospitals and was very impressed at the recent decision to waive all taxes on female sanitary products. Could statistics on minor girls’ pregnancies and births be provided? What did the State party plan to do to fight the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy? It was concerning that abortion was only permitted in a few circumstances. Did the State party plan to change its criminal law so women and girls could safely access services to terminate unplanned pregnancy? Could statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS be provided? Was radiotherapy, including for breast cancer, still not available in the country?

    The delegation said Belize was carrying out measures to tackle gun violence and drug imports, including through daily policing efforts and conducting regular border checks. There was a close connection between gangs, drugs and guns. Significant work was being done to reach out to vulnerable communities and youth, guiding them away from guns. Interventions and mediations between rival groups was carried out to enhance the security of citizens. Efforts had been made to strengthen reporting around gender-based violence and gun violence. While the data was available, there needed to be further analysis. The State would focus efforts on this.

    The delegation said Belize had taken steps to address the legal and procedural barriers in women’s health services, particularly in regard to access to medical termination of pregnancy. The Government had invested over 200,000 USD in providing contraceptives. Mobile health clinics continued to be implemented within all villages. Mothers received counselling before contraceptives were provided, ensuring informed decision-making. The Government recognised the challenges faced by women in accessing comprehensive cancer care, including the lack of radiotherapy, requiring travelling abroad. Radiotherapy was not feasible for in-country infrastructure, and the Government therefore aimed to provide support and financial aid to women requiring these services. In 2023, Belize eliminated woman to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, which was a landmark medical achievement.

    Introducing the report, Elvia Vega Samos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs of Belize and head of the delegation, said the National Gender Policy 2024–2030 represented a landmark achievement in Belize’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, providing a comprehensive framework addressing gender-responsive healthcare, education, economic empowerment, institutional strengthening, women’s leadership, and the elimination of gender-based violence. While these achievements demonstrated progress, challenges persisted, including constraints in adequately staffing and retaining professionals in key gender and social service sectors, as well as insufficient investments and funding.

    In closing remarks, Ms. Vega Samos expressed sincere appreciation for the meaningful dialogue. Belize was proud of the progress made. However, the State recognised that challenges remained, particularly when addressing gender-based violence, inequality and the disproportionate impact of climate change.

    In her closing remarks, Nahla Haidar, Committee Chair, thanked Belize for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women in the country.

    The delegation of Belize was comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the National Women’s Commission.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninetieth session is being held from 3 to 21 February. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 12 February to begin its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Congo (CEDAW/C/COG/8).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the combined fifth to ninth periodic report of Belize (CEDAW/C/BLZ/5-9).

    Presentation of Report 

    ELVIA VEGA SAMOS, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs of Belize and head of the delegation, said since the last review, Belize had made significant progress in advancing legal protections and rights for women and girls, including through the enactment of the National Women’s Commission Act in 2023, which formalised the Commission’s role in advancing gender equality and ensuring alignment with the principles of the Convention.

    Other key pieces of legislation included the Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Act, which addressed gaps in access to justice and enhanced protections for survivors of gender-based violence; the passage of the Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2024, which raised the legal age of marriage to 18 and prohibited parental consent for minors to marry; a revised and stronger Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, which strengthened workplace protections against harassment; amendments to the Married Women’s Property Act, which expanded women’s economic rights; the Disabilities Act, which reinforced the rights of women and girls with disabilities; the Cybercrime Act 2021, which offered additional legal protections for women and girls in digital spaces; and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which addressed labour and sex trafficking and forced marriage.

    Belize had also acceded to the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of older women.

    The National Gender Policy 2024–2030 represented a landmark achievement in Belize’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, providing a comprehensive framework addressing gender-responsive healthcare, education, economic empowerment, institutional strengthening, women’s leadership, and the elimination of gender-based violence.

    Belize had developed and implemented gender-based violence multisectoral protocols alongside the gender-based violence referral mechanism and pathway, improving collaboration among law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal aid services, and social support agencies, and ensuring more timely and effective interventions. Gender-based violence hotlines now provided 24/7 crisis assistance, using multiple modalities such as regular calls, SMS, and WhatsApp. Belize had also advanced efforts to improve gender-based violence data collection, coordination, and reporting efficiency through the integrated data collection and reporting system.

    Belize continued to make progress in increasing women’s representation in leadership across various sectors, strengthening governance and fostering inclusive policies. Promoting gender parity remained a national priority. Women now accounted for 22 per cent of Belize’s National Assembly, the highest representation in the country’s history. The establishment of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in 2023 was a powerful step forward in creating an inclusive and equitable legislative environment, acting as a formal platform to discuss gender related issues, addressing legislative gaps, advocating for policy changes, and promoting women’s leadership.

    Training programmes under the engaging men and boys initiative had fostered community dialogues and challenged harmful gender norms, supporting women’s participation in leadership roles. Women led major judicial and prosecutorial offices, including the naming of an acting female Chief Justice in 2019 and the appointment of a female Chief Justice in 2022.

    The State had intensified efforts to enhance women’s economic participation through targeted initiatives and policy reforms. Over 1,000 women had received training in business strategy, digital skills, and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Belize Women’s Economic Empowerment Project. The Decent Work Country Programme, launched in 2024, focused on women’s economic empowerment through skills training, labour rights awareness, and access to financial resources. Programmes such as BOOST (Building Opportunities for our Social Transformation) addressed multidimensional poverty and supported female-headed households through targeted cash transfers and vocational training.

    Belize had made strides in integrating gender-sensitive approaches into education, including introducing a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Academy to encourage girls’ participation in high-income careers. Comprehensive sexuality education had been integrated into the National Health Curriculum to address social norms and promote gender equality, and programmes targeting school dropout rates among girls due to early pregnancies or child marriage had been initiated, ensuring continuity in education for young mothers.

    While these achievements demonstrated progress, challenges persisted, including constraints in adequately staffing and retaining professionals in key gender and social service sectors, as well as insufficient investments and funding. Gender-based violence remained prevalent, with Belize recording a five per cent increase in domestic violence cases in 2023. The National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan and its accompanying behavioural change communication campaign, “it ends with me,” aimed to challenge harmful norms and reduce violence against women and girls.

    As a small island developing State, Belize faced disproportionate impacts of climate change, which heightened vulnerabilities for women, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. The National Climate Change Gender Action Plan addressed these intersecting challenges, promoting resilience and adaptation strategies. Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and intersex persons faced compounded barriers to accessing justice, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Initiatives like the Essential Services Package for Women Subject to Violence ensured holistic support for marginalised groups.

    The Government of Belize remained steadfast in its dedication to fully realising gender equality. The roadmap for the future included expanding access to gender-responsive social services; enhancing data systems to ensure evidence-based policymaking; strengthening partnerships with civil society, development partners, and international organizations; advocating for removing of cultural and structural barriers that hindered women’s full participation; promoting initiatives targeting young women and girls; and strengthening the legislative framework. Ms. Vega Samos reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to the Convention and welcomed the Committee’s recommendations.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    RHODA REDDOCK, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Belize, said the dialogue was taking place in a context of extensive gang and gun violence linked to narco-trafficking which affected Belize and the wider Caribbean and Central America. What had been the implications of this for women’s rights and gender equality, and what were the State’s efforts in this regard? In 1990, Belize signed and ratified the Convention and in 2002, it acceded to its Optional Protocol, one of only three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to do so. Unfortunately, there were reservations on articles 8 and 9, which removed access to the inquiry mechanism of the Optional Protocol, reducing its efficacy for Belizean women and Girls. Would the State party reconsider the reservations on articles 8 and 9 of the Optional Protocol to ensure the expansion of rights for Belizean women and girls?

    Ms. Reddock commended the State party on developments since the last dialogue in 2007, including the 2011 amendment of the Labour Act Ch 297 to protect workers from unfair dismissal and unequal treatment due to pregnancy, HIV status, or filing a sexual harassment complaint; the 2013 Criminal Code amendments to strengthen penalties for sexual crimes; the 2016 decriminalisation of same sex unions; and in April 2023 – a waiver of general sales tax on feminine hygiene products, which was very important. However, the Committee remained concerned, at the lack of implementation of many of the important laws and mechanisms.

    What mechanisms were in place to monitor and evaluate impact, and report on progress in the implementation of the new laws and mechanisms? In 2023, Belize enacted the Legal Aid Act to ensure legal assistance to improve access to justice. What was its implementation status?

    Were there plans to domesticate the Convention into local legislation to ensure the applicability of all its provisions? Did the State party plan to incorporate indigenous rights into the Constitution or specific national legislation? Ms. Reddock commended the State party on the 2018 Gender Equality Protocol for Judicial Officers, and efforts to enhance the capacity of Magistrates Courts and the Family Court to enhance protection for women and girls. What had been the impact of these new legal mechanisms in improving access to justice for women and girls in rural and urban communities?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Belize retained its reservations to articles 8 and 9 but recognised the importance of accessing mechanisms for redress. Where allegations arose concerning the matters covered under the Convention, the State held that mechanisms could be established to ensure due process and accountability, within the country’s legal framework.

    The National Women’s Commission provided ongoing education and support to women and girls. It also encompassed workshops, roundtables and community affairs. Special legal clinics were held twice a year targeting vulnerable populations.

    As part of the process of the implementation of the laws, the National Women’s Commission was positioned as the policy and advisory arm in this regard and was supporting in terms of the implementation. The Commission took the lead in terms of advocacy and promoting the acts. There were also national gender and gender-based violence committees, comprised of members of Governments, non-governmental organizations and other partners, that also provided advocacy support and advice on the implementation of the laws. The State understood that more needed to be done to improve the monitoring and reporting in this regard.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert congratulated Belize on the steps taken to transform the National Women’s Commission into an independent body, as well as steps taken to improve the Sub-Committees. What percentage of the budget of the institutions was covered from the regular budget of the State party, and what percentage depended on external financing? What steps were being taken to guarantee the participation of indigenous women in the drafting and assessment of policies which concerned them? When would Belize have a national human rights institution in place which was in line with the Paris Principles?

    Another Expert said women faced persistent challenges during the reporting period, regarding the electoral process. The 2021 municipal elections marked significant progress with 22 per cent of female members of parliament, but this was far below the level of parity. When would the State party impose a gender quota for increasing the political participation of women? Would the State party consider adopting temporary special measures to increase access to education for rural women and girls?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said 60 per cent of the budget of the National Women’s Commission was provided by the Government while 40 per cent was provided by external funding. A roadmap had been approved for transforming the Office of the Ombudsman into the National Human Rights Institution, which was currently under implementation. There was no specific timeline, but a process was underway to expand the mandate of the Ombudsman and ensure the sustainability of the Human Rights Commission. A Committee, consisting of representatives of the Government, civil society, and academic and international partners was monitoring this process. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had offered technical capacity building in this regard.

    Belize had a Women’s Parliamentary Caucus with a strategic plan. The State would continue to undertake advocacy and ensure changes were made to ensure more women were involved in politics at the higher level.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said research showed that half of the women in Belize experienced violence at some point in their life. Early marriages and unions still existed as a harmful practice. How would the State party ensure the monitoring of measures of tackling harmful gender stereotypes and cultural practices? The State party was commended for legislation and policy measures to combat gender-based violence. Despite these important steps, women and girls continued to be the main victims of both domestic and sexual violence, with 99 per cent of the victims of sexual violence being females.

    The pervasive gender-based violence in Belize needed to be considered in the context of high levels of insecurity, and of proliferation of firearms and their possession and use by criminal networks and armed gangs. About 65 per cent of women and girls who were murdered were victims of gender-related murders or femicide, and 50 per cent of these murders were committed with firearms. What measures would the State party undertake to guarantee quality support services for women survivors of gender-based violence? Did the State party provide support to women’s non-governmental organizations which provided these services? How many shelters existed?

    Was the practice of mobile women’s centres maintained? How many centres were available in rural and indigenous communities? What programmes were in place for controlling and eliminating the provision of weapons? What was the timeline for explicitly including the crime of femicide within the Penal Code?

    Another Expert commended the State party for legal reforms in trafficking; however, no new prosecutions had been enacted within the last two years. What would be done to improve judicial efficiency? How would the State party ensure adequate sentencing in line with the severity of the crime? What was the timeline for the implementation of the National Action Plan on Trafficking? Would the State party allocate adequate resources to shelters for victim assistance?

    Could information be provided on the new labour policy? What was being done to provide oversight on labour recruitment? How would Belize enhance victim identification and screening processes, including in groups such as Cuban medical workers? What actions did the State party take to address the trafficking and exploitation of Mayan girls? What was being done to prevent the sexual exploitation of children in tourist regions? How was the Government addressing the involvement of international actors in these crimes? What measures was the Government taking to address the underground nature of sex trafficking since the pandemic?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the engagement of the men and boys programme began in 2020 and involved men and boys as advocates. Men from all facets of society were trained all over the country, including from indigenous populations. Around 1,000 men and boys had been trained, and many more had expressed willingness to be involved in the programme. Uniformed services participated in the training and masculinity and femininity were key components of the training programme. The State was aiming to establish a national shelter strategy to cater to the different types of shelters necessary, to provide short- and long-term care, including emergency services.

    The work of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council had been to strengthen overall operations and ability to convict. There had not been programmes which strategically targeted vulnerable groups. However, campaigns were being promulgated in rural and hard-to-reach areas to support victims and survivors.

    In 2023 and 2024, there were 10 women killed as a result of femicide. The State needed a multisectoral analysis approach; this was currently a weak area which needed to be improved.

    Gender training was provided at the Police Academy as part of the training requirements for police.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the number of women candidates at the last elections was very low, at 14.8 per cent. In view of the upcoming elections this year, were there any concrete measures planned to increase the number of women in parliament? What were the plans and strategies of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus? How was it resourced?

    The high number of women working in the judiciary in Belize was impressive and should be seen as an example for other countries. The current Governor-General of Belize was a woman; the first indigenous governor-general from the Americas in the Commonwealth. The Committee also welcomed the new gender policy which looked to advance women in politics and government. What measures were being taken to implement goal number five of the gender policy? Who was responsible for implementing the activity? How would the Government strengthen women’s advocacy groups? Could more information be provided about the representation of women, including indigenous women, in Belize’s diplomatic services? What was the percentage of women running in the 2025 elections? 

    Another Expert asked how stateless determination procedures were implemented in Belize? What kind of advocacy programmes were being developed in regard to birth registration? What plans were there to enhance birth registration processes, particularly for migrant women?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the implementation of the gender policy was the responsibility of all organizations which provided gender and gender-based violence services. The National Women’s Commission was responsible for the monitoring of the gender policy. Advocacy groups continued to be a treasured partner of the Government and were included in the trainings and in areas where legislation would be passed. Two indigenous forums had been hosted by women and girls to determine areas which needed improvement. Access to health, affordability of health care services and education were key issues which continued to be raised.

    There had been a lot of work relating to birth registration, with key international partners, and numerous mobile clinics rolled out in this regard. In 2023, thousands of births were documented because of the mobile units. There had been a good uptake in the clinics to ensure there were no barriers in terms of access for indigenous persons due to language.

    Thirty rural communities had benefitted from registration campaigns. Special efforts were made to reach indigenous and Mayan communities and migrant populations. There was a strong network on the ground for people who required support.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for advancing the rights of women and girls to education, including through the creation of the Belize Education Upliftment Programme launched to improve access to education for students from low-income households. Additionally, the Committee commended the State party for introducing compulsory psychosocial support sessions for children aged five and six, aimed at building their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive behaviours for building relationships.

    What concrete actions was the State party taking to increase enrolment rates and address teen pregnancies in schools. What was being done to support the physical and mental wellbeing of adolescent mothers to support their re-enrolment in school? Could information about the school meal programme be provided? How were nutritional standards being introduced in schools? How was it ensured that nutritious meals were provided at schools? How did the State party ensure the physical and mental safety of girls at school, as well as in the online sphere?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State was committed to ensuring the continuation of education for all, including girls who became pregnant. The “lead like a girl” forum occurred every year, involving 100 high schools around the country whose students competed in challenges, before launching the “lead like a girl” pledge. Efforts were being made to provide nutritious meal options in schools. There was a zero-tolerance approach to bullying within the school environment and continued efforts were in place to strengthen legislation in this regard.

    The child marriage and early union strategy was in place, and a data profile had been developed to understand the state of this phenomenon within the country. The Marriage Act had been amended to increase the age of marriage from 16 to 18. Specific institutional policies were being developed for schools in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and community education was promoted.

    Recently, a master’s degree in social work had been launched from the University of Belize, and other approaches for strengthening social work were also in progress.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for its progress in labour and employment, including a decline in the unemployment rate and an increase in the minimum wage across all categories. However, persistent gender disparities remained in the labour force, with women’s participation at around 43 per cent compared to men’s 69 per cent, largely due to domestic and care giving responsibilities. Could the State party elaborate on the decent work programme? What strategies were in place to increase female workforce participation? What measures had been implemented to challenge gender norms which designated unpaid domestic work as a woman’s responsibility?

    What was the current status of the equal opportunities bill and what were the next steps for its advancement? What was being done to enhance the national health insurance system? Was the State party considering accession to the International Labour Organization Convention 189? What specific measures were being implemented to accelerate the reduction of the gender pay gap? The Committee welcomed the new sexual harassment bill endorsed by the Cabinet in 2024. What was its current status and what mechanisms were in place for its implementation?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there was a particular focus on vulnerable women, and all efforts within the Ministry had been mobilised in that direction. There was only a small percent of people covered by social security schemes, and the State was aiming to increase participation through targeted outreach and involvement in the social protection scheme. Two cohorts had been tested and piloted which were inclusive of direct training and employment services. The State was aiming to include elements such as free or subsided day care as part of the services provided.

    There was increased access to education and skills training for women, particularly those in rural and indigenous areas. The State was looking at financial incentives for female entrepreneurs to decrease their dependence on low paying jobs. Environmental and social safeguards were being put in place to cater to indigenous communities and their livelihoods.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated that the Government had removed all fees in public hospitals and was very impressed at the recent decision to waive all taxes on female sanitary products. Could statistics on minor girls’ pregnancies and births be provided? What did the State party plan to do to fight the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy? It was concerning that abortion was only permitted in a few circumstances. Did the State party plan to change its criminal law that so women and girls could safely access services to terminate unplanned pregnancy?

    Were contraceptives subsidised by the State? If so, which ones and to what extent? What awareness campaigns were planned to enhance safe reproduction health literacy in Belize, especially to address issues such as unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted diseases? Could statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS be provided? Was radiotherapy, including for breast cancer, still not available in the country? What steps were being taken to address maternal mortality? What were the main challenges in ensuring equitable access to health care services for elderly women?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Belize had taken steps to address the legal and procedural barriers in women’s health services, particularly in regard to access to medical termination of pregnancy. It was important to ensure parents, individuals and schools received the required information, and that contraception was accessible. The Government had invested over 200,000 USD in providing contraceptives. Mobile health clinics continued to be used within all villages. Mothers received counselling before contraceptives were provided, ensuring informed decision-making. Additional measures were being taken to improve the emergency response for survivors of sexual violence.

    The Government recognised the challenges faced by women in accessing comprehensive cancer care, including the lack of radiotherapy, requiring travelling abroad. Radiotherapy was not feasible for in-country infrastructure, and the Government therefore aimed to provide support and financial aid to women requiring these services. There were oncology centres in different parts of the country. Human papillomavirus screening was available to women aged 30 to 49 and human papillomavirus vaccines were administered to adolescents, reducing the risk of cervical cancer to future generations.

    An estimated 3,700 people were living with HIV in Belize, with the majority of them being males. In 2023, Belize eliminated woman to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, which was a landmark medical achievement.

    When a pregnancy posed a risk to the life of the woman, medical termination was legally allowed. It was also allowed to preserve the mental and physical health of the woman, in cases of rape or incest, and in cases of foetal abnormality. Abortion was an area which was under consideration by the Government.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed the revised national gender policy, and its establishment of five priority areas. Was there gender-awareness training for loan officers? What training had been undertaken to increase women’s financial literacy? What social protections existed for self-employed women? What measures existed to ensure girls and women in rural areas enjoyed equal opportunity to participate in sports recreationally and professionally?

    Another Expert said Belize contributed less than 0.001 per cent of global emissions, and was a model of the blue economy, which should be congratulated. What was the leadership role of women in the sustainable use of oceans, including women scientists in marine biology? Gang warfare had impacted many women in Belize, including putting them at risk of gender-based violence. How did the Government ensure services for gang-impacted women? How were the laws of gender-based violence made culturally specific for rural women?

    What was the policy of Mayan women’s consent for companies to operate on Mayan land? The Mayans of Toledo lived in close proximity to land where logging had been permitted. What efforts was the State party taking to secure the land rights of the Mayan women? How many female sex workers were incarcerated? Would the State consider decriminalising prostitution? It was hoped that the State would consider some of the archaic language used in certain laws. What was the timeframe for the adoption of the Older Persons Act?

    RHODA REDDOCK, Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Belize, asked if there was recognition of the special needs of women in detention, particularly regarding childbirth? Would the State consider implementing the Bangkok Rules?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Belize’s investment and climate action plan aimed at addressing several financial barriers for female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas. Measures taken included mentorship programmes, capacity building initiatives, and financial literacy training. The plan mandated that 50 per cent of the training budgets be allocated to women entrepreneurs. The programme also encouraged financial institutions to increase small and medium enterprise lending. These measures collectively aimed to level the playing field, enabling women to access and maximise credit resources for sustainable business success.

    The sports policy for 2025 highlighted areas in the expansion of sports, but the investment in women’s infrastructure needed to be reflected, including support for female athletes and the prevention of gender-based violence in sports. Part of the work of indigenous peoples’ affairs was to ensure that the consent of Mayan women was provided. The social policy took aging into consideration.

    Belize was carrying out measures to tackle gun violence and drug imports, including through daily policing efforts and conducting regular border checks. There was a close connection between gangs, drugs and guns, and significant work was being carried out to reach out to vulnerable communities and youth, guiding them away from guns. Interventions and mediations between rival groups was carried out to enhance the security of citizens.

    Belize had embraced the 30 per cent quotas but the Government now needed to implement these. It was hoped the State would eventually reach fifty-fifty parity. It was currently on paper, but the tangible changes were not yet being seen.

    Efforts had been made to strengthen reporting around gender-based violence and gun violence. While the data was available, there needed to be further analysis. The State would focus efforts on this.

    The State would look at the Bangkok Rules as an additional standard which could also be pursued.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert commended Belize for the steps taken to finetune its legal framework in the sphere of family relationships, including the new law on family and childhood and the new law on married persons. What were the most significant proposals contained in these draft laws? In what way did judges incorporate a gender perspective in cases of family violence? Were there any limitations based on women in care work when it came to inheriting from their deceased husbands?

    What was being done to eradicate early and de facto unions? How was the Government engaging with ethnicities in rural areas in this regard? Would the State recognise same sex marriages and de facto unions going forward? What was being done with the general public, particularly men, to raise awareness about early unions?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Belize had recently increased the age of marriage to 18, with no exceptions. The courts looked at the best interests of the child, and ensured there was engagement of both parents in their parental ability, and also took into account the risk of harm to the child. There had been some recent work done in terms of inheritance and division of assets. Recognising same sex marriages was part of the continued work being undertaken by the Government. The child marriage and early union strategy aimed to work with young people to understand the implications of early unions, and the type of support available for them.

    The State had engaged pastors and leaders when drawing up the child marriage bill, as they had been the ones responsible for marrying young girls. It was one thing to change the law, but another to change hearts and minds. The Government was striving to implement educational strategies, using the media, social media and posters, to foster behavioural change.

    Closing Remarks

    ELVIA VEGA SAMOS, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs of Belize and head of the delegation, expressed sincere appreciation for the meaningful dialogue. Belize was proud of the progress made. However, the State recognised that challenges remained, particularly when addressing gender-based violence, inequality and the disproportionate impact of climate change. The journey towards gender equality was ongoing, and Ms. Vega Samos thanked all those who had assisted Belize so far in strengthening human rights.

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chair, thanked Belize for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women in the country.

     

     

     

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    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently. 

     

    CEDAW25.007E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Welcome Croatia’s Anti-Discrimination Measures, Raise Issues Concerning Reported Exploitation of Migrant Workers and the Social Benefit Scheme

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the second periodic report of Croatia under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, with Committee Experts commending the State’s law and national action plan against discrimination, and raising issues concerning reported exploitation of migrant workers and the social benefit scheme.

    Karla Vanessa Lemus de Vásquez, Committee Expert and Lead Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, welcomed Croatia’s law against discrimination and the national action plan on combatting discrimination and protecting human rights.

    Joo-Young Lee, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, said migrant workers in Croatia were particularly vulnerable to poor working conditions, including non-payment for work, and failure to provide breaks or employment contracts.  What measures had been taken to address labour exploitation of migrant workers?

    Ms. Lee also cited reports that social assistance benefits were inadequate and often not sufficient to cover the cost of living.  What measures had the State party taken to address this?  Why had the number of beneficiaries decreased recently, and why did some regions require recipients of benefits to participate in community service?

    Ivan Vidiš, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia and head of the delegation, introducing the report, said that the State party was proud of the reforms underway in Croatia.  In early 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen area, and the euro was introduced as a national currency.

    Mr. Vidiš said the National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination for the period up to 2027 was adopted to ensure coordinated action by State administration bodies in the field of human rights protection and anti-discrimination, and to raise awareness of equality.

    On protections for migrant workers, Mr. Vidiš said labour legislation provided for third-country nationals legally working in Croatia to have the same rights as national workers, and the new Act on Combatting Undeclared Work obliged the employer to pay six months of salary to unregistered workers as well as a fine.

    On the social benefit scheme, the delegation said the number of recipients of the guaranteed minimum benefit had been dropping recently, in line with the reduction in unemployment.  The benefit had been increased three times in recent years, and the State party had developed a new Social Welfare Act that would increase the minimum social benefit.  The Act would also allow for persons to be excused from community service activities if they were unable to participate.

    In concluding remarks, Ms. Lemus de Vásquez thanked the delegation for the information shared, which provided insight into the progress achieved and measures planned to give effect to the Covenant in Croatia.  The Committee’s aim was to ensure the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for all persons in Croatia.

    Mr. Vidiš, in his concluding remarks, said Croatia was passionate about its work, open about its challenges, and determined to address them.  Economic, social and cultural rights were the cornerstone of the State party’s efforts.  Mr. Vidiš thanked the Committee for its constructive approach to the dialogue.

    In her concluding remarks, Laura-Maria Craciunean-Tatu, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the open and constructive way in which it had participated in the dialogue.  The Committee hoped that Croatia would address the Committee’s forthcoming recommendations with a constructive spirit.

    The delegation of Croatia was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy; Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property; Ministry of Science, Education and Youth; Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities; Ministry of Finance; Croatian Employment Service; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition; Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; and the Permanent Mission of Croatia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

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

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 12 February to begin its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Peru (E/C.12/PER/5).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the second periodic report of Croatia (E/C.12/HRV/2).

    Presentation of Report

    IVAN VIDIŠ, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia and head of the delegation, said that the State party was proud of the reforms underway in Croatia.  In early 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen area, and the euro was introduced as a national currency.  As part of the European Economic Area, Croatia was exposed to inflationary developments caused the pandemic and then the war in Ukraine.  The Government intervened to a limited extent in energy prices and provided seven aid packages, all with the aim of protecting particularly vulnerable population groups.

    The National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination for the period up to 2027 was adopted to ensure coordinated action by State administration bodies in the field of human rights protection and anti-discrimination, and to raise awareness of equality. 

    The State party had implemented a series of measures to strengthen workers’ rights.  The new Act on Combatting Undeclared Workers provided strict measures for employers who did not declare workers, including giving such workers the right to be registered and receive pay, pension and health insurance for the last six months, and foreign workers had access to the same protections as national workers.  Active employment policy measures had resulted in a historically low number of unemployed people.  Unemployment benefits had been increased and amendments had also been made to the labour legislation, laying down provisions on work through digital labour platforms and limiting the use of fixed-term contracts.

    In 2024, the salaries of civil servants and public service employees financed from the State budget were reformed towards a more transparent and fairer system.  The remuneration system for judges and prosecutors had also been revised to ensure that they could work smoothly and independently.  The minimum wage was constantly increasing and had almost doubled compared to 2019.

    To promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups, the Government had provided increased rights and coverage for these groups in the Social Welfare Act and adopted the inclusive benefit, which significantly improved living standards.  Further, the State party had implemented measures to support elderly people.

    A new national plan for protection against violence against women and domestic violence, covering the period up to 2028, was under development.  As part of this plan, in 2024, a package of regulations dedicated to combatting violence against women and domestic violence entered into force, which included amendments to the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Act on Protection from Domestic Violence.  The legislative package tightened sentencing and strengthened protective measures for victims.  The revised Criminal Code introduced a definition of “gender-based violence against women” that was in line with the Istanbul Convention and a new criminal offence of femicide.

    There were 123,000 foreign workers in Croatia.  The State party had introduced legislation to combat undeclared work, and existing labour legislation provided for third-country nationals legally working in Croatia to have the same rights as national workers.

    After the 2020 earthquakes, many public facilities had been renovated, and multi-dwelling buildings and family replacement houses were being built.  To ensure the availability of housing, especially for young families, Croatia’s first national housing policy plan up to 2030 had been drawn up.  At the end of 2024, the Government adopted a programme for the construction and renovation of housing units in assisted areas to help young people and families access housing and to encourage population growth in these areas.

    Significant measures had also been taken over the last three years to strengthen the free legal aid system.  A call for funding for projects to provide primary legal aid was launched for a three-year period from 2023 to 2025.  Funding for projects increased by 100 per cent in 2023.

    Croatia expressed its strong commitment to the realisation of the human rights enshrined in the Covenant, demonstrated by its achievement of a high level of human rights protection.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    KARLA VANESSA LEMUS DE VÁSQUEZ, Committee Expert, Country Rapporteur and Lead Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, asked about the number of cases in which the Covenant was invoked in domestic courts.  What was the domestic legal status of the treaty bodies’ observations?  Did Croatia plan to adopt the Optional Protocol?  How had the legislature and civil society participated in implementing the Committee’s previous concluding observations and in drafting the State party’s reports?  Did the State party have a national follow-up mechanism to coordinate follow-up activities?

    Croatia had great potential, considering its location, resources and human capital.  However, the State party was reportedly overdependent on the tourism industry, which hampered the productivity of businesses.  What measures were in place to increase the productivity of the private sector and reduce dependence on tourism?  Were there measures in place to build workers’ capacities?

    Croatia did not have a national action plan on business and human rights and due diligence regulations were not sufficient.  What measures had the State party implemented to transpose the European Union directive on due diligence into national law?  What measures were in place to ensure due diligence in the private sector and to help victims of human rights violations to access justice?

    Croatia had received low grades in greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and climate policy in a recent review.  Would Croatia be able to meet its climate commitments for 2030 and 2050?  What were the main challenges in this regard?  How would the State party rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions?  What plans were in place to eradicate subsidies for fossil fuels and to reallocate funds to renewable energy?

    Official development assistance represented 0.2 per cent of gross domestic product, well below the 0.7 per cent recommended by the United Nations.  Were there plans to increase the budget allocated to such assistance in the next few years?

    The Committee welcomed the law against discrimination and the national action plan on combatting discrimination and protecting human rights.  Had the 2024 and 2025 plans been implemented and to what extent?

    The Roma had been facing discrimination regarding access to housing and healthcare in Croatia.  What progress had been made in combatting hate crimes against the Roma and in implementing the national action plan on inclusion of the Roma?  What measures were in place to address the gender gap in participation in the labour market and to combat stereotypes against women in the private sector?  Were there any wage equality measures in place?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Croatia had one of the highest growth rates for gross domestic product in the European Union, at 3.6 per cent.  The State party had been using European Union funds to increase skills for around 140,000 citizens.  Judicial experts and judges had received training on the Covenant.  Croatia was working to continuously train public officers on human rights, particularly the rights of the Roma and vulnerable women and girls.

    Discussion on signing the Optional Protocol was ongoing, with public consultations being carried out.  If stakeholders found that the Optional Protocol was relevant to Croatia, the State party would launch ratification procedures.

    Croatia had working groups for developing legislation that included experts from line ministries and civil society representatives.  Analyses were carried out to determine areas where legislation needed to be aligned with international law and the recommendations of treaty bodies.

    Croatia had a strong tourism industry due to its location and natural and cultural heritage.  The Government was promoting sustainable tourism, implementing accommodation and environmental policies to regulate development in the sector.  There were around 270,000 pieces of property used for short-term renting to tourists.  New regulations addressed this, encouraging owners to provide long-term rental schemes and permanent housing.

    The State party was working on reforming vocational training to increase its availability, quality and relevance, and reduce school dropouts.  A new modular curriculum had been developed to allow students to engage in work experience activities.

    The new national action plan on the inclusion of the Roma covered the period of 2021 to 2027.  Around 57 per cent of financing programmes were in the education field.  The Government was also working on policies promoting access to healthcare and improved quality of life for the Roma population.

    Croatia was a part of the European Union’s ambitious climate policy, which aimed to make Europe climate neutral by 2050.  Under this policy, Croatia was working to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  The national strategy on low carbon development and the national energy and climate plan had been developed to guide efforts to achieve climate objectives.  The plan included a measure for gradually abolishing subsidies for fossil fuels.  The State party had been monitoring national emissions using a database on emissions.

    Croatia’s gender employment gap, at 11.4 per cent, was lower than the European Union average.  Wage transparency policies were helping the State to achieve equal pay for equal work.  Measures had been developed to support access to employment for women in rural areas and women over the age of 50.

    There had been a spike in hate crimes following the increase in foreign workers in the State party.  To combat this, the Government had developed educational measures to promote the integration of foreign workers in society.

    Croatia was this year preparing to transpose the European Union directive on due diligence.  The national action plan on responsible businesses, which was being drafted by experts, aimed to support the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on measures implemented to bolster the capacity of the Ombudswoman’s office to ensure that it could carry out its mandate; the composition of bodies monitoring the implementation of treaty body recommendations; plans to address challenges related to disparities in regional development; the legal status of the Covenant in domestic legislation; measures to address unequal distribution of free legal aid services across the country; plans to broaden awareness raising activities on economic, social and cultural rights; and whether the State party planned to draft national action plans on human rights protections.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that in Croatia, the Covenant had legal status and was directly applicable.  Public tender was provided to legal clinics to facilitate the provision of free legal aid across the State.  Funds for free legal aid were increased by 100 per cent in 2023 and by a further 30 per cent in 2024.  Transport fees were paid by the State when persons needed to travel more than 60 kilometres to attend courts.

    The salary system for the civil service had been reformed, including salaries for staff of the Ombudswoman’s Office.  On average, salaries for civil servants had been increased by around 30 per cent.  The budget for the Office had increased gradually since 2022.

    The Ministry of Labour, Pension System and Social Policy had a special service coordinating the implementation of the Covenant and other international documents.  Policies related to implementation were discussed with representatives of trade unions and civil society.

    The Federal Government was pursuing fiscal decentralisation and providing local and regional governments with funding to be used in regional development projects.  It sought to address gaps between less and more developed regions.

    The Social Housing Fund encouraged the population to live and work in rural areas, and a new programme on the construction of housing for young people focused on housing developments in rural areas.

    The new national action plan on human rights had been prepared but was currently being discussed in the Government.  The former plan was still in force.  National action plans on combatting trafficking in persons, promoting the inclusion of the Roma, and fighting discrimination were also being implemented.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    JOO-YOUNG LEE, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, said that the State party had implemented employment policy measures focusing on the integration of vulnerable people into the labour market.  What impact had those measures had?  What was the trend in rates of young people who were not in employment, education or training over the last five years?

    What measures were in place to address the discrimination and prejudice faced by Roma persons in the workplace?  The disability employment gap was around 23 per cent as of 2023, related to a lack of reasonable accommodation measures.  How was the State party promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace?

    The Committee noted legislation addressing unregistered, unpaid and precarious work, but such work remained prevalent in the State party.  Migrant workers were particularly vulnerable to poor working conditions, including non-payment for work, and failure to provide breaks or employment contracts.  What were the root causes of labour exploitation of migrant workers and what measures had been taken to address them?  How was the State party working to improve the capacity of public officials to uphold migrant workers’ rights and impose appropriate sanctions on persons who violated those rights?

    Social assistance benefits were reportedly inadequate and often not sufficient to cover the cost of living.  What measures had the State party taken to address this?  Why had the number of beneficiaries decreased recently?  What budget had been devoted to social benefits in the last five years?  What measures had been implemented to improve social services for persons with disabilities, older persons, and persons living in rural areas?

    The “at risk of poverty” rate was around 42 per cent in Croatia.  This was reportedly due to strict requirements limiting access to unemployment benefits.  How did the State party ensure that unemployed persons did not fall into poverty?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party provided educational and training support to unemployed persons.  Several hundreds of persons had found employment through the Government’s on-the-job training programme.

    Legislative changes and State-funded support centres had led to an increase in the registration of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in the labour market.  The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities was currently at a record low level.  The Government financed up to two-thirds of the salaries of persons with disabilities, including self-employed persons, and financed the adaption of workplaces to the needs of persons with disabilities.  The employment rate of persons with disabilities had increased by 70 per cent in recent years.

    The new Act on Combatting Undeclared Work obliged the employer to pay six months of salary to unregistered workers as well as a fine of 2,600 euros.  There was a public register of employers that had employed unregistered workers.

    The Government also had a register of persons who were not in employment, education or training.  It was planning programmes to involve these persons in education or the labour market.  Only 13 per cent of young people were currently unemployed, down from a historic high of around 50 per cent.  Croatia had removed many restrictions related to accessing unemployment benefits.

    Foreign workers received materials informing them of their rights to State services, including health care, unemployment benefits and complaints mechanisms.  The Government supported foreign workers to learn the Croatian language.

    The guaranteed minimum benefit was provided to persons who did not have basic sustenance.  More than 40,000 persons received this benefit.  The number of recipients had been dropping in recent years, in line with the reduction in unemployment.  The benefit had been increased three times in recent years, and there were plans to increase it further, along with other benefits.  The Government was working to amend the Social Welfare Act to increase the base payment for single parents and their children by 25 per cent.  The national allowance for the elderly provided support to persons who did not have sufficient pensions.  The Government was strengthening the capacities of institutions to monitor poverty and better combat it.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    JOO-YOUNG LEE, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, said it was welcome that the Act on Foreigner Workers would be amended and that the basic social benefit had increased.

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on the assessment of measures for housing provided to foreign workers; the methodology used to assess citizens’ risk of poverty; why some regions required recipients of benefits to participate in community service; the timeframe in which the minimum wage had increased and whether it covered the cost of living; whether rules regarding the renewal of temporary work contracts led to unemployment; measures being taken to promote entrepreneurship; the nationalities of migrant workers in the State party; and policies being implemented to enable women to enter the labour market and promote sharing of domestic work tasks.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there were clear criteria in place regarding the accommodation of foreign workers.  The Government was working with the embassies of foreign countries to inform migrant workers about their rights.

    The percentage of persons at risk of poverty had not increased in recent years.  The State party had developed a new Social Welfare Act that would increase the minimum social benefit and would allow for persons to be excused from community service activities if they were unable to participate.  Community service often helped unemployed persons to enter the labour market.

    Around two per cent of workers received the minimum wage.  The Government had worked to ensure that all workers in vulnerable sectors such as manufacturing received at least the minimum wage.  The nominal minimum wage had been increased by 130 per cent between 2016 and 2025.  The real increase, taking inflation into account, was around 70 per cent.  The minimum wage was calculated considering other benefits being received.

    There were around 6,000 self-employed persons receiving State benefits.  Most benefits were provided in the food and construction industries.

    The State was developing a law to promote women’s return to work after childbirth.  It was financing the construction of kindergartens and schools and providing parental leave for fathers, which more than 60 per cent of fathers were taking.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    ASRAF ALLY CAUNHYE Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, said the escalation of violence against women in recent years in the State party was of great concern.  What measures were in place to provide support for victims, particularly women with disabilities?  How was the State party preventing the abuse of women with disabilities in institutions and addressing harmful practices affecting Roma women and children?  What measures were in place to prevent all forms of trafficking in persons, identify victims, prevent reprisals against victims after they reported offences, and ensure that penalties for trafficking were commensurate with the seriousness of offences?  How was the State party addressing the effects of inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable persons?

    Croatia did not have a needs-based housing policy or an effective strategy for addressing homelessness.  Approximately 6.5 per cent per cent of the population did not have access to the water supply network and many of the Roma lived in poor housing conditions.  What measures were in place to improve access to housing and housing conditions for vulnerable persons, prevent evictions of the Roma, and tackle homelessness?

    Some people in remote areas, particularly the Roma, had limited access to health services.  There was a shortage in healthcare staff in rural areas and long waiting lists for specialised care.  What measures were in place to provide timely access to quality healthcare in remote areas and to reduce waiting lists?  How would the State party promote access to healthcare for asylum seekers and persons with disabilities?  What steps had been taken to promote access to safe abortions when mothers’ lives were at risk?  What resources had been allocated to setting up mobile health teams and community mental health care services, and to combatting the high suicide rate?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the national action plan on social services aimed to facilitate access to these services, secure a better regional distribution of services, including services for the elderly, and promote deinstitutionalisation and foster care.  Payments to foster families had been increased and media campaigns had been carried out to highlight their importance.  The act on personal assistance of 2023 regulated the recruitment of personal assistants for persons with disabilities.  Over 5,000 assistants were currently employed, and the Government was working to recruit more.

    The Government was conducting roundtables and workshops with employers to encourage the increased employment of the Roma and other vulnerable groups.  Career management centres were being established in every region of the State to support their access to employment.

    Croatia had issues with affordable housing, influenced by the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and inflation.  Consultations were being carried out on a national housing plan, which would be adopted soon.  Under the plan, settlement of vulnerable and young persons and settlement in underdeveloped areas would be encouraged.  Croatia had a shortage of around 270,000 residential units compared to demand.  There were also around 50,000 unused residential units; the Government planned to adopt legislation to allow the State to take over empty units and provide them to vulnerable persons.  New laws would make it possible to build more affordable housing and expand land allocated for affordable housing.  The procedure for obtaining permits for building family homes would soon be simplified.

    The State party provided housing for victims of domestic violence and was also building family homes for the Roma community in rural areas.  Housing had also been provided for persons under international protection, and for persons whose homes were destroyed in earthquakes.  The State had also provided accommodation for over 600 homeless persons.  Large cities and counties provided food to homeless persons through social kitchens.

    Croatia had amended the Act on Water, which enhanced access to water for vulnerable groups.  Local government units were obliged to provide water for human use and to install wells in public spaces.  The State was investing heavily in the water distribution network to improve the quality and availability of water.

    The Government had provided seven different support packages to reduce the prices of energy, food, fuel and gas.  As a result, Croatia had the lowest energy prices in the European Union.  Some 70 retail products had also been subsidised by the State to protect vulnerable groups, and cash supports had been provided for more than 700,000 retirees.

    The Government was working to improve the legislative framework against gender-based violence.  Gender-based violence was treated as an aggravating circumstance in the Criminal Code, and Croatia was one of the first countries in Europe to make femicide a stand-alone crime.  The law against family violence had also been amended to increase sanctions for perpetrators and support for victims.  Victims were examined via video-link unless they insisted on being in the courtroom.  Training on gender-based violence was provided for judges, prosecutors and police officers.  

    A new national action plan on the prevention of sexual violence was currently being developed.  Twenty-six shelters were available for victims of sexual and gender-based violence in all territories of the State.  Ten million euros had been devoted to financing these shelters.  A new media campaign was being carried out on preventing violence against women.

    To increase access to primary healthcare, a new healthcare service network had been established that included mobile medical and psychiatric healthcare teams.  These teams covered a wide geographical area and included emergency helicopter and maritime services.  The Government had also increased the availability of telehealth services.  Each county had at least one hospital.  Croatia was close to the European Union average for the number of doctors per 100,000 inhabitants and the number of doctors was increasing.  The Government provided funds for residencies for young doctors.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    One Committee Expert welcomed indicators developed by the State party on measuring poverty, while another praised the State party’s various initiatives promoting access to housing.

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on progress in the implementation of the national strategy on reducing drug-related harm; measures to prevent house demolition and forced evictions of vulnerable groups, and remedies provided to affected persons; statistics on homelessness and the average period of stay in shelters; whether takeovers of unused units were temporary or permanent, and whether the Government planned to pay compensation to owners; how the State responded when people could not afford to pay utility bills or their mortgage; measures to prevent the discriminatory effects of reporting obligations required to receive health insurance; and plans to update poverty indicators from a multidimensional lens.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that in 2023, the Government adopted the national strategy on addiction, which aimed to reduce harms and risks related to addiction.  Every year, it implemented over 300 intervention programmes related to addiction.  The Government primarily rehabilitated adults in the social welfare system, but some addicts were in the prison system.  Non-governmental organizations provided counselling and intervention services for addicts.  Around one-third of addicts in treatment were women.  The Government was developing measures to support women addicts and provide social housing for them.

    Under State guidelines on the provision of abortions, patients could demand terminations of pregnancy in all hospitals in the State.  In cases of conscientious objection from doctors, patients were referred to other doctors or institutions.  

    The act on compulsory health insurance provided the right to healthcare for persons under international protection and asylum seekers and their family members, as well as unaccompanied minors.  Many citizens who lived abroad used free telehealth services in Croatia, abusing the system.  This was why the obligation of reporting to authorities once every three months to obtain health insurance had been introduced.

    Croatia had adopted a strategy framework on the development of mental healthcare, which aimed to reduce the suicide rate and improve the mental health of children and workers in particular.

    Courts applied the caselaw of the European Court of Human Rights regarding evictions, so it was very difficult to forcefully evict people from their homes.  The Government was increasing fiscal pressures on unused properties and implementing measures that made long-term rent more beneficial for owners than short-term rent.  The State would also rent and sublet private unused apartments at a reduced price; it would not forcefully take these properties away from owners.  A new property tax had been developed to replace taxation on vacation homes.  All properties used for long-term rent were excluded from the tax.

    It was difficult to count homeless people who had not approached relevant service providers.  Homeless persons could receive personal identification documents by registering at a local institute for social welfare.  The Government was empowering homeless persons to gain employment.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    ASLAN ABASHIDZE, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, asked for disaggregated data on school enrolment, completion and dropout rates at primary and secondary levels for the last 10 years.  Which ethnic groups had high dropout rates?  What progress had been made in promoting the inclusion of the Roma in the education system?  All children, including Roma children, needed to attend preschool education.  Who was responsible on collecting data on Roma children who were eligible to attend preschool?  How many Roma children had attended preschool over the past five years and how many had progressed to primary and secondary education?  

    What measures were in place to ensure that refugees and migrants had access to quality Croatian language courses and higher education?  Had a new programme been adopted to support these groups in 2025?  Were there specific measures to support Serbian children’s education?  There were reports of vandalism targeting Serbian monuments and Orthodox churches.  Had these incidents been investigated and violators held responsible?  How would the Government ensure that such violence did not occur in the future?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the dropout rate in Croatia was around two per cent, which was around the lowest rate in the European Union.  There was a system that monitored students, but it did not record the national affiliation of students.  Data on Roma students had been gathered since 2008, however.  This data informed the Government’s activities for Roma students.  Around 70 per cent of Roma students attended secondary school; this was lower than the national average.  The national action plan on the inclusion of the Roma included activities encouraging education for Roma children, including scholarships for Roma pupils in secondary schools.  Annually, between 50 and 100 Roma children dropout out of school.  The number of Roma university students receiving scholarships had increased in recent years.  “Roma assistants” were employed in primary schools to support Roma children.  On average, around 400 Roma children were enrolled in kindergartens each year.  Local governments funded kindergarten education for Roma children.

    One year of preschool education was mandatory for all pupils.  The Government funded preschool programmes for each child.  Over the next three years, it would invest around 200 million euros in this public service.  Croatian language courses were provided to all students who did not speak Croatian, starting from primary level.

    Vandalism based on ethnicity was treated as a form of discrimination and a hate crime, and was punished with a harsher sentence.  The State party was cooperating with civil society organizations representing ethnic groups to prevent such incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.

    The Ministry of Culture and Media had secured funds to support the needs of national minorities.  Funds were being devoted to cultural associations, libraries and there were other measures of protecting the cultural heritage of minorities.  Public broadcasters were required to devote a portion of broadcasts to programmes for national minorities.  The Government also helped fund the cultural activities of persons with disabilities.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on whether foreign students received free higher education; the number of foreign students in the State; steps taken to enhance inclusive education for persons with disabilities; whether indexation was used to calculate social assistance benefits; whether trade union rights were adequately granted to all workers, including police and military personnel; measures implemented to encourage reporting of racial discrimination offences and prevent such discrimination; the delegation’s response to reports of insufficient funding and will from authorities to address hate-related crimes; and statistics on crimes against Serbians.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that in 2024, there were 531 foreign students enrolled in Croatian universities.  The Government had adopted guidelines on supporting children with disabilities, who were entitled to specially trained teaching assistants.

    Croatia used automatic indexation to calculate elderly benefits and pensions, based on cost-of-living indicators.  There was no index system for the guaranteed minimum benefit, which was increased once per year by the Government, considering various factors.  A project had been launched to better monitor poverty rates through the Central Population Register, which would be established this year.

    Trade unions in Croatia could create their own networks, participate in the drafting of legislation and national policies, and participate in parliamentary debates.  The Government was drafting an action plan to encourage all employers to conclude collective agreements.  The scope of certain collective agreements was extended by the State to prevent unfair competition or restrictions on workers’ rights.  Only active military personnel were restricted from forming trade unions in line with existing legislation; police officers could form and join unions.  Property used by trade unions was formerly owned by the State, but legislation that entered into force last week transferred ownership to a trade union fund.

    In 2023, the State party recorded 61 hate crimes against ethnic minorities.  This was a decrease from the 67 crimes reported in 2021.  Authorities needed to consider these as serious offences and respond appropriately.  The judicial academy provided training for judges and judicial workers on the prohibition of discrimination, hate crimes and hate speech, including anti-Semitism.  Thirteen workshops would be held in 2025.  Police officers were also involved in workshops on preventing anti-Semitism, hate speech and all forms of discrimination.

    Closing Remarks

    KARLA VANESSA LEMUS DE VÁSQUEZ, Committee Expert, Country Rapporteur and Lead Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, thanked the delegation for the information shared, which provided insight into the progress achieved and measures planned to give effect to the Covenant in Croatia.  The Committee’s aim was to ensure the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for all persons in Croatia.  She thanked all persons who had contributed to the successful dialogue.

    IVAN VIDIŠ, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia and head of the delegation, said Croatia was making every effort to make progress.  The State party was passionate about its work, open about its challenges, and determined to address them.  Croatia had faced aggression in its past, and the Committee needed to consider the difficult path the country had travelled.  Economic, social and cultural rights were the cornerstone of the State party’s efforts.  The cost-of-living crisis was a major concern currently, but the State party’s measures supporting energy and other costs had lightened the burden for residents.  Croatia was facing a demographic decline, but incentives were in place to support a reversal of demographic trends.  Parliament had recently agreed on a declaration regarding the rights of older people, who made up an increasingly large portion of the population.  Mr. Vidiš thanked the Committee for its constructive approach to the dialogue.

     

    LAURA-MARIA CRACIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the open and constructive way in which it had participated in the dialogue.  The dialogue with Croatia would continue, as the Committee would select three follow-up recommendations that it called on the State party to address within 24 months.  It hoped that Croatia would continue to address the Committee’s recommendations with a constructive spirit.

     

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

     

     

    CESCR25.002E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash at Elizabeth Downs

    Source: South Australia Police

    A woman has died following a motorcycle crash at Elizabeth Downs last night.

    About 9.50pm on Wednesday 12 February, a Suzuki motorcycle collided with a parked car on Midway Road.

    Sadly the rider, a 39-year-old woman from Elizabeth Downs, died at the scene.

    Midway Road was closed for several hours while Major Crash Investigators examined the scene but has since been reopened.

    The woman’s death is the 17th life lost on SA roads this year.

    Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any other information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF Announce Charges in Firearms and Drug Trafficking Case

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell man is charged with federal firearms and drug trafficking offenses following a traffic stop.

    According to the complaint, on February 4, 2025, Roswell Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The driver, identified as Isaac Ivan Boccelli, 36, was accompanied by two juveniles aged 12 and 14. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed:

    • Two firearms, one concealed on a juvenile and another in the vehicle
    • 396.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine
    • 147.0 grams of suspected fentanyl

    Boccelli, previously convicted for 2nd Degree Murder and Battery Upon a Peace Officer, was prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Boccelli will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Boccelli faces up to 40 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Tusli Gabbard Will Handle Classified Information Properly and Lawfully

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of voting to confirm Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence.
    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
    “The Senate will soon vote on the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard has the right background, the right experience, and the right perspective to keep America safe and secure.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard has served in uniform or more than 20 years. She deployed to the Middle East several times. She serves in the military today and was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
    “As a member of Congress for eight years, Congresswoman Gabbard served on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
    “Her experience handling highly classified information is extensive.
    “As Director of National Intelligence, she will handle classified information properly and lawfully.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard is more than qualified to serve as our Director of National Intelligence.
    “I’ve heard a lot of debate about Congresswoman Gabbard. Not one Senator has disputed a simple fact: She took a hard line on Russia and Iran.
    “In 2013, Congresswoman Gabbard co-sponsored the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard wanted severe sanctions on Iran. Then-President Obama wanted to appease Iran.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard opposed the Iran Deal. She viewed it as a threat to both America and Israel.
    “She was right.
    “In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. President Obama rejected sending tank-busting missiles to Ukraine. He instead sent them blankets. The sanctions he imposed on Russia were weak.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard argued for U.S. military assistance to Ukraine. She also called for painful sanctions against Russia.
    “She never sought war with Russia. Yet she never kid herself about Russia’s aggressive ambitions.
    “She worked to stop wars, even though she served and was ready to fight in them. She knows what it means when we talk about peace through strength.
    “The Democrat attacks on her patriotism and loyalty are disturbing. There is no evidence to support them.
    “The attacks on Congresswoman Gabbard are another case of Democrats equating political disagreement with disloyalty.
    “If Washington wants Americans to trust our intelligence agencies again, we need to take an axe to the weaponization of those very agencies.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard will keep politics out of intelligence gathering. She wants to return ODNI to its original size, scope, and mission.
    “As she wrote in Newsweek, ‘I promise to provide unbiased, timely, and accurate intelligence for those making decisions to protect the people of our country.’ This is exactly what we need.
    “Tulsi Gabbard is the right choice to be the Director of National Intelligence. I look forward to confirming her.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Beyond Emilia Pérez: 5 Mexican films that do justice to victims of the drug cartels

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luis Gómez Romero, Senior Lecturer in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Theory, University of Wollongong

    Julieta Egurrola in _Ruido_ (Noise). Courtesy of Netflix ©2022

    Oscar frontrunner Emilia Pérez has received mixed reactions from the film industry, critics and general audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds a 72% critic score – but a dismal 17% from viewers.

    Mexican audiences have been particularly harsh. On its opening weekend in Mexico, the film grossed only US$74,000. Scores of moviegoers even demanded refunds.

    French director Jacques Audiard presents Emilia Pérez as his bold yet compassionate take on Mexico’s drug war and the resulting enforced disappearances. The film, however, has been criticised for how it pities and condescends to Mexicans while lacking real understanding of the violence it claims to represent.

    Those seeking to understand the suffering caused by enforced disappearances in Mexico would do well to look beyond Emilia Pérez. Here are five films you should watch.

    Tempestad

    The 2016 documentary Tempestad (Tempest), directed by Mexican-Salvadoran filmmaker Tatiana Huezo, genuinely engages with suffering and atonement in Mexico’s violent landscape. It follows the experiences of two women with organised crime and the Mexican justice system.

    Miriam Carvajal, a former customs official and mother of a young child, is wrongfully convicted on spurious charges of human trafficking and sent to a prison run by a criminal organisation. To survive, she becomes complicit in the brutal violence inflicted on the most vulnerable inmates, such as migrants.

    Adela Alvarado is a professional clown. She has been searching for her daughter, who disappeared a decade before filming. Despite threats to her life from police officers likely involved in the disappearance, Adela continues her relentless quest to find her child against all odds.

    Both women are driven by love for their children. Miriam is heard but never seen; Adela’s life among circus folk unfolds on camera. This visually highlights that their stories mirror each other yet are not identical.

    Huezo recognises perpetrators can also be victims, but refuses to turn the harm they have caused into an instrument for their redemption.

    Devil’s Freedom

    Everardo González’s 2017 documentary La Libertad del Diablo (Devil’s Freedom) also explores the theme of atonement for perpetrators alongside the suffering of their victims.

    González presents a choral narrative of Mexico’s drug wars. Testimonies come from crime syndicate hitmen, soldiers involved in law enforcement, a mother whose children disappeared, young women whose mothers were taken, and a man tortured by police.

    Victims and perpetrators wear compression masks made for burn treatment, ostensibly to protect their identities. These masks, however, also serve as a haunting equaliser that exposes a society scarred by violence.

    In one powerful scene, a victim recalls pitying her children’s murderer after sensing his shame. She removes the mask following her account of forgiveness and hesitantly smiles at the camera – her trembling lips raising fundamental questions about Mexico’s struggle to heal from the wounds of its drug wars.

    Identifying Features

    Mexican filmmakers have long used fiction to “exorcise the pain” of enforced disappearances, as Mexican actor Giovanna Zacarías puts it. Fernanda Valadez’s debut film, Sin Señas Particulares (Identifying Features, 2020) exemplifies this powerfully.

    Valadez’s restrained narrative avoids the stereotypical passion often attributed to Latin Americans.

    Magdalena (Mercedes Hernández), a modest rural woman, searches for her missing son, Jesús (Juan Jesús Varela), who vanished en route to the United States. Magdalena’s soft voice and timid demeanour conceal quiet defiance – she refuses to be sidelined. We never see those she questions. We witness only the pain on her face and her stoic resolve.

    Mexico is no fairy tale. In the agonising final minutes, Magdalena gains a son even as she loses another – though she cannot be with any of them. Life goes on in Mexico: Magdalena has found a grave to mourn at, and we mourn with her.

    Prayers for the Stolen

    Noche de Fuego (Prayers for the Stolen, 2021) marked Tatiana Huezo’s first foray into fiction filmmaking. The film follows the story of three friends growing up together in the mountains of Mexico, amid normalised violence and enforced disappearances.

    The girls’ world is shaped by strategies for survival, with danger looming from both criminal organisations and the state, embodied by the army. Yet, even in this tense environment, they still experience the everyday joys and struggles of childhood and adolescence.

    Drug violence contextualises the girls’ world – but does not define them. Huezo does not portray them as mere victims. As they grow, we witness how their rural teachers and mothers have provided them with the necessary tools to foster critical thinking.

    Even though local criminals disappear one of the girls, we glimpse a future where her two friends may one day challenge the silence and brutality of the adult world. Despite the premature loss of many childhoods in Mexico, Huezo leaves room for hope.

    Noise

    Natalia Beristain’s Ruido (Noise, 2022) follows Julia (Julieta Egurrola), a middle-class woman in her late 60s. She is the mother of Gertrudis, “Ger,” a student who vanished while on vacation with friends. Confronted with bureaucratic inefficiency and state indifference, Julia is forced to “do the work of others” and investigate Ger’s disappearance herself.

    On her journey, she finds women willing to risk everything for the truth. Among them, she discovers compassion and solidarity, from young feminists demanding justice, to mothers who, having also lost loved ones, guide her through the legal and forensic processes involved in searching for clandestine graves.

    “You are not alone”, the women repeat like a mantra. As Pulitzer Prize-winning Mexican author Cristina Rivera Garza reminds us, grief indeed is never a solitary. We always grieve for and with someone.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Beyond Emilia Pérez: 5 Mexican films that do justice to victims of the drug cartels – https://theconversation.com/beyond-emilia-perez-5-mexican-films-that-do-justice-to-victims-of-the-drug-cartels-249160

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A fierce tussle over a Northern Territory river reveals Australia’s stark choice on water justice

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Quentin Grafton, Australian Laureate Professor of Economics, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

    The Roper River Chris Ison/Shutterstock

    Water is now a contested resource around the world. Nowhere is this more evident than in the fight playing out over the Northern Territory’s Roper River – one of the last free-flowing rivers in Australia, nurtured by the enduring presence of First Nations custodians.

    The territory government recently doubled water extraction allowances from the aquifer that feeds the Roper River, making billions of litres available to irrigators, for free. The change risks permanent damage not just to the river but to world-famous springs and sacred sites fundamentally important to Traditional Owners.

    Australia has a very poor track record on maintaining healthy river systems, and on respecting First Nations rights to access and use water.

    The Roper River represents a chance to change course on decades of water policy failure. It also shows we must transform how Australia’s water is valued, who uses it, and who decides how vital rivers should be managed.

    What’s happening on the Roper River?

    The Roper River runs east for 400 kilometres from the Katherine region to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

    First Nations people comprise 73% of the population in the Roper River area. Amid socioeconomic challenges, Country sustains them as it has done for 65,000 years. It is integral to maintaining cultural knowledge, as well as ceremonial practices, environmental care and traditional food systems. Traditional Owners’ rights are recognised through Aboriginal freehold land and native title across the area.

    Irrigated crops including melons, mangoes and cotton are grown over a small part of the river catchment.

    In a string of recent decisions – mainly the designation of regional “water allocation plans” – the territory government has vastly increased potential extraction from underground aquifers. This could allow agriculture and other industries to expand.

    The Mataranka plan, which applies to the Roper River, now allows irrigators to double the amount of water extracted from an underground aquifer crucial to the river’s dry-season flows. These new extraction amounts would fill 25,000 Olympic swimming pools a year. The groundwater also feeds thermal springs at Mataranka – a sacred site and tourism drawcard.

    The groundwater also feeds thermal springs at Mataranka, a tourism drawcard.
    Martin Helgemeir/Shutterstock

    The decision came despite staunch opposition from Traditional Owners. As Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan told SBS:

    Both the previous and the current NT Government have ignored the voices of Traditional Owners, who have repeatedly said that the health and viability of the Roper River and the springs at Mataranka are at great risk.

    Water is life. It is our most valuable resource and Traditional Owners have an obligation to take care of the land and areas of cultural significance.

    The Baaka: a sad story of degradation

    Sadly, this story is not new to Australia. We need only look to the Baaka (Lower Darling River) in New South Wales as a cautionary tale.

    More than a century of water extraction has left the river and its wetlands degraded. This was demonstrated in 2023 when up to 30 million fish died due to low levels of dissolved oxygen, caused by, among other factors, too much water extracted upstream.

    The ecological damage has harmed the health and wellbeing of river communities – especially Traditional Owners such as the Barkandji people, who have long relied on the river for sustenance.

    The problem is getting worse. As research late last year showed, an investment of more than A$8 billion to date has failed to prevent a stark decline in the health of the Murray-Darling Basin river system.

    Martuwarra: another river in peril

    Martuwarra, or the Fitzroy River, runs through Western Australia’s Kimberley region. It is the state’s largest Aboriginal Cultural Heritage site and is on the national heritage list. Evidence indicates human occupation along the Martuwarra for at least 35,000  years.

    Traditional knowledge indicates climate change – among other harms – is threatening the Martuwarra. Ecological and ground water systems are drying up, making traditional food and medicine harder to find.

    This harms Indigenous custodians reliant on the Martuwarra for their lifeways and livelihoods.

    But there is hope. The Indigenous-led Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council has united West Kimberley people, First Peoples and others, along with stakeholders. It seeks to foster joint decision-making on planning and management to take full account of the social, cultural, spiritual and environmental impacts of water allocation across the catchment.

    This world-leading example shows what can be achieved when Traditional Owners and their partners unite to defend nature, water and Country as sources of life, not just resources to be exploited.

    Finding answers

    Many of the world’s largest rivers are suffering from neglect and destruction. Last month, on the world’s inaugural Water Justice Day, people around the globe fighting for water justice came together in Canberra.

    Community members, researchers, Elders, advocates and decision-makers gathered to share stories from Argentina, Australia, India, Kenya, Brazil and Mexico.

    Each tale described people working together to push back against water injustice, whether it involved unequal access, theft, dispossession, pollution or post-truth claims about water.

    Participants also watched the premiere screening of the short film EveryOne, EveryWhere, EveryWhen. It highlights what is at stake for Australia’s living rivers – Baaka, Roper and Martuwarra – and tells of the struggle to bring justice to these rivers and their people.

    A trailer for the film EveryOne, EveryWhere, EveryWhen.

    A fork in the river

    Clearly, the time for water reform is now. So what does this mean in practice?

    First, the precautionary principle must be deeply embedded in all government decisions. This means the potential for serious environmental damage must be properly considered, and actions taken to avoid it, even when science is not certain.

    Second, permission from First Peoples should be obtained for any activity affecting their land or waters, following the principles of “free, prior and informed consent”.

    And finally, both Indigenous knowledge and Western science must be brought together to plan, monitor and regulate all water extraction, to ensure our precious rivers are managed for both the present and the future.

    Australians face a stark choice.

    We can keep gifting valuable water resources to powerful commercial interests, while ignoring the warning signs our rivers are sending.

    Or we can follow First Nations leaders and listen to what Country is telling us: to safeguard water for everyone, including non-human kin, to secure a liveable and thriving future for all.

    In response to issues raised in this article, the NT’s Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, said the Mataranka water allocation plan provides certainty to the environment and the community and supports regional economic development.

    He said the plan was “precautionary, evidenced based, and developed with considered involvement from local community representatives” including Traditional Owners, and preserves more than 90% of dry season flows to the Roper River.

    Quentin Grafton receives funding from the Australian Research Council and is the Convenor of the Water Justice Hub.

    Anne Poelina is Chair, Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. She is Professor, Chair and Senior Research Fellow Indigenous Knowledges and affiliated with Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Broome. She is Project Lead for an Australian Research Council Funded Project.

    Sarah Milne has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. A fierce tussle over a Northern Territory river reveals Australia’s stark choice on water justice – https://theconversation.com/a-fierce-tussle-over-a-northern-territory-river-reveals-australias-stark-choice-on-water-justice-248766

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

    “Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

    “From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

    “This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

    According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

    The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

    Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

    The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

    Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Evaluation and revision of Europol mandate – E-002954/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Evaluating the current EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) Regulation[1] before proposing further amendments aligns with the better regulation agenda. Evaluations aim to help learn about the functioning of EU interventions and assess their performance against initial expectations. An evaluation takes a critical look at whether EU legislation is fit for purpose and delivers its intended objectives at minimum cost. That approach would enable the co-legislators to take better-informed decisions regarding the strengthening of Europol’s mandate.

    2. The Commission acknowledges the importance of timely evaluations of the legislation in force. The new proposal to strengthen the mandate of Europol will build on the evaluation of the current Europol Regulation as well as an impact assessment and a consultation with stakeholders, the European Parliament and Member States, that will include a public consultation. The Commission will therefore consider anticipating the evaluation report to the European Parliament pursuant to Article 68(1) of the Europol Regulation, as amended in 2022[2], and adopt it before 29 June 2027.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA, OJ L 135, 24.5.2016, p. 53-114.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2022/991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2022 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/794, as regards Europol’s cooperation with private parties, the processing of personal data by Europol in support of criminal investigations, and Europol’s role in research and innovation, OJ L 169, 27.6.2022, p. 1-42.
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – B10-0122/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastião Bugalho, Vangelis Meimarakis, Željana Zovko, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Inese Vaidere, Andrey Kovatchev
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0122/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0122/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0122/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    (2025/2548(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Nigeria,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. whereas all people have the right to freedom of expression and to manifest their religion or belief, as well as to take part in cultural life and the development of their society through artistic expression, without fear of imprisonment, reprisals or even execution;

     

    1. whereas on 10 August 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was brought before an upper Sharia court in Kano State, where he was tried and sentenced to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy in a song he composed and shared on social media containing allegedly derogatory comments regarding the Prophet Muhammad;

     

    1. whereas his death sentence was quashed by a court of appeal, but remains deeply concerned that Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case will be re-prosecuted based on the same legal framework, the Kano State Sharia Penal Code Law, with serious risks that the death sentence will be confirmed;

     

    1. whereas on 20 April 2023, the European Parliament adopted an urgency resolution on the risk of the death penalty and the execution of singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu for blasphemy in Nigeria, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Yahaya Sharif, Rhoda Jatau, Mubarak Bala and others who face blasphemy allegations;

     

    1. whereas blasphemy laws in Nigeria are in violation of its international human rights commitments, the African Charter and the Nigerian Constitution;

     

    1. Urges Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who was convicted of blasphemy for writing a song and sharing it on a social messaging service;

     

    1. Commends the acquittal of Rhoda Jatau and release of Mubarak Bala while noting that neither of them should have been arrested in the first place;

     

    1. Recalls that blasphemy laws are in clear breach of international human rights obligations, in particular the ICCPR, and contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and freedom of expression;

     

    1. Urges the Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights throughout the country by ensuring that federal, state and Sharia law do not deny Nigerians protection under the national Constitution and international conventions; urges the Nigerian authorities to repeal the blasphemy laws at federal and state level;

     

    1. Recalls that Nigeria has immense influence throughout Africa and the Muslim world and stresses that this case is an unprecedented opportunity to lead the way towards abolishing blasphemy laws;

     

    1. Urges the Supreme Court to consider Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case as a priority, and to urgently adopt a decision taking into consideration Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law;

     

    1. Calls on the Nigerian authorities to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the   EEAS, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the Government and Parliament of Nigeria.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – B10-0100/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Isabel Serra Sánchez, Özlem Demirel
    on behalf of The Left Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0100/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0100/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0100/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    (2025/2546(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas after the 2024 municipal elections the Interior Ministry has ordered the appointment of “trustees” in place of eight mayors and municipalities from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, DEM (Ahmet Türk, Gülistan Sönük, Mehmet Karayılan, Cevdet Konak, Ayvaz Hazır removed in November 2024;  Sıddık Akış removed in June 2024; and Hoşyar Sarıyıldız and Sofya Alağaş removed in January 2025), and two Kurdish mayors elected from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, CHP (Ahmet Özer, removed in October 2024 and Mustafa Sarıgül, removed in November); whereas two DEM mayors and one CHP mayor are currently in detention; whereas these actions have been widely criticized as politically motivated;

     

    1. whereas Riza Akpolat, the mayor of Istanbul’s Besiktas district and a member of the CHP, has been controversially detained on allegations of tender rigging; whereas Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul, is facing multiple legal challenges and faces possible political disqualification if his conviction for allegedly insulting members of Türkiye’s high electoral board, is upheld;

     

    1. whereas these cases are part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and undermine democratic processes; whereas the replacement of mayors with “trustees” has happened twice before, first in the period 2016-17 and then in 2019;

     

     

     

    1. Deplores the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms, the human rights situation in Türkiye and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law;
    2. Calls on the authorities to cease the practice of removing mayors and appointing trustees which eliminate the Kurds’ right to vote, to be elected and to representation, and is a violation of the right to free and fair elections and erode local democracy; urges the release and reinstatement of democratically elected mayors and officials;
    3. Urges to put an end to the repression of political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants, journalists, writers and academics; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all people arbitrarily detained such as Figen Yüksekdağ, Selahattin Demirtaş, Osman Kavala, Çiğdem Mater, Mine Özerden, Can Atalay, and Tayfun Kahraman, and that the charges against them be immediately dropped or cancelled;
    4. Strongly condemns the use of the justice system for political purposes; requires to ensure the independence of the judiciary, and to guarantee the right to due process;
    5. Urges the authorities to ensure that existing legislation – in particular the anti-terror Law, the Criminal Code, the law on assemblies and demonstrations and the law on disinformation– is revised to comply with international standards;
    6. Condemns the repression faced by those demonstrating against these disqualifications and calls on the authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and association;
    7. Requires to the Council to ensure that full implementation by Türkiye of its rule of law and fundamental rights obligations be an integral part of the EU-Türkiye relationship;
    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Türkiyes authorities.

     

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – B10-0115/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastiaan Stöteler, Marieke Ehlers, Jaroslav Bžoch, Roberto Vannacci, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0115/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0115/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0115/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    (2025/2546(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

      having regard to its previous resolutions on Türkiye,

     

    – having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas human rights and the rule of law continue to deteriorate in Türkiye; whereas Turkish authorities have increasingly dismissed and replaced elected mayors and stepped up investigations and detentions of opposition figures, raising concerns about a growing crackdown on dissent against the government; whereas increasingly CHP and pro-Kurdish DEM Party mayors have been arrested and ousted, including for alleged terrorism ties and for alleged tender rigging;

     

    1. whereas a judicial probe has been launched against the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), a reported future presidential challenger; whereas Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a prison term of up to seven years and four months, for charges including insulting a public official and threatening and targeting people tasked with counter-terrorism;

     

    1. whereas the CHP has criticised the Istanbul prosecutor and the judiciary of being a tool used by President Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP) to silence opposition; whereas in the municipal elections held in March 2024, the AKP suffered heavy losses; whereas Türkiye’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has dismissed the accusation that the judiciary is politicised;

     

    1. whereas President Erdogan and Turkish senior officials have met with senior members of EU-listed terror organisations, such as Hamas, and Türkiye has provided passports and identity cards to Hamas members; whereas Türkiye has openly expressed support for Hamas’ mission and movement; whereas Türkiye has donated hundreds of millions of euros to Hamas and has increased its support to the organisation since the 7 October 2023 Hamas massacre and kidnapping of Israelis;

     

    D.  whereas in 1987, Türkiye applied to join the European Economic Community, and in 1999 was eligible to join the EU; whereas Accession negotiations started in 2005, but have been stalled by the Council due to Türkiye’s continued backsliding in the functioning of the democratic system, respect for fundamental rights and judicial independence; whereas in 2013, a visa liberalisation dialogue was launched, however, several outstanding benchmarks by Türkiye still remain;

     

    1. Expresses concern about the dismissal and arrests of mayors in Türkiye and calls on the Turkish government and authorities to cease its practice, including the end of judicial harassment against critics of the Turkish government and authorities;

     

    1. Stresses that the Turkish authorities must respect the democratic outcomes of elections and calls for the politically motivated charges against arrested mayors to be dropped;

     

    1. Calls on the Commission and the Council to consider terminating negotiations regarding Türkiye’s accession to the EU and ceasing all pre-accession funding; stresses that Türkiye is not a European country;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Parliaments of Member States and the Turkish Government and Parliament.

     

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DRI busts two facilities for printing of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) in Maharashtra and Haryana; 3 arrested

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 7:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The Delhi Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate had seized 203 sheets of high-quality paper with embedded security thread having inscriptions of ‘RBI’ and ‘Bharat’. The consignment had arrived from Hong Kong in on 24.01.2025 at New Courier Terminal (NCT), Delhi. Considering the economic security ramifications, the case was taken over by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on 03.02.2025 for further investigation.

    In a swift follow up action, the DRI arrested two persons found to be the actual importers of such currency paper in Ghazipur District, Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru, Karnataka. The intended recipient/buyer of such paper was also apprehended by the DRI in Rajasthan on 09.02.2025, who admitted to having previously purchased currency paper from the importer for the purpose of printing fake Indian Currency Notes. Search of his residential premises in Bhiwani district, Haryana led to recovery of various incriminating evidences including a printer and partially printed fake Indian currency notes. Accordingly, the matter was handed over to the Haryana Police for further action and investigation for offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

    As part of the same operation, the DRI intercepted two more persons in Thane district, Maharashtra, along with various incriminating evidences such as photoshop files with different typeset of the Rs. 500 currency notes, currency paper with security thread etc. The matter was handed over to the Maharashtra Police for further action under BNS.

    Both the persons in Thane and one person in Haryana, who were found to be engaged in printing FICN, have been arrested by the Maharashtra and the Haryana Police respectively. FIRs have also been registered in both cases under BNS on the basis of complaint made by DRI officers.

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2101937) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs High Level Meetings in New Delhi to review security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs High Level Meetings in New Delhi to review security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Central government is committed for ‘Terror free Jammu & Kashmir’

    Monitoring of terror-financing, tightening grip over Narco-terror cases and dismantling entire terror ecosystem are priority of Modi government

    Home Minister directs BSF to ensure ‘zero infiltration’ by strengthening the border grid and use of advanced technologies

    Strong steps are being taken for ‘Zero Terror Plan’ in Jammu and Kashmir

    Home Minister directs all security agencies to remain alert and continue work in a synergies mode to eliminate terrorism in J&K

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 7:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired High Level meetings in New Delhi to review security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. These meetings were in continuation of the High Level Meetings with Indian Army and J&K Police held on 4th and 5th February 2025. Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), Director Generals of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) and other senior officers attended the meetings.

     

    Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Central government is committed for ‘Terror free Jammu & Kashmir’. He emphasized the role of paramilitary to achieve the target of terror free J&K. Home Minister directed the BSF to ensure zero infiltration from the international borders by adopting strong vigil, strengthening the border grid and use of advanced technologies for surveillance and border guarding.

    Shri Amit Shah directed CRPF to continue with the synergy with Indian Army and J&K Police. He reviewed the winter action plan of CRPF and directed to ensure there are no gaps in area domination. Shri Shah instructed to focus on Jammu region and dominate the heights.

    Home Minister also reviewed the intelligence apparatus working in Jammu and Kashmir and directed them to increase coverage and penetration to generate quality intelligence. He reiterated the importance of technology in intelligence generation. Shri Shah added that monitoring of terror-financing, tightening grip over Narco-terror cases and dismantling entire terror ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir are priority of Modi government. He said that strong steps are being taken for ‘Zero Terror Plan’ in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Home Minister also directed to focus on countering the negative propaganda by the anti-national elements so as to place the correct picture in public domain. He instructed to continue with the synergy amongst the agencies and guided for adopting technology and increase intelligence.

    Shri Amit Shah directed all security agencies to remain alert and continue work in a synergies mode to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that all the resources will be made available in this endeavor.

    *****

    RK/VV/ASH/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2101932) Visitor Counter : 104

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Brazilian national convicted in Connecticut of sexual assault, unlawful restraint, violating protective order

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HARTFORD, Conn. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegal Brazilian national convicted in Connecticut of sexual assault, unlawful restraint and two counts of violating a restraining order when officers arrested Emerson Eduardo Ferreira, 52, in Brooklyn, Connecticut, January 24 after his release from state custody.

    “Emerson Eduardo Ferreira violated the terms of his lawful admission into the United States and brutally victimized a Connecticut resident,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He has shown a blatant disregard for the sanctity of our laws and the safety of our people. ICE Boston remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing egregious alien offenders”

    Ferreira lawfully entered the United States April 27, 1999, and later violated the terms of his lawful admission.

    The Connecticut Superior Court in Bridgeport convicted Ferreira Aug. 9, 2023, of sexual assault – spouse/cohabitant, unlawful restraint first degree and two counts of violation of a protective order. The court sentenced Ferreira to a total of 18 years in prison suspended after four years then followed by ten years of probation.

    ICE issued an immigration detainer against Ferreira April 28, 2024, with the Connecticut Department of Corrections and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge after arresting him. Ferreira remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

    “Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

    “From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

    “This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

    According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

    The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

    Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

    The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

    Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Dodge Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Meth Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Rasmussen was previously convicted of meth charges in 2011.

    Alesha Rasmussen, 34, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty February 10, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to distribution of methamphetamine.

    At the plea hearing, Rasmussen admitted that on July 10, 2024, she distributed over 28 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement.  Rasmussen was convicted in 2011 of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.  

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Rasmussen remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Rasmussen faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and at least six years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Fort Dodge Police Department, and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-3042.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Equity Now’ Speaker to Address Immigration Law, Policies Under Trump Administration

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Professor Tania N. Valdez, a George Washington University Law School faculty member and an attorney who has represented immigrants for more than a decade, will speak about “Immigration Law and the New Presidential Administration’’ next month.

    Her March 11 virtual presentation is part of the School of Business’ Equity Now speaker series and it will be livestreamed at 6 p.m. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university are welcome to participate.

    “Our nation’s focus on immigration enforcement has increased in the last few decades, and although I’m not sure I would have predicted it being this dramatic, it has all been leading to this moment,’’ Valdez said.

    More Immigrants Moving to America in Last 60 Years

    Professor Tania Valdez (Contributed Photo)

    For decades, the U.S. has welcomed more immigrants than any other country, and is currently home to approximately one-fifth of the world’s international immigrants, according to the Pew Research Center. The U.S. foreign-born population reached more than 47 million in 2023, composing about 14 percent of the total population. In contrast, in 1970, the immigrant population was about 4.7 percent of the total population. According to 2022 records, the largest population of U.S. immigrants were from Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, and El Salvador.

    While the Biden Administration had a more immigrant-friendly policy, President Trump campaigned on a platform of immigration reform and deportation. Since taking office in January, he has essentially shut down the American asylum system, empowered ICE agents to make sweeping arrests, and assigned the Pentagon to assist with border enforcement.

    Birthright Citizenship, ICE Enforcement, and Business Impact

    Valdez will examine myths and truths about immigration policy, explore current events relating to immigration, including birthright citizenship, and identify the consequences of an aggressive immigration policy on individuals, businesses, and the American economy.

    One of the topics that Valdez is passionate about is birthright citizenship, a constitutional right that guarantees that most people born in the United States automatically become U.S. citizens, regardless of their parents’ country of origin. A recent executive order by the Trump administration attempts to repeal that policy. Valdez will address the constitutionality of that order and the likely effects it will produce.

    She will also speak about mass deportation and detention. Her research highlights the inadequacies of protections for noncitizens in removal proceedings, particularly in the current era of aggressive immigration enforcement.

    “We’ve all heard about ICE enforcement and raids, and I’d like to talk about what it means for the immigration system as a whole and what rights and protections are afforded to immigrants through proceedings,’’ she said. “In the last month, there has been a ratcheting up of public displays of immigration enforcement and widespread fear about raids. By March 11, we will probably know more about the extent to which it’s actually happening.’’

    Valdez also hopes to address the impact of immigration enforcement on business, such as agriculture. “To date we’ve seen masses of people not showing up for work because they are afraid,’’ she said. “We have crops rotting in the fields. Agriculture did not have enough workers to begin with, and now it is far, far worse.’’

    The Equity Now Speaker Series is produced by the UConn School of Business in coordination with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virginia Tech, Indiana University, and Temple University. This is the third of five programs during the 2024-25 academic year. To register for the program, please visit our Webex registration link

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update: U.S. Forces Strike on ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 01, 2025. The joint airstrikes targeted senior ISIS-Somalia leadership in a series of cave complexes approximately 50 miles southeast of Bosaso.  

    The command’s current assessment is that approximately 14 ISIS-Somalia operatives were killedand no civilians were harmed.  Among those killed was Ahmed Maeleninine, a key ISIS recruiter, financier, and external operations leader responsible for the deployment of jihadists into the United States and across Europe.

    Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians remains central to U.S. Africa Command’s mission.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – IUCN red list update, tree species and deforestation – E-002320/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR)[1] aims to prevent the placing on the EU market of products associated with deforestation and forest degradation.

    The EUDR requires that specific commodities — soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa, rubber or coffee and their derived products — placed in the EU market are deforestation free, i.e. were produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation after 31 December 2020.

    The EUDR sets mandatory due diligence requirements for any company intending to place those commodities and products on the EU market or to export such products from the EU.

    The Commission remains fully committed to the Green Deal’s[2] central objective of making the EU climate-neutral by 2050. To this end, the Commission intends to propose setting out a 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 in the European Climate Law[3]. The Commission will also develop an ambitious and robust European Climate Adaptation Plan[4].

    The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030[5] provides that 30% of all EU land and sea area should be covered by protected areas, and that 10% of land and sea areas, including all remaining primary and old-growth forests in the EU, should become strictly protected areas by 2030.

    According to the subsidiarity principle it is, however, up to Member States, to define the criteria and the concrete protection measures for their old-growth forests.

    A Commission Staff working document[6] with further criteria and guidance for protected area designations recommends that additional protected area designations should focus, amongst others, on the information included in European and national red lists. A European Red list of trees[7] has been published in 2019.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
    • [3] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/european-climate-law_en
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en (p. 22).
    • [5] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en
    • [6] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/criteria-and-guidance-protected-areas-designations-staff-working-document_en
    • [7] https://iucn.org/resources/publication/european-red-list-trees

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

    “Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

    “From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

    “This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

    According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

    The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

    Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

    The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

    Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Extraction of rare earths on the island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) – E-002587/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is not aware of the referred prospection projects for the extraction of rare earths.

    The EU legal framework applicable to the extraction and processing of raw materials[1] aims to ensure that the activities within its scope, including mining, comply with high environmental standards.

    The Critical Raw Materials Act[2] (CRMA) provides a framework to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials streamlining permitting procedures in mining and in the critical raw materials supply chain while keeping environmental checks.

    I n the case of Strategic Projects for which the obligation to carry out assessments of the effects on the environment arises simultaneously from the Environmental Impact Assessment[3], Habitats[4], Birds[5], Water[6] and Waste Framework[7], Industrial Emissions[8], or the Seveso III[9] Directives, Member States shall apply a coordinated procedure fulfilling all the requirements of these acts[10].

    The regulation applies without prejudice to the obligations under the Aarhus and Espoo Conventions[11] and the requirements on public participation included in the above-mentioned legislation.

    Under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive[12] and the Batteries Regulation[13], companies are required to take steps with regard to social and environmental risks when sourcing raw materials but those rules have not yet entered into application.

    The 2022 Communication on the EU’s outermost regions[14] stresses the importance of protecting and restoring the high biodiversity value of these regions. Several EU instruments can support biodiversity protection and restoration in the outermost region of the Canary Islands[15].

    • [1] Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC, OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 15-34.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020, OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024.
    • [3] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [5] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version), OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.
    • [6] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73.
    • [7] Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3-30.
    • [8] Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste. OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024.
      Transposition date of this directive is 1 July 2026.
    • [9] Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directive 96/82/EC, OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1-37.
    • [10] According to Article 12 of the CRMA.
    • [11] United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, signed at Aarhus on 25 June 1998, and UNECE Convention on environmental impact assessment in a transboundary context, signed at Espoo on 25 February 1991 and its Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment, signed in Kyiv on 21 May 2003.
    • [12] Directive (EU) 2024/1760 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on corporate sustainability due diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and Regulation (EU) 2023/2859, OJ L, 2024/1760, 5.7.2024.
    • [13] Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, OJ L 191, 28.7.2023, p. 1-117.
    • [14] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic And Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions, COM (2022) 198 final.
    • [15] Eg. European Regional Development Fund: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en or the regulation (EU) 2021/783 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013, OJ L 172, 17.05.2021, p.53.
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Murder charge filed in Lake Hawea homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Otago Lakes Area Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka:

    A man is appearing in court today charged with the murder of Karen White last year.

    Ms White was killed in her Lake Hawea home on Friday 8 March, 2024.

    Following a lengthy investigation, Police have now charged a 61-year-old man with murder, and he is due in Queenstown District Court today.

    Police continue to support the family and friends of Ms White, and our condolences go out to them.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –