NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Army returns from NATO exercise as UK strengthens alliance deployment capabilities

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    British Army returns from NATO exercise as UK strengthens alliance deployment capabilities

    The UK’s commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at scale strengthened as the British Army successfully returns from Exercise Steadfast Dart

    The UK’s commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at scale has been strengthened as the British Army successfully returns from Exercise Steadfast Dart – the largest NATO deployment this year, so far.

    Hundreds of military vehicles and equipment from 7 Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team will arrive back in the UK through the Port of Immingham, the first operational use of a new strategic agreement between the British Army and Associated British Ports (ABP).

    This new agreement allows the UK Armed Forces to use multiple ports across the country, enhancing flexibility in deploying and bringing home military assets. Previously only being able to use the to the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood, this new approach delivers significant strategic advantages, reducing transit times, improving efficiency, and enabling a faster and more sustainable military response in support of NATO operations. It’s another example of the government ensuring that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come. 

    The UK supplied the largest contribution of forces to exercise Steadfast Dart with over 2600 personnel, and 730 vehicles deploying to NATO’s eastern flank, reaffirming the UK’s unshakeable commitment to our NATO allies. 730 vehicles including Foxhound and Jackals were deployed by road, air, and sea to Eastern Europe where they conducted two exercises reinforcing the alliance’s eastern flank.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said:

    The success of Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates the strength of NATO’s collective defence and the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Alliance.

    The ability to deploy and recover our forces more efficiently is a game-changer, ensuring we remain ready to deter and respond to threats at pace and continue to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come.

    The arrival of the MOD’s strategic RO-RO vessel, Eddystone, at the Port of Immingham this weekend, marks a major step forward in the UK’s ability to deploy at pace and at scale globally. The use of additional port infrastructure strengthens military readiness and enhances the UK’s contribution to NATO’s rapid response capabilities.

    The successful completion of Exercise Steadfast Dart reaffirms the UK’s role as a leading NATO ally, ready to respond rapidly to emerging threats and contribute to the security of Europe and the wider world.

    Steadfast Dart was an exercise which included the deployment of the new Allied Reaction Force, which can rapidly reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. These important exercises showcased the Alliance’s readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory.  

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigerians having babies abroad: women explain their reasons

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, Associate professor, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

    Nigerian women make up a significant proportion of foreign women giving birth in several countries.

    A study done in Calgary in Canada found 24.5% of foreign women identified as having travelled abroad to give birth were from Nigeria.

    Research in Chicago in the US found the majority (88%) of those seeking obstetric care in a hospital were Nigerian citizens.

    In the UK, the phenomenon is labelled by some as the “Lagos Shuttle”, highlighting the high number of Nigerian women said to be so-called “birth tourists”.

    It is estimated that over 23% of pregnant Nigerian women would like to travel abroad to give birth.

    Why is this? As medical and legal scholars we asked women who had travelled overseas for the birth of their babies to share their experiences.

    Existing research has not done enough to capture their voices, which matter in framing service delivery and immigration policies.

    We reported findings from this first-of-its-kind study in PLOS Global Public Health.

    As there is no registry of foreign pregnant women who gave birth abroad, it is a challenge to find them. For our study, we used social media platforms to recruit 27 Nigerian women who had given birth to at least one child abroad and conducted in-depth interviews with them to understand their motivations and experiences.

    Why women do it

    Of all recruited, 23 gave birth to at least one child in the US, and four gave birth to at least one child in the UK. One woman each gave birth in Canada, Ireland and Zambia.

    All the women in the study had at least a university degree.

    We found that reasons for seeking childbirth abroad varied.

    Some women were motivated by both perceived and experienced gains of foreign citizenship, which they believed might give their children a good education, a better living environment, and easier access to jobs and loans.

    However, it was not all about citizenship. Another motivation was to benefit from “better healthcare”, especially for those who had either had bad experiences during previous births in Nigeria or were concerned because they were carrying what they called a “precious baby”, for example after years of infertility.

    Many women in the study also sought childbirth abroad because it is where they had loved ones to support them through pregnancy, childbirth and having a newborn – a motivation not previously reported.

    Indeed, the number of Nigerians living in the US has increased over time and as of 2023, over 760,000 Americans identify as being of Nigerian origin. Essentially, more than one in 10 African immigrants in the US are Nigerians.

    Some Nigerian women planned to give birth abroad long before they even got pregnant. Others were encouraged to do so by family, friends or colleagues.

    Some decided to seek childbirth abroad after their income increased.

    Mostly positive

    Childbirth abroad is mostly a positive experience, but some women reported feeling treated badly because they were “self-paying” patients, “black”, or not native to the country.

    While travel for many was mostly uneventful, some experienced life-threatening situations en route to their destination or upon arrival.

    They found the cost of care to be exorbitant, but many reported that they were able to pay it off in instalments, or negotiated rebates or discounts from hospitals. A separate study showed that four in five foreign pregnant women who gave birth in a Canadian hospital, including some from Nigeria, had no outstanding bill after discharge.

    In our study, those who struggled to pay said they incurred unexpected costs due to complications that resulted in caesarean sections or other surgical procedures.

    Support during childbirth abroad was considered crucial and included loved ones from Nigeria who would travel with the pregnant woman to their destination.

    Push and pull syndrome

    With an ongoing exodus of Nigerians out of the country due to push and pull factors, known locally as jàpa, it is more likely that there will be more Nigerian pregnant women who have their support system abroad.

    Countries like Nigeria should do more to improve the quality of care obtainable in their health systems.

    Clearly motivations vary, and it is not always about birthright citizenship. While most women have mostly positive experiences, some have negative experiences that require attention and safeguards. For example, care guidelines in host countries specifically assuring good quality care for all pregnant women, including women who have crossed the border to seek childbirth.

    The return of US president Donald Trump makes the need to install these safeguards particularly urgent. In his first term he ordered the United States Department of State to discontinue the approval of visas for pregnant women.

    In his second term he has focused on abolishing birthright citizenship altogether.

    – Nigerians having babies abroad: women explain their reasons
    – https://theconversation.com/nigerians-having-babies-abroad-women-explain-their-reasons-251067

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the sixth and final meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World Without Nuclear Weapons

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+26+Mar+25/3355310_MSG+SG+INT+GROUP+OF+EMINENT+PERSONS+26+MAR+25.mp4

    Distinguished members of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons,

    I am pleased to address you on your sixth, and final, meeting.

    You have carried out your work during a period of deepening geopolitical divisions.

    The nuclear threat is at heights not seen since the Cold War – with escalating rhetoric and another nuclear arms race taking shape.

    Meanwhile, the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture – so carefully constructed over decades – is at risk of collapse.

    Dialogue is sorely needed.

    But talk is not enough. We need solutions and action.

    This is why your work over the past two years has been so important.

    You come from all parts of the world – including nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

    And you are united in your commitment to ensure that humanity walks a path toward a world without nuclear weapons.

    We are running out of time to make progress.

    I look forward to your recommendations – and wish you every success in your final meeting.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to the sixth and final meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World Without Nuclear Weapons

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+26+Mar+25/3355310_MSG+SG+INT+GROUP+OF+EMINENT+PERSONS+26+MAR+25.mp4

    Distinguished members of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons,

    I am pleased to address you on your sixth, and final, meeting.

    You have carried out your work during a period of deepening geopolitical divisions.

    The nuclear threat is at heights not seen since the Cold War – with escalating rhetoric and another nuclear arms race taking shape.

    Meanwhile, the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture – so carefully constructed over decades – is at risk of collapse.

    Dialogue is sorely needed.

    But talk is not enough. We need solutions and action.

    This is why your work over the past two years has been so important.

    You come from all parts of the world – including nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

    And you are united in your commitment to ensure that humanity walks a path toward a world without nuclear weapons.

    We are running out of time to make progress.

    I look forward to your recommendations – and wish you every success in your final meeting.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Myanmar leader expresses appreciation to China’s Yunnan Rescue Medical Team

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

    NAY PYI TAW/KUNMING, March 30 — Myanmar’s State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday extended his appreciation to members of China’s Yunnan Rescue Medical Team for their timely assistance after a strong earthquake hit Myanmar Friday.

    The Myanmar leader visited Ottara Thiri Private Hospital in Nay Pyi Taw, the Myanmar capital, on Sunday and thanked the Chinese rescue team, who rushed to the impact area in the first time for relief efforts.

    The Chinese rescue team from Yunnan Province in southwest China, joined by Myanmar’s rescue forces, retrieved an elderly man in the earthquake-hit Nay Pyi Taw at 05:00 local time on Sunday.

    The man had been trapped for nearly 40 hours under the rubble of the hospital in the city. After an emergency rescue operation overnight, the person was the first survivor rescued by the Chinese team after they arrived in the earthquake-stricken area of Myanmar on Saturday.

    The 37-member Chinese team carried full-function life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, portable satellite phones, drones and other rescue equipment in their rescue operations.

    A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Southeast Asian country on Friday. Several Chinese rescue teams have joined the relief efforts with their Myanmar counterparts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Discovery of a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age settlement in Morocco rewrites history

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hamza Benattia, Prehistory, Universitat de Barcelona

    A new archaeological discovery at Kach Kouch in Morocco challenges the long-held belief that the Maghreb (north-west Africa) was an empty land before the arrival of the Phoenicians from the Middle East in around 800 BCE. It reveals a much richer and more complex history than previously thought.

    Map of the region. H Benattia

    Everything found at the site indicates that during the Bronze Age, more than 3,000 years ago, stable agricultural settlements already existed on the African coast of the Mediterranean.

    This was at the same time as societies such as the Mycenaean flourished in the eastern Mediterranean.

    Our discovery, led by a team of young researchers from Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology, expands our knowledge of the recent prehistory of north Africa. It also redefines our understanding of the connections between the Maghreb and the rest of the Mediterranean in ancient times.

    Excavations at the settlement. H Benattia

    How the discovery was made

    Kach Kouch was first identified in 1988 and first excavated in 1992. At the time, researchers believed the site had been inhabited between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE. This was based on the Phoenician pottery that was found.

    Extracting botanical remains. H Benattia

    Nearly 30 years later, our team carried out two new excavation seasons in 2021 and 2022. Our investigations included cutting-edge technology such as drones, differential GPS (global positioning systems) and 3D models.

    A rigorous protocol was followed for collecting samples. This allowed us to detect fossilised remains of seeds and charcoal.

    Subsequently, a series of analyses allowed us to reconstruct the settlement’s economy and its natural environment in prehistoric times.

    What the remains revealed

    The excavations, along with radiocarbon dating, revealed that the settlement underwent three phases of occupation between 2200 and 600 BCE.

    Dates of occupation. H Benattia

    The earliest documented remains (2200–2000 BCE) are scarce. They consist of three undecorated pottery sherds, a flint flake and a cow bone.

    The scarcity of materials and contexts could be due to erosion or a temporary occupation of the hill during this phase.

    Ceramics of KK2 phase. P Menéndez Molist/H Benattia

    In its second phase, after a period of abandonment, the Kach Kouch hill was permanently occupied from 1300 BCE. Its inhabitants, who probably numbered no more than a hundred, dedicated themselves to agriculture and animal husbandry.

    They lived in circular dwellings built from wattle and daub, a technique that combines wooden poles, reeds and mud. They dug silos into the rock to store agricultural products.

    Oldest bronze object. M Radi

    Analysis shows that they cultivated wheat, barley and legumes, and raised cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

    They also used grinding stones for cereal processing, flint tools, and decorated pottery. In addition, the oldest known bronze object in north Africa (excluding Egypt) has been documented. It is probably a scrap metal fragment removed after casting in a mould.

    Interactions with the Phoenicians

    Between the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, during the so-called Mauretanian period, the inhabitants of Kach Kouch maintained the same material culture, architecture and economy as in the previous phase. However, interactions with Phoenician communities that were starting to settle in nearby sites, such as Lixus, brought new cultural practices.

    Remains of a square house built from stone, wattle and daub. H Benattia

    For example, circular dwellings coexisted with square ones made of stone and wattle and daub, combining Phoenician and local construction techniques.

    Dwellings in Kach Kouch. H Benattia

    Furthermore, new crops began to be cultivated, like grapes and olives. Among the new materials, wheel-made Phoenician ceramics, such as amphorae (storage jugs) and plates, and the use of iron objects stand out.

    Around 600 BCE, Kach Kouch was peacefully abandoned, perhaps due to social and economic changes. Its inhabitants likely moved to other nearby settlements.

    So who were the Bronze Age inhabitants?

    It’s unclear whether the Maghreb populations in the Bronze Age lived in tribes, as would later occur during the Mauretanian period. They were probably organised as families. Burials suggest there were no clear signs of hierarchy.

    Amphorae and plates. P Menéndez Molist/H Benattia

    They may have spoken a language similar to the Amazigh, the indigenous north African language, which did not become written until the introduction of the Phoenician alphabet. The cultural continuity documented at Kach Kouch suggests that these populations are the direct ancestors of the Mauretanian peoples of north-west Africa.

    Why this matters

    Kach Kouch is not only the first and oldest known Bronze Age settlement in the Maghreb but also reshapes our understanding of prehistory in this region.

    The new findings, along with other recent discoveries, demonstrate that north-west Africa has been connected to other regions of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara since prehistoric times.

    Read more: Discovery of 5,000-year-old farming society in Morocco fills a major gap in history – north-west Africa was a central player in trade and culture

    Our findings challenge traditional narratives, many of which were influenced by colonial views that portrayed the Maghreb as an empty and isolated land until it was “civilized” by foreign peoples.

    Phases of occupation at Kach Kouch. H Benattia

    As a result, the Maghreb has long been absent from debates on the later prehistory of the Mediterranean. These new discoveries not only represent a breakthrough for archaeology, but also a call to reconsider dominant historical narratives. Kach Kouch offers the opportunity to rewrite north Africa’s history and give it the visibility it has always deserved.

    Read more: Ancient DNA reveals Maghreb communities preserved their culture and genes, even in a time of human migration

    We believe this is a decisive moment for research that could forever change the way we understand not only the history of north Africa, but also its relationship with other areas of the Mediterranean.

    – Discovery of a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age settlement in Morocco rewrites history
    – https://theconversation.com/discovery-of-a-4-000-year-old-bronze-age-settlement-in-morocco-rewrites-history-253172

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils suite of self-developed intelligent medical rescue equipment

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Four intelligent medical rescue equipment, including the Emergency (Transfer) Robot, Intelligent Medical Treatment Box Set, Portable Emergency Equipment, and Maritime Remote Medical Rescue Equipment, jointly developed by CSSC Haishen Medical Technology Co Ltd and DEEP Robotics Technology Company, were unveiled in Beijing recently, which was the first of its kind globally.
    The Emergency (Transfer) Robot is equipped with three walking modes —quadruped, four-wheeled, and tracked — with seven capabilities including walking, running, climbing buildings, climbing slopes, lying down, obstacle avoidance and obstacle crossing.
    It also has seven functions such as breathing, monitoring, infusion, ultrasound, defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and oxygen supply.
    It can operate stably in temperatures ranging from -20 C to 55 C, automatically and accurately providing mobile emergency treatment to the injured.
    It can be widely used in various scenarios such as natural disaster rescue, complex environment operations, safety accident rescue, battlefield emergency treatment, and pre-hospital and intra-hospital transfers.
    The Intelligent Medical Treatment Box Set integrates six modules required by secondary hospitals, including command communication, emergency treatment, surgery, medical technology support, supply support and special treatment.
    It is capable of rapid deployment and withdrawal within 20 minutes, which is suitable for scenarios such as mass casualty treatment on the battlefield, natural disaster rescue, accident disaster rescue, public health emergencies and international humanitarian assistance.
    It addresses issues such as the complexity of traditional medical equipment, inconvenience in mobility, difficulty in adapting to complex environments, challenges in comprehensive treatment due to incomplete elements, and difficulties in sharing multiple types of information.
    The Portable Emergency Equipment integrates functions such as ventilators, monitors, infusion pumps, anesthesia pumps, injection pumps, AED defibrillators and ultrasound devices. Known as a mobile intensive care unit, it is characterized by its small size, light weight, convenience in carrying, full functionality, ease of operation, long self-sustaining time and multiple data transmission methods.
    It can be widely used in emergency departments, intensive care units, and wards within hospitals, township health centers, community health centers, as well as stations, docks, schools, factories, trains, planes, ships and ambulances.
    The Maritime Remote Medical Rescue Equipment consists of the Maritime Emergency IoT Platform, Maritime Integrated Emergency Management Platform, Maritime Emergency Command System, Maritime Emergency Site Treatment System, and Maritime Remote Integrated Treatment System.
    Utilizing IoT technology, it enables real-time collection of multi-modal vital signs data. With the support of integrated communication networks, it achieves high-speed data transmission in nearshore and offshore scenarios, constructing an intelligent rescue system covering on-site treatment, command dispatch and remote support.
    Experts from the Chinese Academy of Engineering said that the intelligent medical rescue equipment will significantly enhance China’s comprehensive emergency medical rescue capabilities.
    Huang Yuhong, president and chief engineer of Haishen, said, “In the future, we will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as body intelligence, biomanufacturing, quantum technology, and 6G into a series of advanced medical rescue equipment, contributing to the high-quality development of China’s intelligent medical rescue equipment system.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rescue team saves survivor in Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A survivor was rescued Sunday in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, by China’s Yunnan Rescue Medical Team, following a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that struck the country Friday.

    The elderly man had been trapped for nearly 40 hours under the rubble of Ottara Thiri Hospital. The Chinese team used life detection equipment to find him and rescued him early Sunday.

    The rescue team, which arrived in Nay Pyi Taw Sunday, immediately joined local Myanmar firefighters to search for survivors. Their collaboration is part of ongoing rescue operations after the earthquake.

    China’s Red Cross Society (RCSC) has also sent urgent humanitarian aid to Myanmar. The supplies, dispatched from Yunnan’s disaster relief center, include 300 tents, 2,000 blankets, 600 folding beds, and relief kits for 2,000 households.

    According to Myanmar’s State Administration Council, the earthquake has killed at least 1,644 people. Rescue teams are working to assist those affected by the disaster.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Zero Waste [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video: 
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Zero+Waste+7+Feb+25/3336952_MSG+SG+INTL+DAY+OF+ZERO+WASTE+07+FEB+25.mp4

    This year’s International Day of Zero Waste puts the focus on fashion and textiles.

    And rightly so.

    Earth is a fashion victim.

    Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment. 

    It devours resources, like land and water.

    And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.

    Yet clothes are being produced at a staggering rate.

    And textile wastage is huge: every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill. 

    We need a different approach:

    One that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

    There are signs of hope.

    Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

    Important initiatives are bringing together business, industry associations, civil society, and more to drive sustainability across the sector.

    They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action – convened by the United Nations – and the Fashion Pact, launched by the Government of France.

    And the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste is uniting partners to end waste – including from textiles – and to help meet the SDGs.

    But we must do more to secure change:

    Consumers through their choices;

    Young people and civil society through advocacy;

    Governments through regulations promoting sustainability and decent jobs;

    And businesses through embracing circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

    On this International Day for Zero Waste, let’s all commit to ensure fashion sense makes good sense for people and planet.

    ***

    Cette année, la Journée internationale du zéro déchet est consacrée à la mode et aux textiles.

    Et pour cause !

    La Terre est victime de la mode.

    La fabrication des textiles fait souvent appel à des milliers de substances chimiques, dont beaucoup sont nocives pour les êtres humains et l’environnement.

    Elle dévore les ressources telles que la terre et l’eau.

    Et émet des gaz à effet de serre, aggravant la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, on produit des vêtements à un rythme effréné.

    Le gaspillage textile est énorme : chaque seconde, l’équivalent d’un camion à ordures rempli de vêtements est incinéré ou mis en décharge.

    Nous devons adopter une approche différente,

    qui permette de tenir les promesses des objectifs de développement durable en matière de production et de consommation.

    Il y a des lueurs d’espoir.

    Les consommateurs exigent de plus en plus des pratiques durables.

    D’importantes initiatives rassemblent les entreprises, les associations industrielles, les acteurs de la société civile et d’autres acteurs afin de promouvoir la durabilité dans l’ensemble du secteur.

    Il s’agit notamment de la Charte de l’industrie de la mode pour l’action climatique, établie par l’ONU, et du Fashion Pact, lancé par le Gouvernement français.

    À l’ONU, le Conseil consultatif pour le zéro déchet réunit actuellement des partenaires pour mettre fin à la production de déchets, notamment textiles, et contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

    Mais nous devons faire plus pour ancrer le changement :

    les consommateurs, par leurs choix ;

    les jeunes et la société civile, grâce à des activités de sensibilisation ;

    les gouvernements, au moyen de réglementations favorisant la durabilité et les emplois décents ;

    les entreprises, en embrassant l’économie circulaire, la réduction des déchets et l’emploi efficace des ressources dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement.

    En cette Journée internationale du zéro déchet, engageons-nous à faire en sorte que la mode ait du sens pour les populations et pour la planète.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Zero Waste [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: 
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Zero+Waste+7+Feb+25/3336952_MSG+SG+INTL+DAY+OF+ZERO+WASTE+07+FEB+25.mp4

    This year’s International Day of Zero Waste puts the focus on fashion and textiles.

    And rightly so.

    Earth is a fashion victim.

    Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment. 

    It devours resources, like land and water.

    And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.

    Yet clothes are being produced at a staggering rate.

    And textile wastage is huge: every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill. 

    We need a different approach:

    One that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

    There are signs of hope.

    Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

    Important initiatives are bringing together business, industry associations, civil society, and more to drive sustainability across the sector.

    They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action – convened by the United Nations – and the Fashion Pact, launched by the Government of France.

    And the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste is uniting partners to end waste – including from textiles – and to help meet the SDGs.

    But we must do more to secure change:

    Consumers through their choices;

    Young people and civil society through advocacy;

    Governments through regulations promoting sustainability and decent jobs;

    And businesses through embracing circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

    On this International Day for Zero Waste, let’s all commit to ensure fashion sense makes good sense for people and planet.

    ***

    Cette année, la Journée internationale du zéro déchet est consacrée à la mode et aux textiles.

    Et pour cause !

    La Terre est victime de la mode.

    La fabrication des textiles fait souvent appel à des milliers de substances chimiques, dont beaucoup sont nocives pour les êtres humains et l’environnement.

    Elle dévore les ressources telles que la terre et l’eau.

    Et émet des gaz à effet de serre, aggravant la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, on produit des vêtements à un rythme effréné.

    Le gaspillage textile est énorme : chaque seconde, l’équivalent d’un camion à ordures rempli de vêtements est incinéré ou mis en décharge.

    Nous devons adopter une approche différente,

    qui permette de tenir les promesses des objectifs de développement durable en matière de production et de consommation.

    Il y a des lueurs d’espoir.

    Les consommateurs exigent de plus en plus des pratiques durables.

    D’importantes initiatives rassemblent les entreprises, les associations industrielles, les acteurs de la société civile et d’autres acteurs afin de promouvoir la durabilité dans l’ensemble du secteur.

    Il s’agit notamment de la Charte de l’industrie de la mode pour l’action climatique, établie par l’ONU, et du Fashion Pact, lancé par le Gouvernement français.

    À l’ONU, le Conseil consultatif pour le zéro déchet réunit actuellement des partenaires pour mettre fin à la production de déchets, notamment textiles, et contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

    Mais nous devons faire plus pour ancrer le changement :

    les consommateurs, par leurs choix ;

    les jeunes et la société civile, grâce à des activités de sensibilisation ;

    les gouvernements, au moyen de réglementations favorisant la durabilité et les emplois décents ;

    les entreprises, en embrassant l’économie circulaire, la réduction des déchets et l’emploi efficace des ressources dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement.

    En cette Journée internationale du zéro déchet, engageons-nous à faire en sorte que la mode ait du sens pour les populations et pour la planète.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rescuers recover survivor in Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A rescue team of China’s Yunnan Province, joined by Myanmar’s rescue forces, retrieved an elderly man in earthquake-hit Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw at 05:00 local time on Sunday.

    The man had been trapped for nearly 40 hours under the rubble of a hospital in the city. After an overnight emergency rescue, it was the first person rescued by the Chinese team after arriving in the earthquake-stricken area of Myanmar on Saturday.

    The 37-member team from China’s Yunnan Province arrived in Myanmar on Saturday, carrying full-function life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, portable satellite phones, drones and other rescue equipment.

    Team members, after landing in Yangon, headed to the hard-hit city of Nay Pyi Taw.

    At 18:30 local time on Saturday, the rescue team arrived in Nay Pyi Taw, immediately starting their work. According to the team, the three-story hospital where it has been working on the rescue, was severely damaged, as the first floor completely collapsed, burying numerous people.

    The rescuers have been using life detectors to find survivors with vital signs under the rubble.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Window for grant recipients to switch to black cards extended 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Postbank has announced a two-month extension for beneficiaries using the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card to switch to the Postbank black card, allowing them to continue accessing their social grants through April and May 2025.

    Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe stressed that beneficiaries who have not yet replaced their gold cards with the new black Postbank black card now have additional time to make the switch.

    Government had initially set the deadline for the transition to the new cards to 28 February after which a second extension was set for 20 March 2025.

    Mbengashe said the extension provides relief for those who have not yet completed the card replacement process.

    “This is now mainly, of course, to those beneficiaries who have not had the time to go and replace their gold card with the black card. It is quite important as well to note that the usage of the card and how it works remains the same,” she said at a media briefing on Friday.

    At the briefing in Pretoria, the CEO warned that after 31 May 2025, there will be no alternative methods to access grants.

    Grants will continue to be paid into bank accounts but can only be accessed using the new Postbank black card.

    “There will be no new extensions. Therefore, after these two months, there’ll be no alternative. If you don’t have your black card, you will not be able to access your grant,” she cautioned.

    She said the gold SASSA cards still work the same and can be used at all retailers and ATMs through to 31 May 2024.

    For those who still need to switch to the black card, there are over 300 national sites available for card replacement.

    The sites are primarily located within select outlets of major retailers that include Shoprite, Usave, Shoprite, Spar, Pick ’n Pay and Boxer and beneficiaries can dial *120*355# from any cellphone to locate a nearby site.

    According to the CEO, only an ID or temporary ID document is required to get a new card.

    She said the sites are currently processing approximately 30 000 card replacements daily and urged beneficiaries not to wait until the last minute to replace their cards.

    According to Postbank only 1.3 million of the 2.6 million social grant beneficiaries managed to switch from SASSA gold cards to Postbank black cards.  

    Mbengashe encouraged those who are still using their SASSA gold cards to not use the Post Office.

    “So, we are insisting that people please not use the Post Office. They will not service you if you go to them,” she said, adding that the card can be used at all retailers and ATMs.

    She stated that only Mzansi Flexi card customers using the Post Office or asylum seekers can continue to use the Post Office.

    “I think the most important thing as we continue to allow people to use their gold card is to emphasise that you must go and still replace this gold card and use these two months to your advantage and your benefit,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches new communication tech test satellite

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China sent a new communication technology test satellite into the planned orbit from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan early on Sunday.
    The satellite was launched by a Long March-7A rocket at 12:05 a.m. (Beijing Time). It will be used mainly for multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation.
    This launch was the 566th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China issues 1st passenger drone operation certificates

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Two Chinese companies have obtained the operation certificate for autonomous passenger drones from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), marking that China has entered the commercial operation stage of autonomous passenger drones, said CAAC Saturday.
    The two certificates, the first batch of such operation certificates issued in China, were granted to Chinese drone makers EHang Holdings Limited in south China’s Guangdong Province and Hefei Hey Airlines Co., Ltd. in east China’s Anhui Province.
    The operation certificate is used to confirm that the autonomous passenger drone meets the safety operation standards and operation requirements. The companies with an operation certificate can carry out commercial operations in approved areas, provide paid passenger services and other low-altitude economy-related services.
    Citizens and consumers will be able to purchase tickets at the operating spots in Guangzhou and Hefei to experience low-altitude tours, city sightseeing and a variety of commercial passenger services. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China fuels global innovation through sci-tech cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Stepping into the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing, visitors are immediately immersed in a futuristic atmosphere. Robots, showcasing their capabilities in various scenarios — from calligraphy and brewing coffee to dancing and delivering bilingual announcements — make a dazzling impression.

    The ongoing 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference highlights the transformation of Zhongguancun, China’s “Silicon Valley,” into a global innovation hub, marked by groundbreaking technologies and the convergence of global expertise.

    From humanoid robots seen throughout the venues to gene therapy for “blindness treatment” featured at the exhibition center, the five-day event, which began on Thursday, is captivating guests from over 100 countries and regions with China’s emerging industries.

    In addition, the lively discussions and promotions surrounding topics such as the development of ZGC, a world-leading sci-tech park, and the cooperation under the ZGC Global High-Level Think Tank Alliance, are heightening guests’ expectations for technological collaboration aimed at advancing human well-being.

    Humanoid robots walk during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025.(Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

    Harnessing Cutting-edge Technologies

    Nearly 100 robots from 15 companies are actively engaged throughout the event to enhance the experience of the attendees. More importantly, they showcase how humanoid robots are rapidly advancing to boost productivity and expand their real-world applications, driven by the relentless research and development efforts of various companies.

    For example, a humanoid robot named “Adam” amazed visitors with an elegant dance during the conference, showcasing its advanced full-body motion control. Through the fusion of unique hardware design and reinforcement learning, the development team has enabled Adam to coordinate joint movements precisely, achieving human-like agility and flexibility, explained Anna Leung, brand director of Adam’s developer, PNDbotics AI Co., Ltd.

    “From my perspective, the ability of humanoid robots to integrate vision-driven guidance, limb control, and generalized autonomous operation truly makes them valuable assistants to humans. The most exciting era for humanoid robots, which is the era of productivity, is about to begin,” said Wang He, founder and CTO of Beijing Galbot Co., Ltd., speaking at the opening ceremony.

    During the ceremony, China’s 10 major scientific and technological achievements in 2024 were unveiled, covering cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and gene therapy. The forum has become a key platform for tech companies to showcase their latest innovations.

    Inspired by insights from international experts at the previous ZGC Forum, Beijing Matrix Technologies Co., Ltd. recognized the critical role of material innovation in driving industrial progress. Determined to revolutionize thermal insulation, the company’s CTO, Zhong Feipeng, and his team dedicated eight years to overcoming key technical challenges, ultimately developing a new soft insulation material named Y-Warm.

    Several years ago, they leveraged the Zhongguancun Forum to introduce Y-Warm to the global market. Over the past four years, they have partnered with more than 200 companies from the United States, Europe and Japan, expanding its applications in apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, and medical supplies. “The forum has served as our fast track to innovation and helped us bridge the gap from technology to real-world impact,” Zhong said.

    This photo taken on March 28, 2025 shows the introduction on brain-machine interface systems during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

    Cultivating Innovative Glusters

    At the ZGC International Innovation Center, visitors eagerly tried out XR smart glasses that project high-quality images onto a virtual screen about three meters away. Developed by Beijing NED+AR Display Technology Co., Ltd., the smart glasses are significantly thinner and lighter than traditional VR headsets, while still delivering a large, immersive display.

    The company’s co-founder, Duan Jiaxi, said that this year marks a decade since the company established itself in the Zhongguancun Shijingshan Science Park. “I originally settled here because there were some policy supports, such as rent reduction and investment fund support. We have partnered with some internationally renowned enterprises and completed the C-round investment this year.”

    In recent years, Beijing has used Zhongguancun as a testing ground for new reforms, rolling out pilot policies, improving the business environment, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for emerging industries.

    “Zhongguancun is at the forefront of innovation, and we believe that companies in the general robotics industry should develop here. With its growing industrial ecosystem, we hope to collaborate with algorithm research companies and other partners to refine our products and accelerate the maturity of the humanoid robotics industry,” Leung said.

    Notably, Beijing has built a strong foundation in embodied intelligence robotics, with top research teams, emerging startups, and ideal application scenarios in research, manufacturing, and retail. Leading the way, it introduced an action plan for embodied intelligence this February, setting a national benchmark for the industry.

    With a focus on future industries, Beijing aims to foster a top-tier innovation ecosystem and strengthen its role as a global hub for open innovation.

    The development of Zhongguancun ranked first in the comprehensive evaluation of national high-tech zones in 2024. The total revenue of enterprises above the designated size reached 9.4 trillion yuan (about 1.29 trillion U.S. dollars) last year, up 8 percent year on year.

    People learn about a bionic humanoid robot at the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center during the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025.
    (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

    Promoting Global Cooperation

    The 2025 ZGC Forum hosted multiple parallel forums to boost global sci-tech cooperation, focusing on topics including carbon neutrality, youth talent development and regional collaboration.

    The ASEAN Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum, for example, brought together representatives from China and ASEAN countries to explore how the two sides can work together to advance innovation cooperation. The Trans-Himalaya Earth Science International Cooperation Forum discussed joint response to major global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability.

    At a parallel forum focusing on sci-tech innovation cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK), multiple strategic cooperation agreements were reached.

    Zhongguancun’s Dong-Park will carry out business cooperation with the Korea Innovation Center in China in the field of embodied intelligence and build a platform for technology transfer and cooperation.

    “We hope to strengthen the cooperation in science and technology between China and the ROK in order to promote global competitiveness of enterprises from both countries,” said a representative from the ROK.

    Ebba Lund, CEO of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), emphasized the importance of connections, especially at events like this forum. She noted that such gatherings create valuable opportunities for global innovation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China pledges 100 million yuan in aid to Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has decided to provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan (approximately 13.9 million U.S. dollars) in emergency humanitarian aid to support earthquake relief efforts, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency said on Saturday.

    At the request of the Myanmar government, China will also send two rescue teams and supply tents, blankets, first-aid kits, food and drinking water — items that are urgently needed in affected areas, said spokesperson Li Ming.

    The first batch of supplies is scheduled for delivery on Monday, according to the agency. China will offer further assistance based on Myanmar’s needs, it added.

    A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday. The information team of Myanmar’s State Administration Council said 1,002 people have been killed, 2,376 were injured, and 30 remain missing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Philippine medical team on standby to assist quake-hit Myanmar, Thailand

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Philippines on Saturday said it has been ready to send emergency medical assistance teams to help Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, killing over 1,000 people.

    Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the Philippines is ready to deploy three emergency medical assistance teams once international coordination protocols with the affected countries are complete and a request is received.

    The Department of Health could send medical teams “should there be a need for humanitarian medical assistance in Myanmar and Thailand. We are ready,” Herbosa said.

    A few hours after the powerful earthquake on Friday, the Philippine embassies in Myanmar and in Thailand advised Filipinos there to remain calm and vigilant.

    According to the official data, there are approximately 811 Filipinos in Myanmar and 32,950 Filipinos in Thailand.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Red Cross sends aid to quake-hit Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has sent emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar following a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday, the RCSC said on Saturday.

    Emergency relief supplies, to be distributed through the Myanmar Red Cross Society, include 300 tents, 2,000 blankets, 600 folding beds and relief kits for 2,000 affected households. The supplies have been dispatched from a disaster relief center in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, the RCSC said in a press release.

    An international RCSC rescue team has also departed for Myanmar with necessary equipment to carry out humanitarian relief operations. The RCSC has said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further assistance as needed.

    The information team of Myanmar’s State Administration Council on Saturday said that at least 1,002 people have been killed, 2,376 have been injured, and 30 are missing as a result of the earthquake.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cambodian PM expresses condolences over quake tragedy in Myanmar, Thailand

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday expressed his condolences to the governments and peoples of Myanmar and Thailand over a massive earthquake on Friday afternoon.

    In a condolence message to Myanmar’s State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Cambodian leader said he was profoundly saddened to hear about the devastating earthquake that struck central Myanmar, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, injuries, and widespread damage to property.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, and we hope for the swift recovery of those injured,” Hun Manet said.

    “Cambodia stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this challenging time,” he said.

    In another condolence letter to his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Hun Manet said he had learnt, with profound sadness, about the loss of lives, many injuries and severe damage to properties caused by the powerful earthquake in Bangkok.

    “I wish the injured a full and speedy recovery,” he said.

    At least 1,644 people died, 3,408 were injured, and 139 remained missing after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, the Information Team of Myanmar’s State Administration Council reported.

    The devastating temblor also affected Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Shinawatra on Friday announced a state of emergency in Bangkok.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Latest technologies and products in cutting-edge fields showcased at Zhongguancun Forum

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

    Latest technologies and products in cutting-edge fields showcased at Zhongguancun Forum

    Updated: March 30, 2025 09:53 Xinhua
    A humanoid robot waves to a visitor during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. Themed “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Technology Cooperation,” this year’s annual conference of the forum showcases the latest technologies and products in cutting-edge fields. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors watch an unmanned helicopter during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor learns about a brain-machine interface system during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot poses during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on March 28, 2025 shows an intelligent connected vehicle during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors are seen at a commercial spaceflight exhibition area during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on March 28, 2025 shows the introduction on brain-machine interface systems during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors are seen at an artificial intelligence exhibition area during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on March 28, 2025 shows the rocket models during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor takes photos of an unmanned aerial vehicle during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Humanoid robots walk during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot plays football during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors are seen at an artificial intelligence exhibition area during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors learn about an engine product during a permanent exhibition at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China issues 1st batch of passenger drone operation certificates

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Two Chinese companies have obtained the operation certificate for autonomous passenger drones from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), marking that China has entered the commercial operation stage of autonomous passenger drones, said CAAC Saturday.
    The two certificates, the first batch of such operation certificates issued in China, were granted to Chinese drone makers EHang Holdings Limited in south China’s Guangdong Province and Hefei Hey Airlines Co., Ltd. in east China’s Anhui Province.
    The operation certificate is used to confirm that the autonomous passenger drone meets the safety operation standards and operation requirements. The companies with an operation certificate can carry out commercial operations in approved areas, provide paid passenger services and other low-altitude economy-related services.
    Citizens and consumers will be able to purchase tickets at the operating spots in Guangzhou and Hefei to experience low-altitude tours, city sightseeing and a variety of commercial passenger services. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Retirement home lights up late life of the visually impaired

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Elders have meals at a canteen of Shenyang Haiman Specialist Care Retirement Home in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Jan. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
    As the radio echoed through the yard at lunchtime, a group of visually impaired elders navigated their way to the canteen, their hands gliding along the guardrails.
    Chef Bai Yajuan used a microphone to read the dishes aloud. Six bowls of varying shapes and sizes, arranged in a set order, each containing a different dish, were served.
    “Many blind people mix all their dishes into one bowl at home to avoid trouble and not burden their families,” Bai explained. “To allow them to experience the flavors of each dish, we’ve designed bowls of different shapes to hold each dish separately, so they can easily get what they need.”
    On the canteen wall, there is a chart showing the dietary preferences of each elder, ensuring their individual needs are fully respected at this retirement home in Shenyang in northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Besides, each table is labeled with the names of the elders in Braille, made from stainless steel, and placed at all four corners.
    “Blind people prefer fixed seats so they can know who is sitting around them, which helps them feel more secure,” said Zhang Yu, head of the Shenyang Haiman Specialist Care Retirement Home.
    Established in 2019, the retirement home is the first dedicated facility for the blind on the Chinese mainland. It currently accommodates 107 visually impaired elders, 90 percent of whom are completely blind.
    It was built with a donation from an entrepreneur whose sister is also blind. He hopes to help more blind individuals live comfortably in their old age.

    The names of the elders in Braille is seen on a dinning table at a canteen of Shenyang Haiman Specialist Care Retirement Home in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Jan. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
    “Guardrails with raised Braille are installed in all corners of the facility, allowing the elders to walk and exercise safely, both indoors and outdoors,” Zhang said.
    Zhang, who previously worked in human resources management, has an uncle who was also blind and witnessed the challenges faced by visually challenged people. When she learned about the retirement home for the blind in Shenyang, she didn’t hesitate to send in her resume.
    The retirement home currently has 22 employees, including nurses, housekeepers and counselors, many of whom have never worked with blind individuals before.
    To better care for the elders, a special room has been created where staff members experience life in total darkness once a month, helping them understand the challenges faced by the blind. This exercise lasts for about two hours.
    “One time, a staff member came out of this room and went to an elder’s room. When she saw the elder struggling to open a delivery package, she was deeply moved and immediately began crying. Since then, she has been delivering packages to the rooms every day and, with the elders’ permission, helping them unpack,” Zhang said.
    Zhang Li, 80, a resident of the retirement home, has not only found a home but also love here.
    “I can sing and play cards with my friends every day, and there are people to take care of me. During the Spring Festival, my children wanted to take me home, but I didn’t go. I don’t want to go anywhere. Isn’t this home?” said Zhang Li.
    Here, she met Wang Mingshan from Shanghai. Despite a ten-year age gap, their shared hobbies, such as growing flowers and singing, as well as similar life experiences, have brought them closer.
    Wei Yuying, 87, a native of Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, has found more laughter since coming here.
    “After my husband passed away, I was lonely at home, and it was difficult for me to go downstairs and get out every day. When I heard about this retirement home, I asked my children to bring me here,” said Wei, who has lived here for almost five years.

    A medical worker measures blood pressure for an elder at Shenyang Haiman Specialist Care Retirement Home in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Jan. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
    To enrich the lives of the elderly, trips have been organized to various destinations, both home and abroad.
    On the first floor of the retirement home, a world map made entirely of Braille dots adorns the wall, with red dots marking the places the elders have visited.
    “Many people wonder, what is the point of blind people traveling? When they visit different places, they can breathe in new air, experience different customs, and taste different foods. Every time they return, they are in an especially good mood,” Zhang Yu said.
    The elders especially enjoy taking photos. “They can’t see them themselves, but they can send the photos to their relatives and let them know that they’re living a good life now, so there’s no need to worry,” she added.
    According to the China Association of Persons with Visual Disabilities, there are currently over 17 million visually impaired people in China. With an aging society, the need for elderly care among blind individuals is becoming more pressing.
    Last year, Haiman opened its second retirement home for the blind in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province. It plans to open at least five retirement homes for the visually impaired in China, covering the central, western, southern, eastern and northeastern parts of China.
    China is vigorously promoting home-based care for elders who are unable to take care of themselves, including the blind.
    In February, China began implementing a basic specification for home-based elderly care bed services, the first national industry standard for family elderly care. This includes senior-friendly facilities, smart equipment and home care services to ensure that the elders can enjoy continuous, stable and professional high-quality aged care services.
    Statistics show that there are currently over 350,000 elderly care-related enterprises in China. Of these, more than 70,000 were registered in 2024. The number of registered elderly care enterprises has been steadily increasing year by year over the past decade, reaching its peak in 2024. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crackdown on illegal working and rogue employers in ‘gig economy’

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Crackdown on illegal working and rogue employers in ‘gig economy’

    In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the government will introduce tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working.

    Companies hiring people in the gig economy will now be legally required to carry out checks confirming that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK, bringing them in line with other employers. These vital checks, which take just minutes to complete, confirm someone’s immigration status and allow them to legally work in the UK.

    This means that for the very first time, employment checks will be extended to cover businesses hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons and courier services.

    Currently, thousands of companies using these flexible arrangements are not legally required to check the status of these workers. This changes now.

    Where businesses fail to carry out these checks, they will face hefty penalties already in place for those hiring illegal workers in traditional roles, including fines of up to £60,000 per worker, business closures, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to 5 years.

    Expanding illegal working checks will help level the playing field for the majority of honest companies who do the right thing. For example, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats already voluntarily carry out checks to ensure their delivery riders are eligible to work.

    Clamping down on illegal working forms a critical part of the government’s plan to strengthen the entire immigration system, restoring tough enforcement of the rules and undermine people smugglers using the false promise of jobs for migrants.

    The announcement comes a day before the UK holds the first ever Organised Immigration Crime Summit, bringing together over 40 countries to agree unprecedented new international action to take down every aspect of criminal smuggling gangs’ tactics.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 

    Under our Plan for Change, we are restoring order to the asylum and immigration system by introducing tougher laws and bolstering enforcement action to tackle illegal working and stopping rogue employers in their tracks.

    Turning a blind eye to illegal working plays into the hands of callous people smugglers trying to sell spaces on flimsy, overcrowded boats with the promise of work and a life in the UK.

    These exploitative practices are often an attempt to undercut competitors who are doing the right thing. But we are clear that the rules need to be respected and enforced.

    These new laws build on significant efforts to stop organised immigration crime and protect the integrity of our borders, including increasing raids and arrests  for illegal working and getting returns of people who have no right to be here to their highest rate in half a decade.

    Claire Pointon, Managing Director, Just Eat UK and Ireland said:

    Just Eat is committed to supporting high streets and communities by ensuring a fair and well-regulated rapid delivery sector. Preventing unauthorised work is key to this, which is why we’re strengthening our measures by introducing biometric checks to swiftly remove those without the correct authorisation to work in the UK. We welcome this decision from the Home Office to expand these requirements to other sectors.

    A Deliveroo spokesperson said:

    Deliveroo has led the industry in taking action to secure our platform against illegal working, developing our approach in close collaboration with the Home Office. We were the first to roll out direct right to work checks, a registration process, daily identity verification and now additional device checks for riders, including substitutes. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously and will continue to strengthen our controls to prevent misuse of our platform. We welcome the government taking action to ensure all businesses and sectors adopt the same standards.

    An Uber Eats spokesperson said:

    Uber Eats is fully committed to fighting illegal work and the criminal networks who are often behind it, including by introducing state of the art identity and document video verification technology and mandatory substitute registration. We welcome efforts to enable and enforce further controls, and create a level playing field across the sector.

    The checks take minutes to complete, and the Home Office provide this free of charge, with businesses able to utilise digital ID verification technology to support the process. There is also support in place for employers with enquiries about the process.

    The new laws further build on measures announced in November to equip Immigration Enforcement teams with new technology. From May, body worn cameras will be rolled out to officers on the front line tackling illegal working and organised immigration crime. Backed by £5 milllion, this will help officers collect evidence to support prosecutions and make sure exploitative businesses undermining our immigration system are held to account.

    The new measures go alongside a ramp-up of operational action by Immigration Enforcement teams, who since July have carried out 6,784 illegal working visits to premises and made 4,779 arrests – an increase of 40% and 42% compared to the same period 12 months ago. In that time, 1,508 civil penalty notices have been issued.

    This also follows wider measures within the legislation announced earlier this month to impose tougher restrictions on foreign criminals whose removal we are pursuing but we are presently unable to deport. This includes the use of electronic tags, night time curfews and exclusion zones. Breaching these conditions would be grounds for arrest and the individual could face imprisonment.

    The measures will help ensure the Home Office maintains close contact with individuals and makes it very clear that they should not become established in the UK, as the intention remains to remove them when possible.  

    Tomorrow (31 March 2025), the Home Secretary will convene key government and law enforcement leads at the UK’s 2 day landmark international Organised Immigration Crime Summit.

    This will include Immigration Enforcement, the Department for Business and Trade, the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority and the National Crime Agency, holding a roundtable to discuss the importance of shutting down illegal working and government’s ongoing surge in operational activity.

    The summit will bring together leaders from across the globe, with the aim of securing international commitments to intensify efforts against organised immigration crime gangs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Traffic control in place after burst pipe, Washington Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)


    District:

    Police are assisting with traffic control on Washington Road, Nelson, after a water pipe has burst.

    Diversions are in place near Pioneers Park.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area, if possible.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Mar 29, 2025 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 291942

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0242 PM CDT Sat Mar 29 2025

    Valid 292000Z – 301200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PORTIONS OF THE
    CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS INTO THE MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI
    VALLEY…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of the
    central/southern Plains into the mid Mississippi Valley, mainly this
    evening through the overnight hours. This may include an organized
    thunderstorm cluster across parts of Oklahoma into southeastern
    Kansas and western Missouri capable of producing very large hail,
    damaging winds, and perhaps a couple of tornadoes.

    …20z Update…
    The Marginal Risk across portions of southeast Texas was to remove,
    as thunderstorm activity has moved eastward. A Marginal Risk was
    introduced across the Florida Keys. Otherwise, no changes were made
    to the Slight Risk areas across the southern/central Plains. See
    previous discussion for more information.

    …Central Plains into the Mid Mississippi Valley…
    As thunderstorm activity progresses eastward through time this
    evening, a corridor of greater damaging wind risk may develop. CAM
    solutions continue to indicate upscale growth across portions of
    northern Oklahoma into southern Kansas and western Missouri. Should
    this line be able to organize and establish a strong cold pool, the
    potential exists for a swath of damaging wind and perhaps some
    significant winds given the steep mid-level lapse. Limiting factors
    include the displacement of the stronger low-level jet winds to the
    south and lagging of stronger mid-level flow across the Red River
    into central Oklahoma. In addition, CAM guidance is split on a more
    organized bowing line or a somewhat broken line of mixed mode
    thunderstorms. Even so, a couple of gusts 70-80 mph could not be
    ruled out.

    …Florida Keys…
    Recent radar imagery has shown a couple of supercells with
    strengthening rotation moving northwestward near the lower Florida
    Keys. The environment in this region is characterized by rich
    moisture and storm relative helicity around 100-150 m2/s2. This will
    support a risk for a tornado with inclusion of a Marginal Risk with
    this update.

    ..Thornton/Smith.. 03/29/2025

    .PREV DISCUSSION… /ISSUED 1134 AM CDT Sat Mar 29 2025/

    …Central/Southern Plains into the Mid Mississippi Valley…
    Water-vapor imagery shows a lead disturbance moving northeastward
    across the central Great Plains towards the Upper Midwest, while an
    upstream disturbance moves from eastern AZ into the southern Great
    Plains tonight. The primary surface low over western KS this
    morning is forecast to develop east-northeastward towards southern
    IA/northern MO by tonight. An attendant cold front will sweep
    southward across parts of the central/southern Plains through the
    period, while a dryline mixes eastward over the southern High Plains
    this afternoon.

    Surface analysis shows lower 60s dewpoints streaming northward on
    southerly low-level flow this morning from north TX to the KS/OK
    border. A substantial cap will likely inhibit robust convective
    development until late this afternoon or early evening, with the
    cold front/dryline intersection over western OK a potential location
    for convective initiation by 23-03Z as large-scale ascent with the
    trailing shortwave trough overspreads the warm sector.

    Moderate to strong buoyancy will likely be present across
    western/northern OK and southern KS, with steep mid-level lapse
    rates atop upper 50s to mid 60s surface dewpoints. Forecast
    soundings favor supercell development with activity that develops
    south of the front across west-central OK. Large to very large hail
    (potentially up to 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter) may accompany these
    storms early in their convective life cycle. Despite increasing
    CINH during the evening, lower 60s dewpoints in place with 500-mb
    temperatures around -15 deg C may aid the development of a tornado
    risk from central into northeast OK as storms mature and eventually
    grow upscale. Severe gusts will probably become more prevalent with
    time as this cluster moves east-northeast into parts of northeast OK
    and eventually into MO later tonight, perhaps with the wind threat
    slowly diminishing late.

    Farther south, a conditional severe threat exists south of the Red
    River from north TX southwestward into parts of the Concho Valley.
    It appears the airmass will remain capped during the day in the
    vicinity of the dryline, with storm development likely delayed until
    late evening into the overnight per recent model guidance. Very
    steep 700-500 mb lapse rates, strong deep-layer shear magnitudes (50
    kt effective shear), and 2000-3000 J/kg MUCAPE will support a severe
    risk with any sustained storms. Models vary between very isolated
    coverage and scattered storm coverage, especially over parts of
    central into north TX. Given consistency in some model guidance
    (e.g., HRRR model run to run, GFS, ECMWF) showing some convective
    signal, have opted to increase hail probabilities to level-2 Slight
    Risk overnight. Large to very large hail is possible with the
    stronger storms (1 to 2.5 inches in diameter).

    …Louisiana/Mississippi…
    A remnant MCV will continue to move northeastward this afternoon
    across the lower MS Valley and Mid-South. Although deep-layer shear
    is expected to remain fairly weak, sufficient low-level shear should
    be present to support some updraft organization and transient
    rotation with the stronger storms. Cells moving
    northeastward and inland over the central Gulf Coast may pose a
    threat for a brief tornado, as well as a localized risk for damaging
    gusts.

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0100Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mobile printing of fine tickets enabled

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will begin a Mobile Printing Fixed Penalty Notice System trial on March 31 in Southern, Wong Tai Sin and Kwai Tsing districts. The system is aimed at enhancing enforcement efficiency and accuracy.

    To introduce the mobile printing of fixed penalty notices (FPNs), additional FPN forms under the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) Ordinance were gazetted today .

    Currently, frontline enforcement officers from the department manually fill in information about contraventions on printed FPNs. Backend officers then check the forms and input the information into a data system. 

    The new system enables enforcement officers to scan an offender’s Hong Kong identity card through an application on department-issued mobile phones. This instantly imports an offender’s identity information. The system also automatically records the date, time, location and data pertaining to the enforcement officer, who can then print the notice on the spot using a portable printer.

    The data will be automatically uploaded to the backend system, reducing human errors and improving enforcement efficiency, the Government explained.

    The mobile application will not keep images of identity cards, and the data collected for enforcement remains unchanged, the Government added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt rejects UK report

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has denounced the UK’s “Six-monthly report on Hong Kong: July to December 2024”, stating that it contains the slanders and smears about various aspects of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it condemned and rejected the UK’s misleading and irresponsible remarks, which it labelled “despicable political maneouvres” intended to interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance.

    It added that the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and that the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong following the city’s return to the motherland.

    It urged the UK to discern facts from fallacies, respect international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, stressing that these are purely China’s internal affairs.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government said the report contained “absurd and false contents” with regard to the laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR. It outlined that the UK Government had vilified Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies, and its prosecutorial and judicial authorities, in claiming that fulfillment of their duties constituted an “erosion of rights and freedoms”.

    It also emphasised that Hong Kong law enforcement agencies’ actions are evidence-based and are taken in strict accordance with the law in respect of acts committed by people or entities, having nothing to do with their political views, background or occupation. It added that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

    The statement highlighted that absconders hiding in the UK and other western countries are wanted and subject to arrest warrants issued by Hong Kong courts not because they “exercised freedom of expression”, but because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. These activities include inciting secession and requesting that foreign countries engage in hostile activities against the Peoples Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR. The statement outlined that it is therefore necessary to take all lawful measures, including “specified measures” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, to combat acts of abscondment.

    Stressing that time was given for the absconders to return to Hong Kong to face law enforcement and legal proceedings before the measures were taken, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the absconders failed to do so.

    It added that all “specified measures”, including the cancellation of Hong Kong SAR passports, align with human rights requirements, and that countries such as the UK would impose the same measures on wanted criminals.

    It said that the UK had demonstrated hypocrisy and that its unwarranted and inappropriate comments on criminal proceedings which are ongoing in Hong Kong courts betrayed a complete disregard for the rule of law.

    Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that non-referral of a prisoner who has committed an offence endangering national security to the Post-release Supervision Board is a preventive measure that does not of itself increase the prisoner’s sentence and should not be regarded as punishment.

    It explained that in deciding whether an early release would be contrary to the interests of national security, the Commissioner of Correctional Services will carry out his duties in strict accordance with the law and deal with every case fairly and impartially.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government underscored that the rule of law in Hong Kong is strong and robust and can stand the test of time, adding that the city’s common law system will not be changed because of the departure of individual overseas non-permanent judges.

    It also stressed that the mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the city do not undermine independent judicial power, and that the city’s judicial system continues to be protected by the Basic Law. It said that when adjudicating cases concerning offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent, impartial and free from any interference in performing their judicial duties.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai observes 2025 Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee field exercises

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai observes 2025 Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee field exercises
    At noon on March 27, President Lai Ching-te observed 2025 Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee field exercises incorporating expanded emergency medical facilities at the Yuping Post Office in Tainan. In remarks, President Lai thanked all the participants and everyone who helped with the preparations. He expressed hope that we can contribute to future exercises through building on collaboration between the central and local governments, participation by reliable civilian forces, cross-regional integration of resources, and self-initiative of communities and private-sector entities. The president said that to ensure Taiwan’s security, we hope to rely not just on the armed forces, but also on the forces of defense resilience throughout our society, and that in that way we can achieve peace through strength.
    After arriving at the venue, the president first listened to a report on “expanded emergency medical facilities.” He then observed the work done at various operational areas, including a medical command center, a district-level coordination center, a mobile police station, an emergency (including disease prevention) triage station, a moderate-to-severe trauma treatment area, a forward surgical operating area, and a disaster-related mental healthcare work area, for first-hand understanding of the field exercises. 
    A translation of the president’s remarks follows:
    I am very happy to be back in Tainan to take part in the first field exercises of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. These exercises had scenarios but no scripts. This was also our first time conducting exercises that incorporated expanded emergency medical facilities. Over 1,500 people from the central and local governments as well as private-sector entities took part in the exercises. Just moments ago, I observed all the various activities taking place and saw the well-trained participants fully applying their expertise in a sudden emergency.
    The success of today’s exercises demonstrated the full commitment and professionalism of the participants, while also highlighting several important principles that can be promoted in the future. The first is coordination among authorities at the central and local levels. The Office of the President, the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, and the Tainan City Government team worked together closely, from planning and design to implementation of the exercises. The second is participation by reliable civilian forces, including the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the Mustard Seed Mission, and SHOWBA Store.
    The third is cross-regional integration of resources. The exercises in Tainan had participants from other counties and cities such as Chiayi and Kaohsiung. The fourth is where communities and private-sector entities take action on their own initiative. Examples include the involvement of the Huweiliao residents’ rescue team, Songan independent flood disaster prevention community, Xinan resilience community, Kainan Community, and Anping District. In the future, whether it is collaboration between the central and local governments, participation by reliable civilian forces, cross-regional integration of resources, or participation of communities and private-sector entities, all parties can act together in concert and conduct comprehensive exercises.
    I want to thank Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) for leading his team and for coming here yesterday to personally inspect the preparations, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Chi Lien-cheng (季連成) for their support in directing the exercises, and Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) for leading his Tainan City Government team. Everyone gave it their all to make sure the event went smoothly.
    I also want to thank the civil society organizations and self-initiating community forces I mentioned earlier, as well as the Tainan City medical organizations that took part, including Chi Mei Medical Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan Medical Association, and other district hospitals and clinics. In addition, the participation of auxiliary police, auxiliary firefighters, auxiliary traffic police, and other community service workers was another wonderful aspect of today’s exercises.
    I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Office of the President after taking office. Our committee conducted tabletop exercises last December. And today we have followed those exercises with these small-scale live exercises in Tainan. We are also preparing to conduct urban exercises this April, the objective being to build resilience in Taiwan’s society so it can properly respond when there are large numbers of injuries resulting from natural disasters or major accidents and be prepared in the event of geopolitical changes in the region. It is said that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” and “do not count on the enemy not showing up; count on being ready should it strike.” We have made preparations so that, should a contingency occur, we can reduce the number of injuries. To ensure Taiwan’s security we hope to rely not just on the armed forces, but also on the forces of defense resilience throughout our society. In that way we can achieve peace through strength.
    Also in attendance at the event were members of 13 foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan, including American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner, and Finland Trade Center Representative Lauri Matti Raunio.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing woman in Kwun Tong (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing woman in Kwun Tong (with photo)  
         She is about 1.63 metres tall, 55 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, black trousers, black sneakers and carrying a white recycle bag.Issued at HKT 19:43

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo) 
         During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 24 target locations including commercial buildings, retail stores, residential buildings, and restaurants, and arrested six suspected illegal workers. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised two men and four women, aged 50 to 66. Among them, one woman was a holder of recognisance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. In addition, one man and two women were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Two men and one woman, aged 28 to 53, were suspected of employing the illegal workers. One male and two females, aged 42 to 59, who were overstayers, were also arrested.
     
         During operation “Champion”, enforcement officers raided 19 target locations in Eastern district. One suspected illegal worker and one suspected employer were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal worker was a man, aged 24. The 26-year-old man, who was suspected of employing the illegal worker, was also arrested.
     
         An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
     
         The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.”
     
         The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
     
         According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman reminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
     
    Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
    Issued at HKT 18:13

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –