NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shoplifter’s next trip to court

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One supermarket shoplifter in Papakura didn’t bargain for an eagle-eyed camera operator in her plans.

    Instead, she is without $300 in stolen groceries and faces the Papakura District Court today.

    Acting Senior Sergeant Melody Brown, from Counties Manukau South Police, says a supermarket reported the shoplifting as it was occurring around lunchtime on Tuesday.

    “A woman was brazenly walking out of the store with a trolley full of around $300 in groceries.”

    In came the CCTV network installed around Papakura’s Town Centre.

    “A camera operator was able to track the woman’s movements to a vehicle and this information was relayed back to Police,” acting Senior Sergeant Brown says.

    A Police unit was soon arriving at a nearby Papakura address.

    “Our staff located a woman matching the description in the process of unloading the stolen goods from her vehicle.”

    The 33-year-old woman was arrested and has been charged with theft.

    Acting Senior Sergeant Brown says Police have a strong relationship locally with the Papakura Business Association.

    “Their camera network is invaluable in helping us respond to incidents as they occur, but also assist in other ongoing investigations,” she says.

    “We’d like to acknowledge their camera monitor for their diligent work yesterday.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai Disneyland to adopt real-name ticketing policy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai Disney Resort announced on Tuesday that it will make a significant adjustment before the end of the year by introducing a real-name ticketing policy, requiring visitors to provide the name on their valid government-issued IDs in order to purchase admission tickets.

    A photo captures Shanghai Disneyland in autumn. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

    Since its grand opening in 2016, a visitor to Shanghai Disney Resort could buy up to five tickets at one time using their own ID card, leading to clear loopholes for ticket scalping. 

    Once this new policy is implemented, each guest will be required to use their own government-issued ID to book an admission ticket, and a valid government-issued ID can only be used to purchase one ticket for the date of visit. When entering Shanghai Disneyland, each guest must bring and provide the valid government-issued ID that was used at the time of ticket purchasing. This policy also applies to guests purchasing the Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass with each guest required to use their own government-issued ID to purchase their own annual pass. A valid government-issued ID can only be used to purchase a single annual pass.

    The resort further noted that the new real-name ticketing policy will apply to all guests, including those eligible for special tickets such as children, seniors and guests with disabilities. To streamline the process of verification for children, a child’s age will be the only criteria needed once this new ticketing procedure is in effect. Children from the age of 3 to 11 years old are eligible to purchase child tickets on the day of their visit to the park. Children under the age of 3 years old will receive free park admission. 

    Additionally, for Chinese mainland children who have not yet obtained an ID card, an acceptable ID certificate can be used to purchase a ticket and enter the park. Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guest who is 16 years of age or older in order to enter the park.

    The official launch date and detailed ticket-purchasing guidelines will be announced closer to the policy’s effective date, according to Shanghai Disney Resort’s announcement for this new policy. Tickets or annual passes purchased before this date will not be affected. Shanghai Disney Resort stressed that this new policy aligns with its commitment to enhancing guest experience and supports the resort’s ongoing collaboration with relevant government authorities to combat illegal activities that harm its reputation, business and normal operations.

    In fact, real-name ticket purchasing requirements have been widely implemented and accepted across China for years, particularly in sectors with high visitor traffic such as popular tourist sites, cultural events and transportation, including railways and airlines. For instance, since 2015, the Palace Museum in Beijing has used real-name ticketing to combat ticket scalping. Similarly, 17 well-known tourist attractions in Shanghai as well as venues also require visitors to provide their real name in order to purchase tickets. This includes the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, the Shanghai Astronomy Museum and the Shanghai Natural History Museum.

    Shanghai Disney Resort in their announcement for this new policy urged guests to only buy its products and services through official and authorized channels, warning that purchases from other sources are likely either counterfeit or fraudulent and could result in financial loss to the buyer.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN BILL TO REIN IN PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS, PROTECT SMALL PHARMACIES VITAL TO RURAL AMERICA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Last week, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) joined a bipartisan group of legislators in front of the U.S. House to raise awareness about H.R. 9096, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-05) and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). This bill would prohibit large Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from manipulating drug prices, and restricting network access and patient choice in federal healthcare plans. It also protects pharmacies, patients, and taxpayers from other unfair PBM practices.

    “Pharmacy benefit managers are fleecing independent pharmacists and consumers to the tune of billions of dollars every year… I have visited innovative pharmacies across my district over the last several years and I have seen the spreadsheets and seen the abuses they have suffered,” said Congressman Bishop. “PBM reform is an issue that cannot wait. I promise you that I will do everything in my power along with my colleagues to help pharmacists, particularly independent pharmacists and their customers, fight back.”

    WATCH: Congressman Bishop’s Remarks

    America’s seniors, active-duty service members, national guard/reserve members, military retirees, medal of honor recipients, and federal employees/retirees will see their drug costs lowered, and their choice of pharmacy protected via this bill.

    Joining members of Congress were pharmacists from across the country, including Vic Johnson, owner of Living Well Pharmacy in Augusta and Nikki Bryant, owner of Adams Family Pharmacy in Preston.

    WATCH: Nikki Bryant’s Remarks

    WATCH: Vic Johnson’s Remarks

    Bil and Sharon Schmidtknecht of Wisconsin, also spoke at the event. They are the parents of Cole Schmidtknecht who passed away when a PBM increased the price of his necessary daily asthma medication to nearly the same price as his rent.

    The Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into PBMs in 2022. In July 2024, it published its interim report which found that the six largest PBMs in the U.S.—Caremark, Express Scripts, OptumRx, Humana, Prime Therapeutics, and MedImpact—had come to manage nearly 95% of all scripts filled in the United States. Using “vertical integration,” these six PBMs had come to own or be owned by or otherwise linked to some of the largest health plans or pharmacies in the nation.

    The report went on to show exactly how this monopolistic situation affects independent pharmacies and their customers. According to the report, the largest PBMs often “exercise significant power over” drug availability and cost and which pharmacies Americans choose to use―while steering people toward larger pharmacies. By prioritizing chain pharmacies, PBMs put forward contract terms that can harm independent pharmacies by cutting into their payment.  They can also harm customers by limiting access to lower-cost generic competitor drugs.

    H.R. 9096, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, addresses prescription drug coverage in federal programs such as Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid managed care, Tricare, and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. It proposes a transparent reimbursement model for federal programs that bans spread pricing and caps costs for patients.  In addition, it prohibits PBMs from “steering” patients to specific pharmacies by allowing beneficiaries to use any in-network pharmacy.

    The bill also prohibits PBMs from requiring a beneficiary to use a branded drug when there is a less expensive generic alternative available, among other provisions. The legislation makes it a felony with a $1,000,000 fine for each violation of the act. Finally, it empowers patients by allowing individuals to take civil action against PBMs that breach provisions in this bill.

    ###

    PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) discusses H.R. 9096, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act with reporters in front of the U.S. Capitol.

    PHOTOS CAPTION: Nikki Bryant, owner of Adams Family Pharmacy in Preston, and Vic Johnson, Vic Johnson, owner of Living Well Pharmacy in Augusta, speak to reporters about the effects that PBMs have had on pharmacists like them.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Igniting new skills in fire investigation

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Cara Disint from Mooroopna Fire Brigade

    Cara Disint’s commitment to her local community is undeniable. A firefighter for 23 years, first with Stanhope Fire Brigade and now with Mooroopna, she is also Mooroopna Fire Brigade’s 2nd Lieutenant and Training Coordinator.

    Not one to rest on her laurels, this year she has also embarked on the Fire Investigation training pathway.

    CFA has a legislative responsibility to investigate the cause and origin of all fires that occur within the country area of Victoria, therefore Fire Investigation is one of the critical components of CFA’s responsibilities.

    In the last financial year alone, CFA investigated close to 500 fires, so the need to have investigators available to attend a scene is vital.

    “[Fire investigation] is an extension of what we do on the big red truck. Now, knowing more about it, fire investigation leads into community safety messaging, product safety recalls; It’s not all just criminal charges and things like that. It improves our training and our fire suppression activities as well.” Cara explained.

    Cara is currently half-way through the process, having completed the structural component of the training, which includes studying simulated burns at the purpose-built facility at VEMTC Huntly.

    From there, Cara is now paired up with a mentor for more hands-on training.

    “Everyone’s buddied up with a mentor, and we’re to head out now and do five scenes with a mentor and start writing reports. The instructors and the mentors are phenomenal people. They’re all subject matter experts and fire investigators themselves. Coupled with our District Fire Investigation Coordinators, there’s really extensive back-up there,” Cara said.

    Speaking at the August Volunteer Forum from Beaconsfield, Fire Investigator Brian Neal outlined the time commitment required to become a qualified Fire Investigator.

    “To get the training courses done is probably about six to eight months, and then from there it probably takes another 12 months to get your five scenes done and become competent,” Brian said.

    Cara acknowledged the time and commitment from others to ensure that trainee Fire Investigators are given all they need to succeed in the role. She has this advice for those thinking about undertaking the training:

    “You need to be committed. Do your research and know what’s involved before you sign up for the process because it is a lot of time and effort from others to bring you along for the journey.”

    Once qualified, Fire Investigators have multiple opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.

    For Cara, Fire Investigation training is a way to broaden her knowledge and ensure she’s contributing to CFA for many years to come.

    “I hope to be on the truck for a few years yet, but it’s a great way to stay involved and upskill. Technology is changing so quickly, so I just want to make sure I keep learning.”

    For more information about the Fire Investigation training pathway, enquire here.

    Submitted by Alison Smirnoff

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Restoring safe, efficient access remains the focus for SH2 north of Napier

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A raft of recovery work is coming up along State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa over the coming month, as crews continue repairing the cyclone-damaged road.

    Nightworks starting at Devil’s Elbow

    Overnight work begins from Sunday (29 September) at Devil’s Elbow on a variety of work including shoulder widening, culvert installation, culvert inlet and outlet works, pavement works, asphalt surfacing and guardrail works.

    The nightwork is expected to last until late October, with crews aiming to finish the work in the lead up to Labour weekend.

    These overnight works will take place under the existing traffic management, so people travelling will experience similar travel times as during the day – the only change will be people driving through at night will now see more crew members at various sites throughout the Devil’s Elbow area.

    Crews are expecting to complete repair work at 5 sites throughout Devil’s Elbow this spring. Four more sites will begin later this year, with most likely completed by Easter next year.

    Learn more about the recovery work at Devil’s Elbow:

    State Highway 2 Devil’s Elbow recovery work(external link)

    Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge work

    A reminder that the Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge will be closing for two nights next week while new bridge deck panels are installed:

    The bridge, on SH2 at Pūtōrino between Wairoa and Napier, will be closed to all traffic on Monday 30 September and Tuesday 1 October – between 9pm and 5am each night. There is no viable detour, so please plan ahead.

    The work will be finished by 5am on Wednesday 2 October. The contingency date is the same time the following night 9pm to 5am, Wednesday 2 October.

    Waikoau Hill rock scaling nightworks

    From next Tuesday, crews will be onsite at Waikoau Hill, just south of Tūtira, working overnight on rock scaling the upper and lower sections of the hillside above the road.

    The work will be carried out 5 nights a week (not on Friday or Saturday nights) between 8pm and 5am, Sundays to Thursdays. Because of the Waikare Bailey bridge closure starting at 9pm, the crew will start rock scaling at 9pm Tuesday 1 October. From Wednesday 2 October, the team will begin 8pm for the duration of the works.

    • Tuesday 1 October, 9pm to 5am (1 night)
    • Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 October, 8pm – 5am (3 nights)
    • Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 October, 8pm – 5am (5 nights)
    • Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 October, 8pm – 5am (5 nights)

    The work is expected to be completed by 5am Friday 18 October.

    During this work, stop/stop traffic management will be place (where both directions are held) for up to 15 minutes.

    This work is a continuation of the rock scaling which began in May and had to be postponed because of the wet weather.

    Rock scaling is crucial to ensure all loose material is removed from the hillside.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – Inaugural NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award goes to Steph Matuku!

    Source: The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)

    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) congratulates Steph Matuku on winning the inaugural NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award 2024.

    Steph Matuku, who has written several books for young people, will use the award to help complete the writing of The Blue Dawn, a novel set in early 19th century New Zealand, when the whaling industry was at its peak. Māori mythology and tradition collide with capitalism and brutal progress, as a grieving fugitive hunts the giant octopus that will lead her to her ancestors’ homeland.

    The judging panel of Dr Paula Morris and Catherine Roberston said, “This is Steph Matuku’s first adult novel, and we thought the concept shows great promise. Steph is a hard-working writer and will make good use of this grant.”

    Tina Shaw said, “I’ve just read and enjoyed Steph’s YA novel Migration, and was really impressed. She is obviously a very talented and dedicated writer. I’m pleased to see that Steph is now moving towards an adult readership with a novel that sounds exciting and imaginative and draws on a strong mythical element from te ao Māori.”

    Of this year’s applicants, the judges said, “The number of applications shows how much need there is for an award like this. Authors often struggle at the mid-career point, and if they cannot find the right acknowledgment and support, may decide to give up. In creating the shortlist, we favoured applicants who were obviously committed to their writing career and really needed that boost to get over the midway hump. Our thanks to Tina for providing this opportunity for New Zealand writers, and congratulations to the first recipient.”

    The $5,000 award was established by award-winning novelist Tina Shaw to encourage the development of new novels by mid-career fiction writers.

    Tina Shaw is a novelist, short story writer and editor who has received many awards for her work, including the CNZ Berlin Writers Residency, the University of Waikato Writer-In-Residence and the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship. She won the 2018 Storylines Tessa Duder Award with Ursa which was published in 2019 by Walker Books Australia and received a Storylines Notable Book Award. As editor, her 7th edition of the Bateman NZ Writer’s Handbook was published in 2023. Her novel manuscript A House Built on Sand won the 2023 Michael Gifkins Prize and was published in 2024 by Text Publishing.

    Shaw works as a book reviewer, mentor, manuscript assessor, publisher, and is editor of the NZSA quarterly publication NZ Author.

    Find out more about the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=3369825759&e=466373ae7c

    The NZSA would like to thank the 2024 Judging Panel – Dr Paula Morris and Catherine Robertson and Tina Shaw for generously establishing this award.  

    Notes:
    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc is the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. Founded in 1934, it advocates for the right to fair reward and creative rights, administers prizes and awards, works across the literary sector to make Aotearoa New Zealand writers and books more visible, and runs professional development programmes for writers. authors.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Spring weather brings wind warnings for drivers in the lower North Island and upper South Island

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Drivers travelling on highways in the lower North and Upper South Islands must be ready for windy driving conditions later today and overnight.

    The Metservice has issued a Strong Wind Watch for Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough from 5 pm tonight to 4 am tomorrow (Friday, 27 September).

    Northwest winds may approach severe gales in exposed places and will affect all regional state highways.

    People should drive to the conditions and be prepared for the hazards strong winds can bring, such as wind gusts, wind-blown debris, downed power lines, and potential tree falls.

    Truck and van drivers, light and towing vehicles, and motorcyclists should exercise caution when travelling on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

     Road users are also encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Slams White House for Underfunding Veterans After Giving Millions to Taliban and China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After a report revealed the Biden-Harris administration underbudgeted promises to veterans by $15 billion, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, blasted the White House for handing over $293 million to the Taliban and having no clue how many millions it gave to Chinese labs for risky research.
    After the Biden-Harris administration lost track of tax dollars being sent to mad scientists in China, Ernst is introducing the Chinese Laboratory Accountability and Watchful Spending (CLAWS) Act, which would require the Office of Management and Budget to annually disclose all taxpayer-funded research conducted in China.
    “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are undervaluing our heroes and underwriting our adversaries,” said Ernst. “When you ask why there are millions for the Taliban and China but not enough for veterans, it appears the cat has this administration’s tongue. We can claw back taxpayer dollars by ending support for terrorist groups, exposing all funding for batty experiments in China, and giving our veterans the highest quality of care.”
    “Taxpayers have a right to know how much of their money is being recklessly shipped to Chinese animal labs that butcher beagles, poison puppies, and supercharge viruses in cruel and dangerous experiments. As the organization that first exposed Fauci’s funding for the Wuhan animal lab and ongoing U.S. government funding for dog tests and dozens of other animal labs in China, we applaud Senator Ernst and Representative Langworthy for introducing the common-sense CLAWS Act to crack down on Uncle Sam’s wasteful spending in China’s unaccountable animal labs,” said Justin Goodman, White Coat Waste Project Senior Vice President.
    Background:
    Over the past four years, Ernst has led the charge in conducting oversight investigations exposing the millions of taxpayer dollars being paid to laboratories and institutions in China and led the successful effort to defund and debar China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology.
    She is the sponsor of the Accountability in Foreign Animal Research (AFAR) Act banning taxpayer funding of animal research in Chinese, Russian, and Iranian labs.
    Last month, Senator Ernst blasted the White House for sending $293 million to the Taliban and amended her TRACKS Act to track and publicly disclose any tax dollars the Pentagon sends to the Taliban or any other foreign adversary.
    Last week, she championed the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable for a Veterans Benefits Administration budget shortfall of $15 billion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Before Trump, there was a long history of race-baiting, fear-mongering and building walls on the US-Mexico border

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marie-Eve Loiselle, Lecturer in Law, Macquarie University

    Last month, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered a one-hour address on the danger of illegal immigration to the United States. His stage was the US-Mexico border in Arizona and the set piece of his performance was the border wall.

    The message was simple: with their border policy, Democrats have “unleashed a deadly plague of migrant crime”. Trump has ratcheted up the tensions on immigration further since then, repeating wild conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants eating pets and, more recently, claiming migrants are “attacking villages and cities all throughout the Midwest”.

    What the US needs, Trump has repeatedly stressed, is a closed border, a walled border.

    A long history of wall-building advocacy

    The US-Mexico border wall, which is currently around 700 miles in length in various stretches, has loomed large in American politics in recent decades, especially since the 2016 US presidential campaign. Yet, current stories about the wall mostly overlook its history.

    Most importantly, the media ignore the long-standing appeal of the wall as a tool of spatial and cultural division in the making of the US-Mexico border.

    In my forthcoming book, I trace the origin of the border wall to the early 1900s, when the US Immigration Service and other federal agencies called for the construction of barriers at the border.

    Congress answered their appeal by adopting an act in 1935 that authorised the secretary of state to construct and maintain fences between the US and Mexico. For decades following its adoption, US officials stood before Congress almost yearly, asking for funding for the construction of border fences.

    This trend culminated in the 1940s with two parallel projects: the Western Land Boundary Fence Project (576 miles or 926 kilometres of fencing from El Paso, Texas, to the west) and the Rio Grande Border Fence Project (415 miles or 668 kilometres of fencing along the Mexico-Texas border).

    Neither one of these projects was ever fully realised. But if they had been built, they would have surpassed the length of the current border wall.

    Immigration, disease and crime

    What is telling when looking at the history is how similar the arguments supporting such fences in the early 1900s were to those deployed today. Immigration, disease and crime have been recurring justifications for the wall, both then and now.

    Indeed, there is an uncanny likeness to Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the US-Mexico border — including during his August speech in Arizona — and the narratives justifying a border wall in the mid-20th century.

    High on the list of justifications was the need to deter “juvenile delinquents”, “thieves”, “beggars”, undocumented workers, narcotic smugglers, “wetbacks” (a derogatory term for Mexicans), and Mexican nationals seeking medical care in the US at public expense.

    These arguments appeared regularly in government reports and during congressional hearings from the 1930s to the late 1950s.

    A 1934 report by the Immigration Services on the feasibility of a short border fence between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, for example, said it would stifle illegal immigration that took employment opportunities from American workers, while lowering wages in the borderland area.

    Reminiscent of recent analogies between the borderland and a “war zone”, the report noted that sending agents to patrol the border without proper equipment was pointless. It was akin to:

    put[ting] a body of troops in the field in an enemy’s theatre of operation without artillery, observation planes, trucks, ammunition and other weapons.

    The fence was “the correct solution to the problem.”

    At times, the fear of the undocumented merged with the fear of contagion. A foot and mouth disease outbreak in Mexico in 1946, for example, provided additional rhetorical support for the wall. As Texas Senator Tom Connally said when the Committee on Foreign Relations considered the issue:

    It has been a dream of the Department of State for many years to have this fence, not because of the hoof and mouth disease, but for immigration and customs and smuggling and all of that sort of thing.

    Senator Tom Connally in 1938.
    Harris & Ewing photographs, via Wikimedia Commons

    Persistent racial faultlines

    The 1935 act has long been forgotten. In fact, by the end of the 1950s, only a few hundred miles of fencing had actually been built.

    These earlier walling plans failed for a range of reasons, including opposition by Texan landowners and industries relying on illegal Mexican labour. Perhaps most importantly, there were serious reservations back then about the efficiency of fences in curbing immigration.

    Yet, these doubts have not weighed in to the same extent in contemporary debates about the border wall. This underscores the performative role of the wall in today’s politics.

    In fact, close to 700 hundred miles (1,126 kilometres) of fencing has been built under the Secure Fence Act of 2006. This includes large portions of the wall built under the presidency of Barack Obama and, to a lesser extent, Trump’s.

    What has filtered through, however, is the racialised narrative that paints Mexicans nationals in a disparaging way.

    This rhetoric relied on generalisations and stereotypes on themes such as criminality, licentiousness and disease. It transformed Mexico into a threat to be curtailed and became a frame of reference that has permeated politics for decades – and is now a defining issue in the upcoming presidential election.

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

    – ref. Before Trump, there was a long history of race-baiting, fear-mongering and building walls on the US-Mexico border – https://theconversation.com/before-trump-there-was-a-long-history-of-race-baiting-fear-mongering-and-building-walls-on-the-us-mexico-border-238425

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Announces Brokered Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of Up to C$5.0 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the “Agent”) to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with a best efforts, private placement (the “Marketed Offering“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 from the sale of the following:

    • 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and
    • gross proceeds of up to C$3,500,000 from the sale of any combination of (i) common shares of the Company that will quality as “flow-through shares” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a “Traditional FT Share”) at a price of C$0.175 per Traditional FT Share and (ii) flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (each, a “Charity FT Unit”, and collectively with the Units and Traditional FT Shares, the “Offered Securities”) at a price of C$0.22 per Charity FT Unit.

    Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one Traditional FT Share and one half of one Warrant. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.22 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the closing date of the Offering (as defined below).

    The Agent will have an option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$1,000,000 in any combination of Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units at their respective offering prices (the “Agents’ Option” and together with the Marketed Offering, the “Offering”).

    Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (“NI 45-106”), those Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units representing gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 (the “LIFE Securities”) will be offered for sale to purchasers in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan (the “Canadian Selling Jurisdictions”) pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the “Listed Issuer Financing Exemption”). The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable pursuant to the sale of the LIFE Securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “U.S. Securities Act“), as amended.

    Any Units and Charity FT Units sold in excess of gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 as well as the Traditional FT Shares (collectively, the “Non-LIFE Securities”) will be offered by way of the “accredited investor” and “minimum amount investment” exemptions under NI 45-106 in the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions, or in the case of the Units, also in offshore jurisdictions and the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable from the sale of Non-LIFE Securities will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Traditional FT Shares and the Charity FT Units will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Company’s mineral projects in British Columbia and will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Qualifying Expenditures”), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2025 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on or around October 15, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Company will pay to the Agent a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering (the “Agents’ Commission”). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agent warrants of the Company (each warrant, a “Broker Warrant”), exercisable for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to C$0.15 per Common Share.

    There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at http://www.westhavengold.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

    To the extent that any directors and/or officers the Company participate in the Offering, such participation will constitute a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). The Company expects any participation by directors and officers in the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 based on the fact that neither the fair market value of the Units, Traditional FT Shares or Charity FT Units subscribed for by directors and officers, nor the consideration for such securities to be paid by them, will exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

    The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors

    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Gareth Thomas”

    Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls 60,950 hectares (609.5 square kilometres) with four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at http://www.westhavengold.com

    Forward Looking Statements:

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations with respect to the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; completion of the Offering and the date of such completion. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: that the Offering may not close within the timeframe anticipated or at all or may not close on the terms and conditions currently anticipated by the Company for a number of reasons including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering; the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Company’s plans may be adversely affected by the Company’s reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Company’s exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Company’s operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Company’s future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Company’s securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company’s projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company’s operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Company’s other public filings available at http://www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this offering document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Funding Developing Asia’s Old-Age Needs: Challenges and Opportunities

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The paper also finds that labor income will play a smaller role in funding the region’s old-age needs, while public and private transfers will play a larger role. While expanding public transfers will contribute toward old-age economic security, the region must carefully plan such expansion and avoid unsustainable generosity to safeguard the macroeconomic stability that underpinned its rapid economic growth and development.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Health: how to sort out truth from falsehood?

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

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    Fake news

    Published on September 26, 2024 – Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

    Does fasting really help fight cancer? Is collagen really effective in fighting pain? The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) helps you decipher fake news, this false or deliberately biased information, contributing to misinformation, which circulates on the internet and social networks in terms of health.

    Image 1Credits: Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com

    Detox Channel

    When spread en masse, false information can affect the power of discernment and influence public opinion in a negative way.

    To combat disinformation, Inserm is setting up a series to promote scientific discourse: Detox Channel. You will find short videos and tips to help you decode the news and verify the information circulating in the field of science and health.

    This new campaign aims to encourage citizens to turn to scientific sources for information.

    What topics are covered on Canal Détox?

    Here are some examples of fake news covered in the Inserm series:

    Namely

    Do you want to report illegal content on the Internet? Go to Pharos, the Ministry of the Interior’s portal dedicated to reporting illegal content on the Internet. Do you have questions about your child’s use of digital tools? You can consult the platform I protect my child.

    See also

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stockland and Supalai’s acquisition of Lendlease MPC projects not opposed, subject to divestiture

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC will not oppose Stockland and Supalai’s proposed acquisition of 12 Lendlease (ASX: LLC) residential masterplanned community projects after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking.

    The undertaking requires Stockland to divest the Forest Reach masterplanned community project in the Illawarra region of New South Wales.

    Lendlease, Stockland, and Supalai are developers of masterplanned community (MPC) projects. Lendlease has 16 masterplanned community projects in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia, 12 of which Stockland and Supalai are proposing to acquire.

    “Without the divestment, the proposed acquisition would bring together the two largest masterplanned community projects in the already concentrated Illawarra market,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    “This could have resulted in increased prices, delayed supply, or reduced quality of housing lots in the Illawarra region, to the detriment of prospective homeowners.”

    The ACCC’s investigation found that there were few alternative masterplanned community projects to constrain Stockland in the Illawarra and that prospective entrants faced challenges, including delays in the availability of essential infrastructure such as sewer and water services.

    To address the ACCC’s concerns, Stockland offered an undertaking to the ACCC to divest its Forest Reach masterplanned community project near Dapto in the Illawarra.

    “The ACCC considers that the divestiture undertaking given by Stockland addresses the competition issues that would arise from Stockland owning both Forest Reach and having an interest in Lendlease’s nearby Calderwood Valley project as a result of the proposed acquisition,” Dr Williams said.

    The ACCC is also satisfied that the proposed acquisition is unlikely to cause serious competition concerns in other areas.

    Accordingly, with the undertaking, the ACCC considers the proposed acquisition is not likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in any market. This includes markets for the supply of residential masterplanned community housing in North West Perth, Ipswich, and Moreton Bay, where the ACCC considers there are sufficient alternative developments available to constrain Stockland and/or the joint venture.

    Further information, including the undertaking accepted by the ACCC, can be found on the ACCC’s public register: Stockland Supalai Residential Communities Partnership Pty Ltd – Lendlease Group.

    Notes to editors

    Masterplanned community projects are residential property developments on greenfield land which are typically delivered in phases over multiple years. They are characterised by access to amenities with a focus on ‘community living’, such as open spaces, recreational facilities, education and community hubs, as well as commercial or retail centres.

    “Greenfield” is a term that refers undeveloped land.

    Background

    Stockland Supalai Residential Communities Partnership Pty Ltd (SSRCP) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of a special purpose acquisition vehicle owned by Stockland Communities Partnership HoldCo Pty Ltd (Stockland) and Supalai Australia Holdings Pty Limited (Supalai)) proposes to acquire 12 masterplanned communities from Lendlease Group (Lendlease).

    The masterplanned communities are located in greenfield growth areas across Greater Sydney, South East Queensland, Greater Melbourne and Greater Perth.

    The ACCC Statement of Issues, published on 4 July 2024, raised preliminary concerns with the proposed acquisition in relation to the supply of residential masterplanned community housing in four regions – the Illawarra, North West Perth, Ipswich and Moreton Bay.

    In the Illawarra region, SSRCP proposes to acquire Lendlease’s Calderwood Valley project.

    Stockland is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stockland Corporation Limited (Stockland Group) (ASX: SGP), an ASX-listed diversified Australian property group that owns, funds, develops and manages portfolios of investment properties. Stockland Group has interests in 30 masterplanned communities developments across NSW, ACT, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

    Supalai is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Supalai Public Company Limited, which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Supalai Public Company Limited principally operates as a property developer. Supalai has investments in various masterplanned communities in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia through joint ventures with other developers, including Mirvac, Stockland, Satterley, Peet and ICD Property.

    Lendlease is an ASX-listed global real estate business.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Langworthy Honors the Life of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford on the House Floor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Langworthy (NY-23) honored the life of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford during a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Undersheriff Telford, a respected public servant, passed away following a battle with cancer after more than 30 years of service in law enforcement.

     

    Watch the full speech here.

     

    Transcript:

    “Mr. Speaker,

    I rise today to honor the life and service of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford, a dedicated public servant who spent over three decades protecting and serving the people of our county.

    Rich’s passing is a profound loss for Chautauqua County. Those who had the honor of knowing him, say they knew they could always count on Rich. In remembering him Sheriff Quattrone said, “Rich was a man of integrity, he could always be counted on to do the right thing.”

    Throughout his service, his sense of duty and commitment to the community he grew up in ran very deep.

    After graduating from Jamestown High School and studying criminal justice at Jamestown Community College, Rich began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a deputy, a sergeant overseeing the county’s 911 center, a lieutenant, and later a supervisor for court security. His hard work and leadership were undeniable, and in 2021, he was appointed undersheriff of Chautauqua County—a role in which he continued to lead by example.

    Rich’s dedication to the community wasn’t limited to his badge. He is remembered as a family man, a loving family man, devoted to his wife Amanda and their three children, Katelynn, Andrew, and Alex.

    Throughout his career, Rich embodied the qualities we look for in our public servants—integrity, courage, and respect. His actions over 33 years spoke louder than any words. Whether it was investigating fires with the department’s fire investigation team or attending the prestigious FBI National Academy, Rich never stopped pushing himself to be better for his community.

    Mr. Speaker, our hearts are heavy today, but we are filled with gratitude for the life and legacy of Rich Telford. His dedication and service to Chautauqua County will not be forgotten.

    Your family is in our prayers, Rich. You will be missed, but your contributions will live on through the many lives you’ve touched.

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Pettersen Introduces Bills to Expand Access to Quality Child Care, Bolster Education Workforce

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON  – Today, at a press conference, Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jennifer McClellan (VA-03), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) to reintroduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. Pettersen also introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act with Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19).

    These pieces of legislation would address critical aspects of the affordable child care crisis by increasing access to quality care. Additionally, these bills would strengthen the workforce by providing incentives to recruit and retain skilled educators, while ensuring high-quality, age-appropriate instruction for young children.

    “As a working mom of a four-year-old son with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find affordable child care and the struggles families in my district are facing, especially in more rural communities,” said Pettersen. “That’s why I’m proud to help reintroduce these two pieces of legislation to bolster our child care workforce, help lower costs for parents, and ensure every family can access the care they need for their children to thrive.” 

    “I’m also grateful for Congressman Molinaro’s partnership on the Creating Childhood Leaders Act. Early childhood education lays the groundwork for lifelong learning, and this bill ensures school leaders focus on children from birth to age eight, building a strong foundation and fostering long-term success,” said Pettersen. 

    Background:

    The Child Care Infrastructure Act would create a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide funding to states for building or renovating child care facilities and help ensure safe, high-quality learning environments for children. Additionally, the legislation calls for a nationwide assessment of the current condition of child care facilities. Bill text is available HERE. 

    The Child Care Workforce Development Act would create a student loan repayment program for early childhood educators and establish a grant program for individuals pursuing a childhood development credential. This would help attract and retain skilled educators, addressing workforce shortages in early education and ensuring that young children receive high-quality care and instruction during their most formative years. Bill text is available HERE. 

    The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would modify Title II of the Higher Education Act by mandating that school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants incorporate training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight. Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mitt Romney (R-UT). Bill text is available HERE.

    • This legislation is endorsed by The Education Trust, National Association of Elementary School Principals, First Five Years Fund, ZERO TO THREE, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and New America. 

    ###

    To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Abortion rights defenders facing violence and stigmatization share powerful stories as part of Amnesty’s new podcast

    Source: Amnesty International –

    People defending the right to abortion have revealed what it’s like to provide life-saving healthcare in the face of violence, repression and stigma, as part of Amnesty International’s second season of On the Side of Humanity podcast.

    The three-part series – slated for release on International Safe Abortion Day on 28 September and available via all good podcast apps – features stories from healthcare workers and activists who are defending the right of women, girls and anyone who can get pregnant to take control over their own bodies and to get the best available healthcare when they most need it. Each episode is approximately 30 minutes.

    “Everyone has the right to safe abortion. However, with anti-abortion narratives and legislation gaining ground around the world, people who need abortions, or who make them happen, face increasing, life-changing risks,” said Fernanda Doz Costa, Director of the Gender, Racial Justice, Migrants and Refugees Programme at Amnesty International.

    “People defending the right to abortion, including those providing essential health services such as nurses, midwives, doctors, as well as activists distributing abortion-inducing pills, are being stigmatized, intimidated, attacked and subjected to unjust prosecutions, making their work increasingly difficult and dangerous to carry out. It’s time to shine a light on their stories through Amnesty’s new podcast and show them the support they deserve.”

    Those featured in Amnesty’s new podcast are no different – having faced a tirade of abuse, simply for supporting those in need of an abortion. Some have even been imprisoned, such as Venezuelan teacher and human rights defender Vannesa Rosales, whohelped her 13-year-old student who had been raped to get access to a safe abortion.

    “They raided my house and confiscated a grooming kit for my pets with scissors in it,” said Vannesa. “It was used as evidence that I was operating a clandestine abortion clinic. Immediately after, they arrested both of us, the girl’s mother and myself. She was facing up to five years in prison and I up to 15 years.”

    Alongside Vannesa’s story, the podcast features abortion rights defenders including Verónica Cruz Sánchez, founder of Las Libres – a feminist Mexican organisation that coordinates a network of daring activists sending free abortion pills to women in the USA; midwife Sylvia Hamata from Namibia advocating for safe abortion access and battling against abortion stigma in her country; eminent Maltese gynaecologist and Professor of Medicine Isabel Stabile; gender rights activist and Amnesty’s campaign partner Stephanie Willman Bordat; world-renowned gynaecologist and former president of FIGO (The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) Professor Sabaratnam Arulkumaran; as well as Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

    Criminalization of abortion is the biggest contributing factor to the estimated 35 million unsafe abortions happening every year. It means healthcare staff are constantly caught in the conflict between the ethical and professional duty to provide the best available care and being criminally liable if they do not follow harmful laws.

    “Research over several decades has shown that being able to control one’s reproduction and to exercise reproductive autonomy affects all spheres of life. It is central to the achievement of gender equality and social, racial, gender and economic justice. As part of our global campaign on the right to abortion, Amnesty International calls on states around the world to fulfil their obligations to protect the right to safe and legal abortion for all, and to respect and protect the right of all those who defend the right to abortion,” said Fernanda Doz Costa.

    On the Side of Humanity, Season Two, is available to stream on Spotify, Apple and Deezer.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met Sets Out New Strategy to Protect Children from Crime

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met Sets Out New Strategy to Protect Children from Crime

    • New five-year strategy to transform Met Police approach to keeping children safe from crime;
    • All officers to undertake training in childhood vulnerability while continuing to take tough action where the public is at risk;
    • Met Police commit to 36 concrete actions to build trust, keep children safe and bring to justice those who abuse and exploit them.

    Today (Thursday 26th September) the Metropolitan Police has launched its new Children’s Strategy to keep children in London safe, build their trust and bring to justice those who abuse and exploit them.

    Around 2 million children live in London and the policing challenges they present are wide ranging: from a 13 year old being exploited and forced to transport drugs to an 8 year old growing up amid domestic abuse, or a violent 17 year old with a knife. In 2023, there were approximately 61,000 child victims of crime and 51,000 children who were suspected of committing a crime.

    This new five year strategy will ensure that police officers have the tools, systems and training they need to effectively manage the range of very different ways that children experience crime.

    As part of the strategy all officers will receive new training in childhood vulnerability and adultification bias. This training will ensure the force can effectively implement a “Child First” approach while continuing to take tough action where communities or individuals (including children) are put at risk.

    Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “This is a major milestone in our mission to keep children in London safe from crime. It will give officers the training and support they need to recognise vulnerability and safeguard individual children, while ensuring that they can still effectively protect the public from criminal behaviour.

    “Importantly, the strategy also recognises what the Metropolitan Police has not always got right in the past: that in policing the line between vulnerability and criminality, we may have sometimes focused too hard on the criminality we can see, not the vulnerability that lies behind it. This does not mean a free pass for childhood criminality, rather it will ensure we are taking a “Child First” approach to policing which takes into account the unique needs of children impacted by crime and brings to justice those who exploit or abuse them.”

    London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, said:

    “I welcome the Met’s new strategy to protect children from crime which will rightly place greater emphasis on recognising the vulnerabilities of young people as well as being able to respond appropriately to criminal behaviour.

    “Enhanced training for all officers will help ensure a “Child First” approach is embedded in policing in London – which the Mayor and I have long called for – and will fulfil a key recommendation from the Baroness Casey and HMICFRS reviews.

    “This new approach is an important step forward in the Met’s work to keep vulnerable young people in our city safe, rebuild their trust in the police and bear down on anyone who abuses or seeks to exploit them in our communities and online. The Mayor and I will continue to do everything we can to support the Met and key partners to build a safer, fairer London for everyone – where no child is left unprotected.”

    Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives and former Children’s Commissioner for England, said:

    “The Centre for Young Lives is pleased to have supported the development of this children’s strategy by providing the Met with the opportunity to hear the experiences and insights of children and young people.

    “Children want to be confident that the Met are there to protect and to serve them.

    “Ensuring the Met understands the experience of young people and the challenges they face and interacts with them in a respectful and safe way is a crucial part of building trust.”

    Ade Adetosoye CBE, Chair of the London Safeguarding Children Partnership Executive, said:

    “On behalf of the London Safeguarding Children Partnership Executive, I welcome the publication of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Children’s Strategy and their commitment to improving the experience of London’s children when they engage with the police. This strategy provides an opportunity for the police to reset its relationship with children and young people. As a board, we welcome and support the Metropolitan Police Service`s Children’s strategy and we look forward to continuing to work with the Metropolitan Police as they continue their improvement journey.”

    In addition to new training for all officers, the Met will undertake work to improve relations between officers and children in London, as well as work better in partnership with agencies whose primary responsibility is to keep children safe. The Children’s Strategy also commits to:

    • Increasing the size of our child exploitation teams with an additional 72 officers across London;
    • Integrating trained schools officers into Neighbourhood Ward teams; and
    • Establishing a new Public Protection Referrals desk to identify children who are experiencing domestic abuse and help facilitate a multi-agency response.

    The full Children’s Strategy including all 36 actions the Met Police are taking can be found in the full strategy (see below).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves New Drug to Treat Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Aqneursa (levacetylleucine) for the treatment of neurological symptoms associated with Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 15 kilograms. 

    “This is the second treatment the FDA has approved for NPC within the span of a week. Today’s action further underscores the agency’s commitment to support development of new treatments for rare diseases,” said Janet Maynard, M.D., M.H.S., director of the Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This approval again demonstrates the FDA’s commitment to work with the scientific community to overcome the unique challenges that may arise with rare disease drug development.”

    NPC is a rare genetic disease that results in progressive neurological symptoms and organ dysfunction. It is caused by changes in either the NPC1 or NPC2 gene, affecting the necessary transport of cholesterol and other lipids within a cell. As a result, these cells do not function as they should, ultimately causing organ damage. On average, individuals affected by this devastating disease only live for about 13 years.

    The safety and efficacy of Aqneursa for the treatment of NPC were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period, 24-week crossover study. The duration was 12 weeks for each treatment period. The study enrolled 60 patients. To be eligible for the study patients had to be 4 years of age or older with a confirmed diagnosis of NPC and at least mild disease-related neurological symptoms. Participants could receive miglustat, an enzyme inhibitor, as background treatment in the study. 

    The primary efficacy outcome was a modified version of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), referred to as the functional SARA (fSARA). The fSARA consists of the gait, sitting, stance and speech disturbance domains of the original SARA with modifications to the scoring responses. On average, participants treated with Aqneursa for 12 weeks showed a better outcome in the fSARA score compared to when they were treated with placebo.

    The prescribing information contains a warning that Aqneursa may cause embryo-fetal harm if used during pregnancy. Females should inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy before taking Aqneursa.

    The most common side effects are abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, upper respiratory tract infections and vomiting.

    Aqneursa should be taken orally up to three times per day, with or without food. The recommended dose varies depending on the individual’s body weight, as outlined in the prescribing information.

    The FDA granted Aqneursa Priority Review, Fast Track, Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations for this application.

    The FDA granted approval of Aqneursa to IntraBio Inc.

    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: September 24, 2024

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency: 

    • Today, the FDA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to highlight the completion of the 64,000 square foot expansion and renovation of the National Forensic Chemistry Center (NFCC)  located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The goal of this revitalization effort was to improve FDA’s mission readiness nationally and help attract and retain highly qualified employees. The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/ microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.
    • On Monday, the FDA issued a safety advisory cautioning pet owners that samples of two Answers Pet Food products made by Lystn LLC tested positive for Salmonella, a third product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono), and a fourth product tested positive for Salmonella and L. mono. The FDA collected and tested unopened retail samples of products after receiving three consumer complaints of illness in dogs that ate the products. The affected products are sold frozen in 4-pound (half-gallon) cartons and consist of certain batches of Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Detailed Formula for Dogs, Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Straight Formula for Dogs, and Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs. Information to help consumers identify affected batches of product can be found in the Product Information section of the advisory. These products should not be fed to pets.
    • On Friday, the FDA approved isatuximab-irfc (Sarclisa) with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).  The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, fatigue, peripheral sensory neuropathy, pneumonia, musculoskeletal pain, cataract, constipation, peripheral edema, rash, infusion-related reaction, insomnia, and COVID-19 infection. Full prescribing information for Sarclisa will be posted on Drugs@FDA.
    • On Friday, the FDA issued a safety advisory cautioning pet owners that FDA samples of five Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw cat and dog food made by Arrow Reliance, Inc. tested positive for Salmonella and a sixth FDA sample tested positive for Salmonella and L. mono. Affected products are sold in frozen 2-pound packages and consist of certain lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats and Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs. These product lots should not be fed to pets. For specific product information and to learn about potential signs of illness, see the FDA Advisory.

    Related Information

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Deluzio Introduce Bill to Protect Voters and Election Workers at Election Centers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Deluzio Introduce Bill to Protect Voters and Election Workers at Election Centers

    WATCH: Padilla champions the right to vote free from intimidation or violenceWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and California’s former Secretary of State, and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) joined election security advocates to introduce bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at the ballot box. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation.
    The bill would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) are cosponsoring the bill in the Senate, and Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) is cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.
    The right to vote is a central pillar of American democracy, but rising political violence against voters and poll workers threatens election security. False allegations of widespread voter fraud have further increased tensions at election centers. 38 percent of election workers have reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse as of May 2024.
    “In no corner of America should the fear of violence prevent voters from casting their ballot or keep elections workers from showing up to work,” said Senator Padilla. “Unfortunately, we have a long, dark history of voter suppression and intimidation in America, reignited by partisan rhetoric and false narratives about election fraud. That’s why our bicameral bill would keep visible firearms out of election centers to ensure election workers can do their jobs and all Americans feel safe exercising their right to vote.”
    “The right to vote is foundational to our democracy, and to protect that right we must keep polling places and official ballot drop sites free from intimidation,” said Representative Deluzio. “With the rising risk of political violence and ongoing attacks on our democracy, it’s clear that we need action to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2024 would help protect the rights of America’s voters and election workers so that they can vote and perform their official duties free from intentional intimidation and threats of violence. I’m proud to introduce this bill today alongside fellow election security advocates.”   
    “The presence of firearms at polling places isn’t just dangerous—it’s a direct threat to our democratic process. As armed extremists fueled by rumors and conspiracy theories increasingly show up at the polls to bully voters and election workers, our message is clear: intimidation has no place at the ballot box. This legislation would take important steps to ensure every American feels safe to make their voice heard on election day,” said Senator Murphy.
    “Americans should be able to cast their votes without the threat of intimidation and harassment. That is why I introduced the Vote Without Fear Act,” said Representative Ruiz. “I am excited to help lead the Freedom from Intimidations Act to continue to build on the progress we’ve made working towards a future where polling places are safer for workers and voters.” 
    Specifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would:
    Amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation.
    Provide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace.
    Recognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties. 
    Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law to create these critical protections in California.
    The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, GIFFORDS, Newtown Action Alliance, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Institute for Responsive Government, League of Conservation Voters, Center for American Progress, End Citizens United Action Fund, Common Cause, Defend the Vote Action Fund, Fair Elections Center, Democracy SENTRY, League of Women Voters, Public Citizen, Faith in Public Life Action, Sierra Club, and Voto Latino.
    “Congress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting,” said Sean Morales-Doyle, Director of the Voting Rights Program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.
    “Over the last four years, election officials have faced unprecedented threats and challenges. Immediately following the 2020 election, there was a deliberate effort to intimidate and terrorize election officials,” said Kathy Boockvar, former Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth and President of Athena Strategies LLC. “This has got to stop. This bill is a critical part of the solution. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act aims to protect voters and election workers by ensuring that voters can cast their ballots — and election workers can do their jobs – free of intimidation, during all stages of the election process from vote casting to canvassing to certification.”
    “All of our rights, including our rights to breathe clean air and drink clean water, depend on voters’ freedom to vote, which includes freedom from violence, intimidation, and fear while they make their voices heard,” said Doug Lindner, Senior Director of Judiciary & Democracy at the League of Conservation Voters. “LCV is proud to stand with Representative Chris Deluzio and Senator Alex Padilla in support of the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act to ensure every eligible voter can safely register, vote, and have their vote counted.” 
    “It’s paramount for the health of our democracy that election officials can peacefully administer free and fair elections and Americans are able to exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation,” said Center for American Progress Associate Director of Democracy Policy Greta Bedekovics. “Threats towards election officials have continued to persist while federal law enforcement have warned about the possibility of election-related violence. Congressional action like passing the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is desperately needed to protect American democracy and ensure that elections reflect the will of the people. Congress must fulfill its duty to protect the Constitution and that means protecting elections.” 
    “Intimidation has no place in our democracy,” Michelle Kanter Cohen, Policy Director and Senior Counsel at Fair Elections Center. “We need changes in our laws that make sure every American voter—no matter what state they live in—can vote safely and freely. We need the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act to help make sure that the election workers who keep our democracy going can serve without fear, and that voters can safely have their voices heard.”
    “The League of Women Voters of the United States is proud to support the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, which will enshrine in law that every voter should have the right to cast their ballot free from fear and intimidation,” said Jessica Jones Capparell, Interim Senior Director of Advocacy and Litigation at the League of Women Voters of the United States. “This legislation reflects a growing recognition that the integrity of our elections must be preserved in the face of increasing threats. The chilling reality of armed protesters gathering outside ballot-counting facilities and the armed surveillance of drop boxes during the 2020 election has highlighted the urgent need for stronger legislation and safeguards in this bill. The League of Women Voters stands firmly in support of this bill to ensure that every voter can participate without fear.”
    “Passage of the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act will help protect the dedicated Americans who keep our elections running,” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director, Institute for Responsive Government. “The current threat environment means that election officials are devoting scarce resources to bullet proof glass, metal detectors, and security guards. Effectively protecting election officials from intimidation, which this bill will help to do, will ensure that election officials can allocate money towards core tasks like cybersecurity upgrades and increasing accessibility for eligible voters. We already know elections are severely underfunded, but Congress has the power to make a significant difference for election officials across the nation by supporting the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. It’s high time Congress puts those who safeguard our democracy above radical weapons of coercion by supporting this bill.” 
    Senator Padilla is a champion for more robust voting rights, bipartisan election administration reforms, and increased funding to modernize and secure our elections. Last month, Padilla called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to investigate the recent targeted raids of several Latino voting rights organizers, officials, and candidates by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s election integrity unit. He also joined 21 of his colleagues in urging DOJ to take further action to counter threats targeting election workers ahead of the upcoming election. Additionally, Padilla recently introduced legislation to address the significant impact that election administration-related disinformation, made more pervasive with the use of Artificial Intelligence, has on communities of color. He is a staunch supporter of the Freedom to Vote Act, legislation he and Senate Democrats introduced to improve access to the ballot for Americans, advance commonsense federal election standards and campaign finance reforms, and protect our democracy.
    Photos and clips from the press conference are available here. 
    A one-pager on the bill is available here.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Announces New Legislation to Block American Taxpayer Money from Going to Biofuels Made with Foreign Feedstocks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced the introduction of his new bipartisan legislation to block taxpayer money from being used to subsidize biofuels produced using imported foreign feedstocks such as Chinese used cooking oil and Brazilian ethanol. The bill would also extend the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. Brown announced the bill on a news conference call, where he was joined by Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association.
    The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, was intended to make America more energy independent and spur the production of biofuels made with American-produced feedstocks – building new markets for American farmers. But farmers are dealing with a surge in imports of Chinese used cooking oil being used to produce biofuels in the U.S. – and that is displacing the use of American feedstocks. In July, Brown called on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the Biden Administration to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Credit to renewable biofuels fuels made from feedstocks sourced domestically. Brown’s bill would ensure eligibility for the tax credit is restricted to biofuels that are produced with domestic feedstocks.
    Brown’s legislation would also extend the credit for 10 years, giving the American ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed to produce sustainable aviation fuel. That will make the U.S. less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest.
    “American tax dollars should support American farmers – not imported feedstocks. To continue to grow the biofuels industry and open new markets for Ohio farmers, we must stop taxpayer money from subsidizing a surge in Chinese cooking oil or any other foreign feedstock from infiltrating the American market. Our bipartisan bill ensures these investments benefit Ohio farmers and Ohio energy producers,” said Brown.
    “Ohio’s family grain farms are strongest when their markets are close to home. Producing low carbon fuels has made them profitable for years, and the future of renewable fuels can keep those family businesses flourishing for generations to come. Senator Brown’s bill gives that market certainty and ensures that our national investment in renewable energy will benefit American energy producers first. That’s commonsense good policy,” said Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association.
    “Thank you to Sen. Brown and Rep. Kaptur for leading the way on this issue, prioritizing Ohio farmers and reducing the U.S. biofuels industry’s dependence on foreign feedstocks,” said Rusty Goebel, OSA president and Williams County soybean farmer. “While the use of foreign feedstocks can play a role in producing domestically manufactured biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, the American taxpayer-funded 45Z tax credit should only apply to biofuels produced from domestic feedstocks by domestic fuel producers.”
    This bill is co-led with Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and co-sponsored by Senators Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tina Smith (D-MN). Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Brown is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 50 years. He has long been a leader for Ohio’s rural communities.
    Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Closer China-ASEAN cooperation boosts regional high-quality development

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

    NANNING, China, Sept. 25 — Visitors arriving at this year’s China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will encounter an intriguing blend of fresh innovations and familiar attractions. A new section spotlights emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and lithium batteries, while longstanding crowd favorites, like durian, longan, and rice, continue to draw attention.

    This evolving landscape mirrors the deepening partnership between China and ASEAN. China’s commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and the rapid industry upgrading in ASEAN nations has fostered stronger economic ties between the two sides. Together, these efforts drive regional high-quality development while sharing China’s development opportunities with ASEAN.

    EMPOWERING ASEAN SMES

    Stepping into the Thai Pavilion at CAEXPO, visitors are greeted by the distinct aroma of durian mingling with the herbal scent of Zam-buk, a popular Thai remedy for insect bites. A booth showcasing the collaboration between TOPTHAI and China’s e-commerce leader, JD.com, drew significant interest.

    TOPTHAI store on leading e-commerce platforms is an initiative launched by the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion this year. It aims to help Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expose their products to more overseas markets, among which the Chinese market is a crucial destination, said Dr. Nisachol Thaithong, a Thai trader and researcher in China-Thailand cross-border e-commerce.

    For SMEs and small-scale farmers in ASEAN countries, participating in e-commerce with China has transformed their businesses.

    “It (CAEXPO) is moving forward dynamically in terms of the more areas of cooperation, in terms of engaging wider stakeholders,” said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of ASEAN, in an interview on the sideline of CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). “Now they are involved in the Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), for example. MSMEs are really the backbone of the economy on both sides. We have to get them involved, in addition to the big cooperations. I think this is the right direction that we are taking.”

    Frequent exchanges between China and Malaysia leadership have set a positive tone for SMEs, said Ravenna Chen, the CEO of TusStar Malaysia, an innovation and entrepreneurship platform.

    Huang Aimin, chairman of the first council of the Guangxi Cross-border E-Commerce Association, said cross-border e-commerce has the potential to be a critical platform for promoting in-depth economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN.

    Collaborating with China has sped up modernization in Laos. For instance, working with China to digitize businesses and develop e-commerce skills has been advantageous for both businesses and young individuals in Laos, according to Thanongsinh Kanlaya, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    UPGRADING AGRIBUSINESS

    At a durian orchard in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province, Kosai, the 32-year-old owner and a Chinese social media influencer, was promoting durians to Chinese netizens through the live streaming e-commerce platform Tmall.

    Kosai is proud that his orchard is a smart orchard jointly built by the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture in Thailand and the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

    The Internet of Things installed by the Chinese side in Kosai’s orchard, which includes meteorological, water level, and soil moisture monitoring, could provide data support for the scientific cultivation of durian and the improvement of fruit quality.

    Modern farming is a sector with a promising future for cooperation between Malaysia and China, said Low Kian Chuan, president of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.

    Despite the difference in size and population between Brunei and China, CAEXPO and CABIS have offered a platform for Brunei enterprises to conduct win-win cooperation with Chinese peers, said National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam President Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad.

    Platforms like CAEXPO and CABIS incentivize Brunei SMEs to grow “more resilient and more proactive” by exposing their products and services to the Chinese market, said Saman, adding that he sees particularly promising opportunities for Brunei’s halal food.

    GREEN TRANSITION

    Leading Chinese renewable energy firms are working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative, locally adapted products, thus actively contributing to ASEAN’s green transition.

    In July, BYD opened an electric vehicle plant in Thailand, the automaker’s first Southeast Asian factory, a fast-growing regional EV market. The same month Eve Energy announced a plan to build a new factory in Kulim, Kedah state, Malaysia to meet the fast-growing demand for energy storage and consumer batteries in the South East Asia region.

    In August, Gotion High-tech announced that a battery assembly plant project in Malaysia is under negotiation, in addition to its assembly plants in Indonesia and Thailand. The battery manufacturer’s Vietnam factory is expected to begin production in October this year.

    Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link under the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to drive economic development in the east coast areas and promote more balanced development among regions within the countries, said Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the minister of transport of Malaysia.

    As outlined in the National Automotive Policy 2020 and National Energy Transition Roadmap, Malaysia is developing its renewable energy battery sector and welcomes leading battery manufacturers to invest in it, said Loke.

    Malaysia encourages Chinese companies to form partnerships with local companies to further promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in Malaysia, not only in terms of car manufacturing but also in the entire ecosystem, from charging networks to battery manufacturing, said Zalina Zainol, deputy chief executive officer of investment development at Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

    Malaysia highly encourages such cooperation to further create high-skilled jobs in engineering, research and development, and advanced manufacturing, thereby boosting economic growth here, Zainol added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chang’e-6 lunar samples to be displayed at 15th Airshow China

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 25 — Lunar samples collected by China’s Chang’e-6 mission from the far side of the moon will be on display at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense announced Wednesday.

    The Chang’e-6 return capsule will also be showcased, allowing the public to witness the advancements of China’s space industry, said Li Yang, an official with the agency.

    The airshow is scheduled for Nov. 12-17 in Zhuhai, a city in south China’s Guangdong Province, and will feature various types of aircraft and carrier rockets.

    According to Hao Changfeng, spokesperson for China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the company will present nearly 200 high-tech products, including first-time exhibits such as the Chang’e-6 probe and the Long March-8A carrier rocket. “About 150 items will be debuting, with new exhibits making up 75 percent of the display,” said Hao.

    Wu Jiwei, spokesperson for the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, announced that the company will showcase more than 260 products, emphasizing advancements in new quality productive forces.

    Since its inception in 1996, Airshow China has become an important window for showcasing advanced aviation and aerospace technologies and equipment from home and abroad. It has also become an international platform for promoting business cooperation in aviation and aerospace technologies and equipment.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: World Maritime Day 2024

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Australia is proud to join with the International Maritime Organization today in celebrating World Maritime Day 2024.

    This year’s theme, ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First!’, highlights the vital role of new technology and innovation in enhancing safety, security and environmental protection in the global maritime sector.

    With 99% of our international trade transported by sea, Australia is one of the countries most reliant on shipping.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention. 

    The anniversary of this important set of safety standards highlights that our collective end goal is always safety.

    I am delighted to share that Australia has selected this significant day to announce its candidacy for re-election to Category B of the IMO Council for the 2026-27 biennium.

    Australia remains committed to working at the International Maritime Organization to develop and implement the highest safety standards, support a competitive and efficient global shipping industry and minimize the environmental impact of shipping on our precious marine ecosystems.

    In celebration of World Maritime Day, the IMO invites nations to illuminate prominent landmarks in blue. This evening, Australia House in London and lighthouses along our coastline will be lit in blue to mark the occasion.

    Learn more about Australia’s role on the Category b council.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: September 20, 2024

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency: 

    • Today, the FDA and NIH announced “Advancing Smoking Cessation: FDA and NIH Priorities” – a joint public meeting focused on advancing innovation of smoking cessation products to help both adults and youth. The meeting will be held October 21, 2024, and will feature presentations and panel discussions on several smoking cessation-focused topics, as well as an opportunity for public comment on several topics related to cessation.
    • On Thursday, the FDA approved Zenrelia (ilunocitinib tablets), a new animal drug used to control pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and to control atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) in dogs at least 1 year of age.

      Zenrelia is safe and effective when used according to the label. However, the product labeling carries a boxed warning stating that dogs should not be vaccinated at least 28 days before and after treatment with Zenrelia, due to the risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease and inadequate immune response to vaccines.

    • On Thursday, the FDA approved Rybrevant (amivantamab-vmjw) with carboplatin and pemetrexed for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Full prescribing information for Rybrevant will be posted on Drugs@FDA. 
    • On Wednesday, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine announced that it is supporting a collaborative agreement to the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. This SWOT analysis aims to research the challenges within, and unmet needs of, the animal health, animal food and veterinary industries, and explain the economic impact of these gaps.
    • On Wednesday, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine announced the establishment of four Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers (AVICs) and recipients of funding for work to advance regulatory science and further development of innovative products and approaches to better support animal health and veterinary interventions. These AVICs further the goals outlined in the FDA’s Animal and Veterinary Innovation Agenda (AVIA), which describes the agency’s plans to spur innovation to better protect human and animal health. The three areas of concentration for the AVICs focus on:
      • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and emerging zoonotic disease threats or One Health issues; 
      • Intentional genomic alternations (IGAs) in animals and the advancement of regulatory science in this field, with a focus on IGAs that support agricultural resilience, food security, animal health, or public health; and 
      • Unmet veterinary medical needs in both minor and major species that create a significant animal or public health burden.
    • On Wednesday, the FDA updated the outbreak advisory, Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies to include additional cases.
    • On Tuesday, the FDA approved Kisqali (ribociclib) with an aromatase inhibitor for the adjuvant treatment of adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative stage II and III early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. Additionally, the FDA also approved the Kisqali Femara Co-Pack (ribociclib and letrozole co-pack,) for the same indication. Full prescribing information for Kisqali and Kisqali Femara Co-Pack will be posted on Drugs@FDA. 
    • On Tuesday, the FDA approved Keytruda (pembrolizumab) with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy as first-line treatment of unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Full prescribing information for Keytruda will be posted on Drugs@FDA.

    Related Information

    Related Information

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Womack Votes to Avoid a Costly Government Shutdown and Bolster Secret Service Protective Operations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3)

    Womack Votes to Avoid a Costly Government Shutdown and Bolster Secret Service Protective Operations

    Washington, September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C.—September 25, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for the continuing resolution (CR), H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today:

    Congressman Womack said, “Continuing resolutions are the sad reality of our broken budget process, something I’ve worked tirelessly to reform throughout my time in Congress. However, they’re better than the alternative – a government shutdown. Our national security is at grave risk when the government ceases operations. Hardworking taxpayers would pay the steep price, and programs Americans desperately rely on would come to a screeching halt. Further perpetuating dysfunction in the legislative process is the last thing the American people need. When Congress returns to Washington in November, we must get our act together and fulfill our most fundamental duty of passing fiscally responsible full-year appropriations.”

    Bill Summary:

    • Continues government funding at current levels through December 20, 2024, or the enactment of an applicable full-year appropriations act, whichever occurs first.
    • Allows for necessary payments to the District of Columbia for planning and security for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, to the General Services Administration for support of the presidential transition, to the National Archives and Records Administration for record keeping of the presidential transition, and to the National Park Service for planning and security for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
    • Provides an additional $231 million for the Secret Service for protective operations for presidential and vice-presidential nominees in the 2024 campaign and activities related to National Special Security Events and provides the agency with flexibility to quickly obligate funds for protective operations. This additional money will be subject to existing funding caps, rejecting Democrats’ efforts to designate it as emergency spending.
    • Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through the duration of the CR.
    • Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits during the duration of the CR.
    • Extends programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans continue to receive the care and benefits they have earned.
    • Extends expiring health care programs, including priority review vouchers for rare pediatric diseases, autism support activities, and Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands. The package is fully offset with a one-year delay to a scheduled change in Medicare payments to clinical laboratories.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection | New York,  NY

    Source: The White House

    On behalf of President Biden, I want to thank each of you for being here today. 

    The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection embodies our shared values and our commitment to work together to elevate the welfare and security of our entire hemisphere. As I listened to each of your remarks, I reflected on how much we have accomplished since your leaders joined President Biden on the podium in Los Angeles a little more than two years ago. 

    We have taken key actions to disrupt the smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable migrants through coordinated enforcement efforts.

    We have expanded lawful pathways as an alternative to the risks inherent in irregular migration.

    And collectively, we have fostered the long-term stabilization and integration of migrants.

    I will provide some details to illustrate more vividly what we have done on each of these three pillars of the Los Angeles Declaration.

    Enforcement

    Together, we are using our immigration and law enforcement tools to deter irregular migration and disrupt transnational criminal organizations that put migrants’ lives at risk for profit.

    We are encouraged by how many countries have taken concrete actions to increase enforcement, including by putting in place strong visa requirements and increasing information sharing. We know this is a challenge that can only be met if we work together.

    And we have:

    • Adopted new rules and processes to strengthen the consequences in place at our border, including refined procedures announced by President Biden on June 4.
    • Increased biometric information sharing across the region to identify bad actors before they enter any of our borders;
    • Imposed visa restrictions and financial sanctions, and prosecuted human smugglers;

    So many of these efforts have been done in close coordination with all of you. 

    Lawful Pathways

    The Biden-Harris Administration has also expanded lawful pathways to encourage migrants to apply to come to the United States from their home countries rather than making the dangerous journey to our border.

    That is why we launched the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan parole process – with notable results.

    We are also on track to welcome the largest number of refugees in three decades. This would not have been possible without the Safe Mobility Initiative and our partnership with Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador.

    As part of today’s funding announcement, we are providing an additional $83 million to help resettle more refugees and refer migrants to additional pathways as well, including temporary labor opportunities in the United States and other countries.

    Stabilization and Integration

    And finally, I want to join Secretary Blinken in applauding the pioneering and generous policies that are enabling the stabilization and integration of migrants.

    This is a story that I think will be told for years to come: how Latin America rallied together in the face of the historic displacement of 8 million people from Venezuela and rose up to become a model for the world of how to respond to this kind of mass migration with pragmatism and humanity.

    We applaud so many of the countries represented here for opening your doors to displaced migrants and giving them hope for their future, enabling them to obtain formal employment, access basic social services, and put their kids in school.

    With today’s announcements, over half of the Los Angeles Declaration countries have implemented migrant regularization policies, collectively providing legal status to 4.4 million mostly Venezuelan migrants.

    The United States is proud to support these efforts. As part of today’s $686 million funding announcement by Secretary of State Blinken, the United States will assist partner countries as you implement regularization programs and successfully integrate newcomers. In addition, we will continue to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to help the most vulnerable Venezuelans, both inside Venezuela and throughout the region.

    Closing

    For President Biden, the Los Angeles Declaration was never just a piece of paper that each country signed; it was a call to action.

    And I am confident that with our continued commitment to the Declaration, including the establishment of an enduring Secretariat with Colombia as our first Country Chair, we will continue showing the world that regional collaboration can effectively and humanely address the migratory challenges that we face in our Hemisphere.    

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United Nations – English

    adam President, Excellencies,

    Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.

    As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. 

    But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.

    Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.

    The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. 

    The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory.  We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    Madam President,

    Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.

    Many lives have been lost.

    All this must stop.

    The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.

    Madam President,

    Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.

    The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.

    Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. 

    The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.

    Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.

    Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

    Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women.  Over 1,800 people were injured.

    Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October.

    Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.

    Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.

    Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.

    Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.

    The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.

    At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.

    Madam President,

    The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.

    According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. 

    Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.

    Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.  

    The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Les efforts diplomatiques se sont intensifiés afin de parvenir à un cessez-le-feu temporaire – permettant l’acheminement de l’aide humanitaire et ouvrant la voie au rétablissement d’une paix plus durable. 

    Nous soutenons pleinement ces efforts. 

    En début de semaine, la coordinatrice spéciale de l’ONU pour le Liban, Mme Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, s’est rendue en Israël pour des consultations, insistant sur le fait qu’une escalade militaire n’était pas dans l’intérêt de personne.  

    Le Chef de mission et Commandant de la Force intérimaire des Nations unies au Liban – la FINUL – le Général Aroldo Lazaro, est resté en contact étroit avec les parties, soutenant l’accès humanitaire partout où cela est possible et continuant d’appeler à une désescalade immédiate.

    Malgré les conditions dangereuses, nos soldats de la paix restent en poste.

    Afin de réduire les risques pour le personnel de la mission, la plupart du personnel civil a été temporairement transféré au nord du fleuve Litani.

    Quelques membres essentiels du personnel restent dans la zone d’opérations de la mission, en compagnie de nos Casques bleus.

    Je tiens à réaffirmer notre profonde reconnaissance envers nos agents de la paix – civils et militaires – qui servent le long de la Ligne bleue, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble de tous les pays contributeurs de troupes.

    Madam President,

    I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. 

    The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Civilians must be protected. 

    Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. 

    The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. 

    International law must be respected. 

    To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:

    Stop the killing and destruction.

    Tone down the rhetoric and threats.

    Step back from the brink.

    An all-out war must be avoided at all costs.  It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.  

    The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    And I thank you. 

    ***
    [all-English]

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.

    As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. 
    But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.

    Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.

    The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. 

    The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory.  We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    Madam President,

    Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.

    Many lives have been lost.

    All this must stop.

    The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.

    Madam President,

    Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.

    The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.

    Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. 

    The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.

    Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.

    Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

    Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women.  Over 1,800 people were injured.

    Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October. 

    Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.

    Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.

    Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.

    Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.

    The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.

    At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.

    Madam President,

    The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.

    According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. 

    Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.

    Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.  

    The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.

    Madam President,

    Diplomatic efforts have intensified to achieve a temporary ceasefire – allowing for delivery of humanitarian relief and paving the way for the resumption of more durable peace. 

    We fully support these efforts. 

    Earlier this week, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon –
    Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert – travelled to Israel for consultations, underscoring that military escalation is in no one’s interest.   

    The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL – General Aroldo Lazaro – has continued his close engagement with the parties, supporting humanitarian access wherever possible and continuing to urge immediate de-escalation.

    Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position.

    To mitigate the risk to mission personnel, most civilian personnel have temporarily relocated north of the Litani River.

    A few critical staff members remain in the mission’s area of operations, together with the Blue Helmets.

    I want to reiterate our sincere gratitude to our peacekeepers – civilian and military – who serve along the Blue Line, as well as to all the troop-contributing-countries.

    Madam President,

    I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. 

    The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Civilians must be protected. 

    Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. 

    The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. 

    International law must be respected. 

    To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:

    Stop the killing and destruction.

    Tone down the rhetoric and threats.

    Step back from the brink.

    An all-out war must be avoided at all costs.  It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.  

    The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world – cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    And I thank you. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Contract signed to build new Police boat for Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police has announced the signing of a contract to begin the construction of a new Police boat – Deodar IV – with the build phase expected to begin in January 2025.

    The arrival of Deodar IV has come a step closer with the finished boat anticipated to be ready for sea trials in December 2026.

    Deodar III – Deodar IV’s predecessor – has been patrolling the Hauraki Gulf and coastline since 2007 and at nearly 17 years old is requiring increasing maintenance and repairs to keep the boat seaworthy.

    Deodar III was deployed for the likes of Whakaari/White Island after the 2019 eruption, supporting inter-agency operations, acting as a platform for the Police National Dive Squad and as a primary evacuation vessel in body recovery.

    Office in Charge of Auckland Maritime Unit, Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen says Deodar III has served Police well but has nearly reached its end of life, so it’s time for a new vessel.

    “Like Deodar III, the new vessel will be designed for stability, reliability and flexibility in a vast range of tasks, from attending crime scenes and apprehending offenders to search and rescue, medical emergencies, supporting public events, promoting water safety and facilitating training.”

    Deodar IV will be a like-for-like replacement – the same overall size at 18.7m long and with the same sleek marine-grade aluminium catamaran design as Deodar III.

    “The new boat will feature improvements to make it more fit for purpose, including an extended wheelhouse which provides more space and better visibility.

    “This will be especially helpful when responding to search and rescue jobs.

    “The medical bay and prisoner transport area have also been modified to suit the needs of those spaces, and we are pleased there will be carbon emission reduction features.”

    Senior Sergeant Larsen says Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and coastline is a big beat to cover.

    “It’s vital that we get the design of the boat right and ensure that it’s fit for the diverse and demanding job it will be doing.”

    Funding for the new Deodar IV was approved in December 2022, and was confirmed in Budget 24, alongside provision to cover the continued maintenance of Lady Liz IV.

    The successful tenderer, announced last year, was Whanganui-based Q-West which built Deodar III, the Wellington Police launch Lady Liz IV, and Customs boat Hawk V. Teknicraft Design Ltd, of Beachlands, Auckland, is designing the boat.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: World Vision – New report reveals ‘distress migration’ on the rise as children and families in Southeast Asia leave their homes due to climate change

    Source: World Vision

    • ‘Distress migration’ is becoming more common as children and families flee their homes due to climate change
    • There are up to 2.5 million migrant children in Thailand living without domestic legal status
    • Migrating children, especially girls, are at risk of exploitation and abuse
    • Climate change has been identified as the root cause of issues facing migrants including hunger, missing school, and anxiety over mounting debts
    • Northern Viet Nam identified as a likely climate out-migration “hotspot” by 2050.

    A new report from World Vision reveals how the escalating climate crisis is disproportionately affecting children across Southeast Asia and causing children and families to flee their homes.
     
    The report, Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Migration: Impacts on Children and Youth in Southeast Asia, paints a harrowing picture of climate-induced migration and its impact on the region’s most at-risk children.
     
    Drawing on nearly 100 first-hand accounts from child migrants, children who stayed behind, parents, and caregivers, along with insights from local leaders and experts, the report documents the severe repercussions of climate change.
     
    Dr. Olivia Yates, World Vision’s Advocacy Policy & Research Advisor, International Partnerships, says the report highlights the urgent need to protect the rights and interests of young migrants in Southeast Asia.
     
    “The climate crisis is one of the greatest forces shaping our world – both present and future. None of us are immune to this fact, however, the reality is most acutely felt by those families already living precariously close to the edge, just one drought or flood away from the tipping point.
     
    “As climate change worsens, driving increasing migration, it’s vital that we safeguard the rights of children who are particularly at risk. Their health, education, livelihoods and economic prospects are all at stake. We must support these children and do what we can to help prevent their exposure to exploitation and abuse.”
     
    The findings of the report offer a stark portrayal of the way in which climate change is deepening poverty, deprivation, and debt that force families to leave their homes. Daily struggles include hunger due to low crop yields or crop failures, missed schooling as children face increased responsibilities, and mounting anxiety over financial instability caused by a lack of stable work.
     
    Many parents view migration as a long-term investment in their children’s future. Other economically insecure households are selling their land to pay off debts and even cover the costs of migration.
     
    Every year in Southeast Asia, countless families choose to migrate with their children, and many children also migrate on their own.
     
    According to the latest figures, there were about 1.27 million international child migrants in the region as of 2020 – about 40% in Thailand. However, given the high prevalence of irregular migration, the number of migrant children in Thailand living without domestic legal status has been estimated be between 1 – 2.5 million.
     
    Terry Ferrari, World Vision International’s Regional Leader for East Asia says the emotional impact of forced migration on children is huge.
     
    “Children told us they feel sad, isolated and miss their family and friends. Moreover, the disruption to their education, exposure to hazardous working conditions, and other factors could have long-term consequences for children’s personal development and future opportunities,” Ferrari says.
     
    Ferarri adds that many children are also left behind when their parents migrate because many migration settings that focus on employment do not allow migrants to bring their dependents.
     
    The interviews revealed profound emotional impacts on children left behind, particularly when the mother migrated. Caregivers were often overwhelmed, and some grandparents felt that they could not provide the support children needed. Many households struggled financially, and some children did not have enough to eat. In some cases, the absence of parents was associated with worse educational outcomes and school dropouts.
     
    Ferrari says if families want to take their children with them, they can be forced to migrate through irregular channels, which can be dangerous. Irregular migrants also remain vulnerable at their destination and must hide from the authorities.
     
    The report finds that for many migrant parents, whether they stayed in their country or crossed the border,  the financial benefits fell short of their expectations. Often, they could not send as much money as they wished – or send it consistently.
     
    With the UN estimating 10.6 million international migrants in Southeast Asia as of 2020, the urgency for targeted, effective action is clear. The report calls on national governments, donors, and international organisations to prioritise the needs and rights of children in the face of a rapidly changing climate. The report provides a series of detailed recommendations aimed at mitigating climate-related impacts, including enhancing community resilience through infrastructure and disaster preparedness, supporting sustainable livelihoods, protecting migrating families, caring for caregivers and children who stay behind, and empowering youth to build a brighter future.
     
    World Vision’s report also underscores the need for child-responsive and mobility-sensitive climate finance. With climate finance set to be the focus of talks at COP29 climate summit, this is a critical opportunity for the New Zealand Government to stand with children and advocate for effective climate finance that meets the scale of need in lower-income countries, ensuring children and their families need not turn to migration to meet their basic needs.
     
    Terry Ferrari, World Vision International’s Regional Leader for East Asia, says: “Urgent steps need to be taken to address the root causes of climate-related migration and protect the future of these young lives. We want all nations to commit to supporting safe, orderly and dignified migration that upholds the rights, well-being and opportunities of migrants, particularly vulnerable children.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –