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House approves bill updating ‘Child Pornography’ terminology to ‘Child Sexual Abuse Material’ – The Florida Bar

sdgtalks — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:00:05 -0500

Florida House Approves Bill to Update Terminology on Child Sexual Abuse Material

Legislative Action and Purpose

On Thursday, the Florida House unanimously approved House Bill 254 (HB 254), which replaces the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” across multiple Florida statutes. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Baker (R-Jacksonville), passed with a vote of 110-0 and now proceeds to the governor for final approval.

Rationale Behind Terminology Change

Rep. Baker, an attorney, emphasized the importance of accurate language in legal statutes during a Senate subcommittee hearing in November. She stated:

“The term ‘child pornography’ is offensive and misleading. It implies a lawful form of pornography when, in fact, any sexualized depiction of a minor is a crime and we must call it what it truly is. Using accurate terminology reinforces that this material is a serious crime against a child.”

This aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice’s November memo recommending the use of “child sexual abuse material” as the preferred term, despite the continued presence of “child pornography” in federal law. The memo highlights that the updated terminology better reflects the abuse depicted and the trauma experienced by victims.

Legislative Details and Amendments

Original Scope: HB 254 aimed to replace “child pornography” wherever it appeared in Florida statutes.
Senate Concerns: Senator Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach), also an attorney, raised concerns about potential unintended consequences, such as hindering prosecutions.
Amendment Sponsored: Senator Grall introduced an amendment to ensure:
- Existing legal definitions and offense elements remain unchanged.
- Prior judicial interpretations are retained under the updated terminology.
Support for Amendment: Rep. Baker expressed her support for the Senate amendment before the final House vote.

Implementation and Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The bill is set to take effect on July 1 and contributes to advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By recognizing and addressing child sexual abuse more accurately, the legislation supports the mental and physical health of children.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The bill strengthens legal frameworks to protect children from exploitation and abuse, promoting justice and the rule of law.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Protecting children from sexual abuse contributes to gender equality by safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation.

Conclusion

The Florida House’s approval of HB 254 marks a significant step toward improving legal language and reinforcing the seriousness of crimes involving child sexual abuse material. By aligning state statutes with federal recommendations and safeguarding prosecutorial effectiveness, the bill supports broader efforts to protect children and uphold justice, in line with global sustainable development objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The article discusses legislative changes aimed at improving legal terminology and clarity in laws related to child sexual abuse material, which aligns with SDG 16’s focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Although not explicitly mentioned, the article’s focus on protecting children from sexual abuse implicates gender equality issues, as children, especially girls, are disproportionately affected by sexual abuse.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The trauma and abuse referenced in the article relate to the mental and physical health and well-being of children, which is a concern under SDG 3.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
Under SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

Indicators related to SDG 16:
- 16.2.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age and form of exploitation (implied through focus on child sexual abuse material).
- 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms (implied through legislative changes to improve legal clarity and prosecution).
Indicators related to SDG 5:
- 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months (implied by the focus on sexual abuse).
Indicators related to SDG 3:
- 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied as an indicator of mental health outcomes related to trauma from abuse).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.	16.2.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population. 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence who reported their victimization.
SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.	5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to violence by an intimate partner.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.	3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

Source: floridabar.org

Federal complaint alleges ongoing sexual abuse in Oconto Falls School District – WPR

sdgtalks — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:00:05 -0500

Federal Complaint Alleges Longstanding Sexual Abuse in Oconto Falls School District

Overview of Allegations

A federal complaint filed in the U.S. Eastern District on Wednesday accuses the Oconto Falls School District of overlooking sexual abuse of students for two decades. The 60-page document details a pattern of grooming and sexual misconduct by multiple staff members involving over a dozen minor students at Oconto Falls High School between 2005 and 2025.

Victims and Legal Action

The complaint was initiated by three women, now adults and alumni of Oconto Falls High School, who reported being sexually abused by school staff during their teenage years.
Attorney Cass Casper from Disparti Law Group stated that at least 14 victims are willing to share their experiences.
The plaintiffs aim to address and eradicate the institutional culture that allowed sexual abuse and grooming to persist within the school district.

Institutional Culture and Accountability

The complaint highlights a pervasive culture within the school district where sexual abuse, grooming, and misconduct by teachers and staff were widespread, known to officials, and tolerated without meaningful consequences. Multiple teachers and administrators allegedly witnessed or were aware of inappropriate conduct but failed to act.

Named Individuals and Legal Proceedings

Three teachers are named in the Title IX lawsuit:
- Brynn Larsen pleaded no contest to third-degree sexual assault of a student in 2021 and received a two-year prison sentence.
- Gayle Gander was charged with sexual misconduct in January 2026 and was removed from his position promptly.
- The third teacher named has not been charged with a crime according to state records.
Five additional staff members are listed but remain unnamed.

District Response

Superintendent Stuart Russ acknowledged that plaintiffs threatened legal action and made monetary demands in August 2025. The district claims to have responded by recognizing the wrongdoing of former employees and asserting that prompt action was taken upon learning of the misconduct. Investigations into other allegations have been conducted, though the district refrains from commenting further due to the ongoing nature of the lawsuit.

Victim Statements and Calls for Justice

Victim Amanda Watzka publicly shared her experience and expressed a desire for accountability for her abuser, who has not yet faced consequences.
Watzka’s courage in speaking out exemplifies the importance of survivor voices in promoting justice and institutional change.

Connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4: Quality Education

The allegations underscore the critical need for safe and inclusive educational environments where students can learn free from abuse. Ensuring quality education involves protecting students’ rights and well-being, which is fundamental to the SDG 4 targets.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Addressing sexual abuse in schools directly relates to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by combating violence and discrimination in educational settings.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The complaint highlights the necessity of building effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Holding perpetrators accountable and reforming school policies align with SDG 16’s aim to promote justice and reduce violence.

Recent Legislative Measures Supporting SDGs

Governor Tony Evers signed two Republican-sponsored bills targeting child grooming:
- Establishing a criminal definition of child grooming with strict felony penalties.
- Mandating all Wisconsin schools to implement clear policies and training on appropriate staff-student communication.

Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual assault, help is available:

Call 1-800-656-HOPE
Text HOPE to 64673
Online resources: RAINN

Conclusion

The ongoing legal case against the Oconto Falls School District highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in educational institutions to protect children and uphold their rights. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, SDG 5, and SDG 16, this case underscores the importance of safe learning environments, gender equality, and strong institutions to foster sustainable development and social justice.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

SDG 4: Quality Education
- The article highlights issues within a school district, specifically concerning the safety and well-being of students, which directly relates to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
- The sexual abuse and grooming of students, many of whom are likely female, touches on gender-based violence and discrimination, which SDG 5 aims to eliminate.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The article discusses institutional failure to protect children from abuse, the need for justice for victims, and the establishment of laws and policies to prevent abuse, which aligns with SDG 16’s goals to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice, and build effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
- Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

For SDG 4 (Target 4.a)
- Indicator 4.a.1: Proportion of schools with access to safe, non-violent, inclusive environments (implied by the need for safe school environments free from abuse).
For SDG 5 (Target 5.2)
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by a partner in the previous 12 months (implied by reports of sexual abuse and misconduct).
- Indicator 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner (implied by abuse by school staff).
For SDG 16 (Targets 16.2, 16.6, 16.7)
- Indicator 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month (related to abuse prevalence).
- Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied by institutional response and accountability).
- Indicator 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (implied by community and victim engagement in addressing abuse).
- Additional implied indicators: Number of reported cases of sexual abuse in schools, number of prosecutions and convictions related to abuse, existence and enforcement of policies and training on staff-student interactions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 4: Quality Education	4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.	4.a.1: Proportion of schools with access to safe, non-violent, inclusive environments (implied).
SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.	5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence by a partner (implied). 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner (implied).
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.	16.2.1: Proportion of children experiencing physical punishment and/or psychological aggression (related). 16.6.2: Proportion satisfied with public services (implied). 16.7.2: Proportion who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (implied). Number of reported abuse cases, prosecutions, convictions, and existence of policies/training (implied).

Source: wpr.org

Man fatally shot during domestic violence incident at Aurora home – CBS News

sdgtalks — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:00:05 -0500

Report on Domestic Violence Incident in Aurora

Incident Overview

On Sunday morning, a fatal shooting occurred following a domestic violence incident at a residence located in the 2700 block of S. Lewiston Street, Aurora. The Aurora Police Department (APD) responded to a call from a woman inside the home at approximately 10 a.m.

Police Response and Investigation

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a domestic violence altercation had taken place between the woman and a man inside the home.
Lifesaving measures were administered to the man, but he subsequently died at the hospital.
All individuals involved have been interviewed as part of an ongoing investigation.
No arrests or charges have been made at this time.
Further details regarding the sequence of events remain undisclosed.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The incident highlights the urgent need for accessible healthcare and emergency response systems to address violence-related injuries effectively.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Addressing domestic violence is critical to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, as domestic violence disproportionately affects women.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and building effective institutions to prevent and respond to violence.

Conclusion

This tragic event underscores the necessity for continued efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those aimed at eliminating violence, promoting health and well-being, and strengthening justice systems. Collaborative community and institutional actions are essential to prevent such incidents and support victims of domestic violence.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses a domestic violence incident, which is directly related to gender-based violence and the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The incident involves violence, law enforcement response, and ongoing investigation, which relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

SDG 5 Targets
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
SDG 16 Targets
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

For SDG 5.2
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
- Indicator 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner.
For SDG 16.1
- Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
- Indicator 16.1.4: Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the area they live.
For SDG 16.3
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres	5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to intimate partner violence 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence by others
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates 16.3: Promote rule of law and ensure equal access to justice	16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population 16.1.4: Proportion of population feeling safe walking alone 16.3.1: Proportion of victims reporting violence to authorities

Source: cbsnews.com

San Jose police investigate violent altercation caught on camera as potential antisemitic hate crime – Fox News

sdgtalks — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:00:05 -0500

Report on Violent Altercation in San Jose Investigated as Potential Antisemitic Hate Crime

Incident Overview

On Sunday afternoon, a violent altercation occurred in Santana Row, a popular shopping district in San Jose, California. Multiple men were recorded on video ganging up on an individual and restraining him on the ground. The San Jose Police Department (SJPD) has launched an investigation into the incident as a possible antisemitic hate crime.

Details of the Altercation

A group of three male suspects approached two male victims.
The confrontation reportedly escalated from a verbal dispute, during which antisemitic language was allegedly used by the suspects.
Video footage shows one young man repeatedly striking a victim lying on the ground while another suspect restrained the victim by holding his foot.
Onlookers were heard urging the suspects to stop before they fled the scene prior to police arrival.
Both victims sustained minor injuries and were treated on site by medical personnel.

Investigation and Police Response

The SJPD Assaults Unit is actively investigating the case as a potential hate crime.
Police confirmed the suspects fled before officers arrived at the scene.
Authorities are examining the possibility that the attack was motivated by antisemitic bias, as victims were reportedly speaking Hebrew before the assault.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This incident highlights critical challenges related to several Sustainable Development Goals, including:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The investigation into hate crimes promotes peaceful and inclusive societies by addressing violence and discrimination.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing antisemitic hate crimes contributes to reducing inequalities and combating discrimination based on religion and ethnicity.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Ensuring safe public spaces free from violence and hate supports sustainable urban development and community well-being.

Conclusion

The San Jose police continue to investigate this disturbing incident with a focus on hate crime motivations. The case underscores the importance of fostering inclusive communities and upholding human rights in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. Vigilance and proactive measures are essential to prevent such acts of violence and discrimination in public spaces.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The article discusses a violent altercation investigated as a potential antisemitic hate crime, highlighting issues of violence, hate crimes, and the need for justice and strong institutions to address such incidents.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- The incident involves antisemitic language and hate crime, which relates to reducing inequalities and discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The victims sustained minor injuries and were evaluated by medical personnel, connecting to health and well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

For SDG 16
- Indicator 16.1.4: Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the area they live.
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Indicator 16.b.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited by international human rights law.
For SDG 10
- Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited by international human rights law.
For SDG 3
- Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (e.g., proportion of population with access to medical evaluation and treatment).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Reduce all forms of violence and related death rates 16.3: Promote rule of law and equal access to justice 16.b: Promote non-discriminatory laws and policies	16.1.4: Proportion feeling safe walking alone 16.3.1: Proportion of victims reporting violence to authorities 16.b.1: Proportion reporting discrimination or harassment
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities	10.3.1: Proportion reporting discrimination or harassment
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and access to quality health services	3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services

Source: foxnews.com

Gunfire amid Berkeley domestic violence call; man arrested – The Berkeley Scanner

sdgtalks — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:00:05 -0500

Report on Recent Shooting Incident in Berkeley and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Incident Overview

On the early morning of Saturday, March 7, 2026, Berkeley police responded to reports of a shooting linked to a domestic violence call. The incident marks the fourth non-injury shooting in Berkeley this year, highlighting ongoing challenges in community safety and justice.

Details of the Incident

At approximately 2:40 a.m., police received reports of a man breaking windows using a scooter in the 1200 block of Ashby Avenue.
A 911 caller reported that the suspect was armed with a gun.
Police stopped the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Cartier Hunter, near the 1100 block of Carrison Street following reports of gunfire.
Officers discovered shell casings and a discarded firearm at the scene.
Hunter was arrested on multiple charges including shooting at an inhabited dwelling, felon in possession of a firearm, misdemeanor obstruction, public intoxication, and felony vandalism.
A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence.

Background of the Suspect

Cartier Hunter has a complex criminal history dating back to 2008, including convictions for burglary, drug sales, and a DUI.
In 2016, Hunter was sentenced to life imprisonment for a 2011 murder conviction in Oakland, which was later overturned after a key witness recanted testimony.
The dismissal of charges led to Hunter’s release in 2022 and a compensation payment of nearly $450,000 from the state.
Hunter and a co-defendant are currently suing the City of Oakland alleging misconduct related to the original case.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promoting Peaceful Communities: The shooting incident underscores the urgent need for effective measures to reduce violence and ensure community safety.
Access to Justice: The case highlights challenges in the criminal justice system, including wrongful convictions and allegations of police misconduct, which undermine trust in institutions.
Institutional Accountability: Ongoing legal actions against law enforcement personnel emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in upholding justice.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Reducing Violence-Related Harm: Addressing domestic violence and gun-related incidents is critical to improving physical and mental health outcomes in the community.
Support for Victims: The incident calls for enhanced support systems for victims of domestic violence and gun violence to promote recovery and well-being.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Safe Urban Environments: Preventing shootings and vandalism contributes to creating safer, more resilient urban spaces.
Community Engagement: Strengthening community-police relations is essential for fostering trust and collaborative approaches to crime prevention.

Conclusion

The recent shooting in Berkeley and the complex background of the suspect illustrate multifaceted challenges related to violence, justice, and institutional integrity. Addressing these issues aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, SDG 3, and SDG 11. Efforts to promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies are vital for sustainable urban development and the well-being of all community members.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The article discusses issues related to crime, shootings, domestic violence, and the justice system, including wrongful convictions and allegations of police misconduct.
- It highlights the importance of law enforcement, judicial integrity, and protection of human rights.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The article touches on violence and its impact on community safety and individual well-being.
- Domestic violence and shootings affect physical and mental health of individuals and communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

SDG 16 Targets
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
SDG 3 Targets
- Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

Indicators for SDG 16
- 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
- 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
- 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
Indicators for SDG 3
- 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied by mental health and violence impact).
- 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (implied by references to substance abuse and DUI convictions).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.	16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population. 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence reporting to authorities. 16.6.2: Population satisfaction with public services.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: Reduce premature mortality and promote mental health. 3.5: Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse.	3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied). 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions for substance abuse (implied).

Source: berkeleyscanner.com

Biden freed a Florida man in his final days in office. A year later, the state pressed charges — for the same crime – CNN

sdgtalks — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:04 -0500

Report on the Rearrest of Oscar Freemond Fowler and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Background of the Case

Oscar Freemond Fowler, a convicted felon, was released from federal custody on February 19 following a commutation of his prison sentence by President Joe Biden during the final days of his presidency. However, Fowler was rearrested less than a week later on state charges for the same crime. In October 2023, he was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, as well as possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, after authorities discovered a 9mm pistol, ammunition, cocaine, and methamphetamine in his Florida residence.

Fowler had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to over 12 years in prison. Approximately two years later, he was among nearly 2,500 individuals whose sentences were commuted by President Biden.

Legal Context and Dual Sovereignty Doctrine

Fowler’s rearrest highlights a significant legal principle: federal pardons and commutations do not extend to state charges. Legal experts explain that the presidential pardon power under Article Two of the U.S. Constitution only covers federal offenses, leaving defendants vulnerable to state prosecution for the same acts.

The 2019 Supreme Court ruling in Gamble v. United States upheld the dual-sovereignty doctrine, which permits separate prosecutions by state and federal authorities without violating double jeopardy protections. This ruling legally supports Fowler’s rearrest on state charges despite his federal sentence commutation.

Details of Fowler’s Criminal History and Rearrest

Fowler has over 60 cases listed against him in Pinellas County, Florida, with offenses ranging from traffic violations to aggravated assault dating back to 1991.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier described Fowler as a “dangerous repeat offender” with a lengthy criminal record.
The use of an autopen device to sign Fowler’s commutation was criticized by some officials, who questioned the validity of the release.
Following his rearrest, the Oversight Project, a conservative watchdog group, praised the action as enhancing public safety.

Implications for Justice and Fairness

While the legal framework permits dual prosecutions, legal analysts emphasize the importance of evaluating whether new charges are necessary or fair. The prosecutor must consider if the prior federal prosecution and commutation sufficiently addressed the offenses or if state prosecution is justified to prevent unjust outcomes.

Scope of Presidential Pardons and Commutations

Definition: A pardon removes conviction and punishment for federal offenses, while a commutation reduces the sentence without affecting the conviction.
Limitations: Presidential pardons and commutations apply only to federal crimes and do not affect state-level charges or convictions.
Examples:
- Steve Bannon was pardoned federally but faced state charges for the same offenses.
- Tina Peters received a full pardon from former President Trump for federal offenses, but her state conviction and incarceration remain unaffected.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Rule of Law: The case underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks that balance federal and state jurisdictions to ensure justice is served fairly and transparently.
Access to Justice: Ensuring that legal processes respect constitutional boundaries while protecting public safety aligns with SDG 16’s aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
Accountability: The dual-sovereignty doctrine and subsequent prosecutions demonstrate mechanisms for holding individuals accountable under different legal systems.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Addressing drug-related offenses, such as Fowler’s possession and intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, contributes to combating substance abuse and promoting community health.
Effective law enforcement and judicial actions help reduce the prevalence of illicit drugs, supporting healthier societies.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Removing dangerous repeat offenders from communities enhances safety and security, fostering sustainable urban environments.
Community trust in legal institutions is strengthened when justice systems operate effectively across federal and state levels.

Conclusion

The case of Oscar Freemond Fowler illustrates the complex interplay between federal and state legal systems, emphasizing the constitutional limits of presidential pardons and commutations. It highlights the necessity for strong institutions and legal clarity to uphold justice, protect communities, and promote sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The article discusses issues related to the justice system, including federal and state prosecutions, pardons, commutations, and the dual-sovereignty doctrine upheld by the Supreme Court.
- It highlights challenges in legal frameworks and the administration of justice, particularly concerning repeat offenders and the limits of presidential pardons.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The article mentions drug possession and distribution charges, implying concerns related to substance abuse and public health risks.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The issue of public safety and the impact of releasing dangerous offenders on community safety is discussed.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
- Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

For SDG 16:
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
- Indicator 16.1.4: Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the area they live.
For SDG 3:
- Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders.
For SDG 11:
- Indicator 11.7.2: Proportion of persons victim of physical or sexual harassment, by sex, age, disability status and place of occurrence, in the previous 12 months.
- Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.3: Promote rule of law and ensure equal access to justice 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions 16.7: Ensure inclusive and representative decision-making	16.3.1: Reporting of victimization to authorities 16.6.2: Satisfaction with public services 16.1.4: Feeling safe walking alone
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.5: Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse	3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.7: Provide access to safe, inclusive public spaces 11.2: Provide access to safe and sustainable transport systems	11.7.2: Proportion of persons victim of harassment 11.2.1: Access to public transport

Source: cnn.com

Big Earth Data diagnoses a Decade of Global SDG Progress

Rayne Fowler — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 23:00:54 -0500

Beijing, 27 October 2025 — The Global-Scale Sustainable Development Scientific Monitoring Report (2025): A Decade of Progress through the Lens of Big Earth Data was officially launched at the 2025 World Science and Technology Development Forum in Beijing, the report offers a comprehensive scientific assessment of global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting both achievements and challenges as the world marks the 10th anniversary of the 2030 Agenda.

Developed by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) and supported by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, the report brings together the expertise of more than 40 institutions and international organizations across 21 countries. By integrating satellite observations, ground sensor networks, and social and statistical data, it pioneers a Big Earth Data–driven framework for global SDG monitoring.

Findings reveal uneven progress over the past decade: among 18 monitored SDG indicators, only wetland conservation (SDG 6.6.1) has maintained a global “no net loss” status, while 8 show significant regression, particularly those related to food security, biodiversity, and climate stability. The report underscores the growing urgency of coordinated global actions to address these interconnected challenges.

Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia commended the report as a valuable scientific contribution to evidence-based policymaking. “This work demonstrates how digital technologies and open data can enhance global SDG monitoring and strengthen international cooperation”

Professor GUO Huadong, Director General of CBAS, emphasized that with less than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, scientific collaboration and data sharing are key to driving progress. As the latest achievement of the International Science Programme on Digital Sustainable Development (DSP) under the UNESCO International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), The report’s open-access data products and methodology aim to support researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide.

Badge 1 Article 1: The Sustainable Development Report 2025

Liam Emmons — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:38:34 -0500

The Sustainable Development Report - 10th edition shows that now we are experiencing a notable stall in the global progress on the SDGs, only 17% of SDGs are on track in achieving them by 2030. Countries from Europe, specifically Nordic countries, remain at the top of the table in the SDG Index. Finland (1st place), Sweden (2nd), and Denmark (3rd) relate to the top of the table; however, they, too, have identified significant issues with unsustainable consumption patterns. The five targets that show significant reversal in overall progress from 2015 include: rate of obesity, press freedom, sustainable nitrogen use and management, red list index, and corruption perception index. However, many countries have made notable progress in expanding access to basic services - this includes mobile broadband use, access to electricity, internet use, and rates of under-5 and neonatal mortality rates are on a decline. Finally, the report highlights the need for reforms to the Global Financial Architecture in advance of 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

The Infrastructure of Racial Justice Is Under Attack. We Must Fight for It

Winter — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 01:34:13 -0500

President Donald Trump began February with a proclamation that Black History Month offered “an occasion to celebrate the contributions of so many Black American patriots who have indelibly shaped our nation’s history.” In the closing days of the month, he hosted a Black History Month reception at the White House where he promised he would fight for Black Americans. What he did not mention during his remarks was that the proclamation and reception came amidst a systemic crusade to dismantle the civil rights infrastructure that Black Americans helped build and that sustains our hopes for equal citizenship.

One of the first moves Trump made after his inauguration was to issue a wide-ranging executive order ending the federal government’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and firing the public servants who lead that work. He has moved to end affirmative action programs in federal procurement. He has threatened colleges and universities, intimidated non-profit organizations, and removed Black and women leaders from the nation’s military leadership.

Across the country, Black History Month proceeded against the backdrop of relentless attempts to erase Black history. Enemies of justice have sought to erase history so that past injustices cannot be connected to present inequities. Those who fear racial equality have always understood the importance of silencing stories that give people the hope and the means to build a better future. This whitewashing is a clear and present danger to an inclusive democracy. If Americans do not reflect on slavery’s enduring legacy, on Reconstruction and its violent backlash, on Jim Crow and its transformation into modern mass incarceration, then they cannot fully understand why racial injustice persists today and they will not be equipped to fight it. Now, with President Trump in office, the wind is at their back as he and his allies attempt to bludgeon Black history and Black futures at the highest levels.

But this is not just about how we study history. Much of American history can be understood as the struggle to build an infrastructure of racial justice. That includes the fight to end residential segregation and connect communities of color to opportunity, and the fight to pass and enforce laws like the Reconstruction amendments and the Civil Rights Movement-era laws that sought to move Black Americans closer to the American dream. What we are seeing today is a full-scale attack on that infrastructure; the deeply interconnected systems that make racial justice victories real. This infrastructure includes laws grounded in the 14th Amendment’s promise of equal protection under the law and the benefits of citizenship regardless of race; enforcement structures like the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission or the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice; pathways to upward mobility like the federal workforce; social norms that ensure fair treatment in businesses; the network of activists, educators, and journalists who inform and organize; and, yes, the teaching of Black history. The very laws and policies that sought to bring us closer together are being rapidly dismantled.

The fight for racial justice has never been won by laws alone. Legal rulings can declare rights, but they cannot enforce them. Legislation can assert equality, but it cannot guarantee justice. What makes racial justice victories real is the broader infrastructure that brings together the power and rights embodied in law, the enforcement mechanisms of both our laws and our social norms and customs, and the strength of communities to fight threats to their families and neighbors. This was the infrastructure that allowed Charles Hamilton Houston and other pioneers to lay the legal groundwork for Brown v. Board of Education. It was the infrastructure that allowed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to not just outlaw discriminatory voting practices, but also mobilize communities to claim their right to vote. It was the infrastructure that opened doors to education and economic opportunities that had long been denied to Black people. It is this infrastructure that continues to hold up communities around the country who are fighting against industrial projects that would pollute their air and transportation projects that threaten to flatten their homes.

Yet, this infrastructure—built over centuries—is fragile. Today, the news is full of stories about attacks on affirmative action,DEI and people of color who have managed to find some measure of success in traditionally white spaces. Legal decisions, particularly from Chief Justice John Roberts’ Supreme Court have undermined the effectiveness of laws such as the Voting Rights Act, which is responsible for broadly expanding the right to vote in the face of vicious restrictions on Black voting; and policies such as affirmative action in higher education, which has increased access to higher education for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who face systemic barriers to education and admissions criteria that capture and magnify racial bias.

In many ways, this has always been the way of history. Progress has always been met with retrenchment. We take two steps forward, and then one step back. Yet throughout the country, activists, political leaders, lawyers, and everyday Americans are organizing to resist the retrenchment, as they have throughout American history. The infrastructure of racial justice is fragile, yes. But it is not broken. If we protect it, it will remain standing.

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Winter — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 01:26:29 -0500

As the rallying cry “No Justice, No Peace” reverberates around the world in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, we are once again reminded that the two can only exist in tandem. Peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is a mode of behavior that reflects a deep-rooted commitment to principles of justice and equality. These principles, in turn, must be supported by strong institutions that continuously reinforce the rule of law. Through Sustainable Development Goal 16, the United Nations aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective and accountable institutions at all levels.

Global Violence

Millions of people remain deprived of their security, rights and opportunities. Exceeding previous records from the past 70 years, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported 70 million people fleeing war, persecution, and conflict in 2018. People displaced by conflict are consequently more vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including trafficking, violence, and non-inclusive decision-making.

With SDG 16, the UN aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence—this includes conflict-related deaths as well as intentional homicides, human-trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

In recent years the global homicide rate has remained relatively stable, with slight upticks observed in Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. While young men are at higher risk of murder, the majority of victims of intimate partner homicide are women.

Violence against women and girls is among the most widespread human rights violations in the world. While these violations are often underreported, the UN stated in 2019 that a third of all women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

2019 illustrated an overall increase in the detection of victims of human trafficking. Sexual exploitation remains the main driver of human trafficking and children now account for 30 per cent of those being trafficked.

A peaceful society is one in which people can live free from all forms of violence. At the same time, a peaceful society cannot exist where there is a systematic denial of rights and liberties. Access to justice, a basic principle of the rule of law, is critical in addressing fundamental drivers of inequality and reducing risks of violent conflict.

Access to Justice

The burden of injustice is not randomly distributed and access to justice often remains elusive for marginalized groups. The UN system works with national partners to develop national strategic plans and programs for service delivery and justice reform.

Among institutions most affected by corruption, the judiciary and police consistently rank the highest. Every year corruption, bribery, theft, and tax evasion cost developing countries around $1.26 trillion– an amount that could lift those who are living on less than $1.25 a day above the global poverty line for at least six years.

For institutions tobe effective, they must be accountable, transparent, and inclusive. Since 2013, 31 countries have adopted binding laws and policies that give individuals a right to access information (RTI) held by public authorities—raising the global tally to 125 countries.

Nevertheless, with every passing week at least eight people are murdered at the front lines of efforts to forge more inclusive societies. Of the total number of victims killed, journalists and bloggers constituted one quarter. Unless Member States fulfill their international obligation to protect those who advocate for the freedoms of others, these individuals will continue to be targeted around the world.

READY TO TAKE ACTION?

We’re taking the fight to Congress. Email takeaction@unanca.org for more info on how you can join us on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Text RIGHTS to 738-674.

For the first time ever, Taliban reps were invited to the big U.N. climate conference

Jeremy Utt — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:28:49 -0500

For the first time since the Taliban takeover in 2021, a delegation from Afghanistan has been invited to the United Nations signature climate conference: the 29th Conference of Parties (COP).

Following U.N. protocol, this year's host nation — Azerbaijan — issued the invite.

It's not a full-blown invitation. Because the U.N. does not recognize the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan due to its repressive policies, the Afghan delegates — members of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA — cannot participate in decision-making events.

Nonetheless, the Taliban has said it is eager to participate. "The Afghan delegation will discuss strengthening international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and climate change," stated a Taliban press release prior to the U.N. event.

Afghan climate scientists and activists, even those critical of the Taliban, welcome this development. "I consider it a very important move because it paves the path to the negotiation with climate change funds, which halted their [Afghan] projects in the past three years," says Assem Mayar, a water resources expert and former lecturer at Kabul Polytechnic University.

"Afghanistan is not officially in the agenda, but having NEPA delegates as observers makes a difference," says Abdulhadi Achakzai, a climate activist with a Kabul-based environmental nonprofit who participated in the summit as an observer.

"Their participation initiates a trust-building effort between international stakeholders," he says, which is imperative if the world "is committed to combating the climate crisis."

A hard-hit country

Afghanistan is among the countries worst impacted by climate change, according to the U.N.; droughts and extreme temperatures have displaced hundreds of thousands of people in recent years.

In 2019, Afghanistan was ranked sixth among countries most affected by climate impacts on the Global Climate Risk Index. And it is among the least prepared to cope with the crisis according to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index.

And funding from international groups has been largely halted — part of the sanctions levied to protest Taliban policies that restrict human rights and women's rights.

Since the Taliban takeover, Mayar said climate adaptation projects worth $826 million have been suspended, reducing the capacity of Afghans to respond to increasing climate disasters, including irrigation projects and renewable energy.

Meanwhile, climate shocks have continued to batter Afghans. The country is currently experiencing its third consecutive drought in three years, punctuated by periods of deadly flash floods. According to U.N. data, about 120,000 people were affected by flash flooding and mudslides across the country so far this year.

More specifically, extreme weather — including droughts, extreme temperature, floods, landslides, avalanches and storms— displaced at least 38,000 people in the first half of this year. Save The Children reports about half of those were children.

"Mass migration is, in fact, one major concern and consequence of climate shocks," says Najibullah Sadid, an Afghan climate researcher from the University of Stuttgart. "People will abandon their land and even the country in search of livelihood."

The poppy problem

Severe droughts can also disrupt agriculture, which is the primary occupation in Afghanistan, driving farmers to turn to drought-resistant poppy cultivation instead of food crops. Poppy crops fetch higher prices, and so despite the Taliban's ban, Afghanistan has been among the leading producers.

Sadid says he worries if more fields are dedicated to growing poppies instead of food crops, the food shortage will only worsen.

The majority of the country already lives in poverty. And as climate change is expected to bring increasingly frequent and severe disasters, many Afghans face serious risk.

Achakzai hopes to communicate the urgency of the crisis to stakeholders at the COP summit, which ends on Friday. Climate activists from Afghanistan organized a side event on Wednesday, where Afghan scientists and civilians spoke about the climate stresses facing Afghans.

Various international agencies attended, says Achakzai, who observed some positive changes in international stakeholders' attitudes towards Afghanistan.

"We hope the participants were [persuaded into] thinking that they can work with the Taliban to fight against the climate change crisis," he says.

Running out of water

Extreme drought has exacerbated the challenge of finding drinking water in many communities, Achakza says. "Underground water tables, which most Afghans rely on, are drying faster than they can be replenished."

In a survey in Kabul conducted by Achakzai's organization, Environmental Protection, Training and Development Organization, researchers found that many communities were digging deeper wells to access groundwater — the primary source of water in the Afghan capital.

Additionally, the study found that many people had migrated to Kabul, abandoning their land and agriculture due to lack of water. But in the city, they find that water isn't exactly plentiful.

An October 2022 feasibility report from the Afghan Ministry of Water and Energy confirmed that the current underground water levels only meet about 40% of the city's expanding needs.

As a result, families, especially children, spend considerable time and effort to procure water, "often having to walk for miles everyday, only to find water in contaminated sources or buy them from private tankers," Achakzai says.

The next year is predicted to be drier than average, Mayar says, "and will result in more droughts in the country." A USAID-funded global network called the Famine Early Warning Systems confirmed this prediction with below average precipitation expected in coming months.

What next for Afghanistan?

With these predictions of prolonged droughts, Achakzai says it's imperative that the international community work to engage the current Afghan government to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Mayar agrees it's critical for the world to find a way to work with or around the Taliban because the loss of international aid has been devastating. The U.S., for instance, reduced its financial support to humanitarian projects in the country from from $1.26 billion in 2022 to $377 million in 2023. What's more, many countries limit aid that can be sent to Afghanistan to only humanitarian needs and won't fund development projects.

Mayar says developing a decentralized system that doesn't require Taliban involvement or approval to deliver aid could help support much-needed projects in the country.

"I propose the accreditation of [Afghan] national NGOs [by international climate fund donors] to receive and implement projects within communities," he says. "In a scenario where the government isn't recognized, such a mechanism could be very helpful in ensuring climate finances reach those affected."

The alternative — isolating Afghanistan from climate action — is grim, says these Mayar. "If we fail to facilitate a mechanism to help these communities, not only will the Afghan civilians bear the heaviest cost of climate change, but the impact of it will be felt across its borders."

Sadid agrees. "If the world is sincere with Afghans, they will find a way to deliver climate funds to Afghanistan, as they found ways to deliver emergency aid in the last three years," he said, adding that "ignoring Afghanistan's climate crisis could prove expensive to the world."

Ruchi Kumar is a journalist who reports on conflict, politics, development and culture in India and Afghanistan. She tweets at @RuchiKumarRuchi Kumar is a journalist who reports on conflict, politics, development and culture in India and Afghanistan. She tweets at @RuchiKumar

How Europe can support its food and drink industry to remain competitive and sustainable

Jacob Altizer — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:03:17 -0500

From 6 to 9 June 2024, millions of EU citizens undertook the important task of electing the new 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who will shape the course of the EU over the next five years. It was noteworthy to see so many EU voters strongly engaged in these elections, leading to a considerable rise in overall voter turnout.

The European elections are a crucial moment for assessing and redefining the direction of the EU’s policies that affect every aspect of our businesses and lives, from environmental regulations to economic and social policies.

In our view, the outcome does send a strong signal that the EU should continue prioritising a sustainable, growth-oriented agenda to maintain the competitiveness of European businesses and advance environmental sustainability. However, at the same time we also see a strong call for policymakers to renew engagement with industry through deeper collaboration while focusing on the proper implementation of existing legislation.

What policy support does our sector need?

For many years, the European soft drinks sector has demonstrated leadership in promoting a more sustainable and healthier food and drink system in Europe and we remain committed to making a positive impact, as we outlined boldly in our 2024-2029 Manifesto.

We see the new EU legislative term as an opportunity to drive further progress through strengthened collaboration with policymakers to create a supportive regulatory framework. In our view, here’s what is essential to consider:

1. Ensuring Europe’s competitiveness is key to our sector’s sustainable growth

With more than 500 production facilities across Europe supporting over 1.8 million jobs, the European soft drink sector is a key player in the future of Europe. For every job in soft drinks production, another seven jobs are created in our value chain, in a range of sectors including agriculture, raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, marketing, transport, retail and catering.

We are a distinctive local sector that proudly supports thousands of European agricultural communities and businesses: we manufacture 97% of soft drinks within Europe and we source more than 85% of our ingredients from Europe as well.

Our contribution to the EU’s economy and society is nothing short of significant with our value chain estimated to be worth €242 billion annually. Therefore, staying a competitive sector is vital. To achieve this, policymakers should provide regulatory certainty and secure a strong single market at the heart of EU policy, with uniform implementation of EU food and environmental legislation. It is now time to prioritise the implementation of current legislation over new policies to provide businesses with legal predictability to incentivise investments.

In addition, ensuring new legislation is science-based and built upon thorough and high-quality impact assessments couldn’t be more important.

2. Supporting balanced diets through evidence-based policies and reliable EU-wide data

Our sector stands firmly committed to encouraging Europeans towards healthier lifestyles through our intensified efforts to reduce the average sugar content in our soft drinks, and not to market and advertise our beverages to children under 13. To support us in these actions, policymakers should promote balanced diets based on a multi-stakeholder approach and science-based policies that do not discriminate against ingredients approved as safe by health authorities, and which enable food innovation, such as low/no-calorie sweeteners. These ingredients provide a sweet taste with no or hardly any calories, making them an effective tool in helping consumers to manage their sugar intake.

It is also fundamental that policies are grounded in comparable, robust and EU-wide food and drink consumption data. Based on our own research, it is clear that existing food and drink consumption data is outdated and inappropriate to design effective policies. Establishing a robust and accurate dataset is critical to gain reliable insights into consumption patterns across Europe, thus ensuring informed decision-making.

3. Driving environmental sustainability

Our sector is taking concrete steps in environmental stewardship throughout our value chain with a particular focus on reducing our carbon footprint, protecting water resources, improving energy efficiency and achieving packaging circularity.

Greater strides in these areas are possible with the support of policymakers for a proper and harmonised implementation of key environmental laws. When it comes to packaging circularity, we also need support for well-designed collection systems and a stable supply of recycled materials, enabling beverage containers to be recycled into new beverage containers. Last but not least, it is necessary to prioritise water policies promoting the conservation and restoration of water resources and providing fair and equitable access to water for citizens and businesses.

As a sector known for our proactive and constructive approach, we stand ready to engage with all stakeholders, and are prepared to work hand in hand with policymakers to ensure a stable and enabling regulatory environment that helps us drive meaningful change.

Impact of the Current Election Race on International Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Camila Thomas — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:33:50 -0500

The outcomes of election races in major countries have significant implications for international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The current election cycle is no exception, with its potential to reshape policies, funding priorities, and international collaborations that drive sustainable development.

Policy Shifts and Environmental Commitments

Elections can lead to shifts in environmental policies, which are critical for SDG 13 (Climate Action). Candidates with strong environmental platforms may bolster commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and supporting international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement. Conversely, a win for candidates less committed to environmental protection could slow progress, affecting global climate targets and efforts to combat climate change.

Economic Policies and Inequality

Economic policies are at the heart of several SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality). Election outcomes influence fiscal policies, social welfare programs, and international trade agreements, which can either alleviate or exacerbate economic disparities. A government that prioritizes social equity and inclusive growth can enhance efforts to reduce poverty and inequality, both domestically and globally.

Healthcare and Pandemic Response

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Election results can affect national healthcare strategies and international cooperation on public health. Leaders committed to robust healthcare systems and global health initiatives can enhance pandemic preparedness and response, ensuring better health outcomes worldwide.

Education and Innovation

SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) are influenced by education policies and investments in innovation. Elections determine funding for education systems and research institutions, impacting the quality and accessibility of education. Governments that prioritize education and technological advancement contribute to global progress in these areas.

International Relations and Multilateralism

Elections also impact SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the importance of global partnerships. Leaders with a strong commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation can foster partnerships that enhance global efforts to achieve the SDGs. Conversely, isolationist policies and strained international relations can hinder collaborative efforts and progress.

Conclusion

The current election race holds significant implications for the international SDGs. Policy directions set by new or incumbent leaders will shape the global landscape, affecting environmental sustainability, economic equity, healthcare, education, innovation, and international cooperation. As the world watches the election outcomes, the international community hopes for leadership that will champion sustainable development and foster a collaborative approach to achieving the SDGs.

Doomsday Plane Purchase: Balancing Security, Innovation, and Global Cooperation for Sustainable Development

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:23:07 -0500

From an economic standpoint, this purchase reflects substantial investment in defense infrastructure, aligning with Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The development and production of these aircraft, under a $13 billion contract awarded to Sierra Nevada, will likely create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the aerospace industry.

Furthermore, the upgrade to newer 747-800 airframes signifies a commitment to modernization and innovation in military technology, fitting Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By investing in advanced aircraft technology, the US military aims to enhance its strategic capabilities while promoting advancements in aerospace engineering.

However, the implications of these developments extend beyond economic and technological domains, touching upon broader questions of security and global stability. The existence of Doomsday planes underscores the persistent threat of nuclear conflict and the need for robust defense mechanisms, implicating Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Ensuring effective command and control capabilities in times of crisis is essential for maintaining international peace and security.

Moreover, the potential use of these aircraft in nuclear scenarios highlights the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and mitigate the risk of conflict, aligning with Goal 17: Partnerships. International cooperation and diplomacy are crucial for addressing complex security challenges and fostering a safer, more stable world.

In summary, while the acquisition of Doomsday planes represents a significant step in enhancing military capabilities, it also underscores the interconnectedness of security, innovation, and global cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals. As nations navigate the complexities of modern warfare and security threats, it becomes increasingly imperative to prioritize collaborative efforts towards peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Former passenger jets bought by US firm tasked with creating

next generation of nuclear ‘Doomsday’ planes

Seoul, South KoreaCNN —

That economy-class seat you once occupied while flying in Asia might one day be the very place from where the United States nuclear weapons arsenal is controlled.

That’s because five Boeing 747 passenger jets once operated by the South Korean flag carrier Korean Air have been purchased by the Sierra Nevada Corporation, the contractor for the replacements for the US Air Force’s current fleet of strategic command and control military aircraft, more commonly known as “Doomsday” planes.

Also known as the E-4B “Nightwatch,” the Doomsday planes are designed to be command-and-control centers for the US military in the event of a national emergency that sees command facilities on the ground destroyed or incapacitated, such as nuclear war.

They could become what amounts to a Pentagon in the sky, taking aboard the US president, secretary of defense and members of the Joint Chiefs among more than 100 other people with the ability to control US forces worldwide from the aircraft, according to an Air Force fact sheet on the E-4Bs.

The Doomsday planes are built to withstand the effects of an electromagnetic pulse, the burst of energy released by a nuclear explosion that can “disrupt and permanently damage electrical components and entire systems within most critical infrastructure sectors and impact large-scale infrastructure,” according to the US Department of Homeland Security.

At least one Doomsday plane is on alert 24/7 at a US military base somewhere in the world, the Air Force says.

On Friday, a spokesperson for the Colorado-based Sierra Nevada confirmed the purchase of the Korean Air jets but would not give any further details.

A Korean Air Boeing 747-800 landing at Rome Fiumicino airport.

Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

However, on April 26 the Air Force awarded Sierra Nevada a $13 billion contract to develop and produce the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, the official name of the new Doomsday plane. Work on the project is to be completed by 2036, according to a Defense Department release.

On Friday, an Air Force spokeswoman confirmed the contract had been awarded in April.

“The development of this critical national security weapon system ensures the Department’s Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications capability is operationally relevant and secure for decades to come. To satisfy operational requirements, the weapon system will be comprised of a Commercial Derivative Aircraft that will be hardened and modified to meet military requirements,” Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told CNN.

Last year, Sierra Nevada opened a 100,000-square-foot aircraft repair, maintenance and overhaul facility at Dayton International Airport in Ohio, and construction on a second hangar of similar size has begun.

An artist’s rendering of the Dayton facility showed a 747-800 inside.

The 747-800s would be an upgrade on the older and smaller 747-200 airframes of the current Doomsday fleet, which entered Air Force service in the 1980s.

Earlier this week, Korean Air announced the $675 million sale of five of its aircraft to Sierra Nevada. The decision to sell the jets was part of a “mid- to long-term introduction plan for new aircraft,” the airline said in a statement, adding it expects the deal to be completed by September 30, 2025.

Korean Air had nine 747-800 passenger jets in its fleet as of October 2023, according to its website.

By Brad Lendon, CNN

CNN’s Yoonjung Seo and Haley Britzky contributed to this report.

Pro-Palestinian Student Protests: Navigating Campus Activism and the Path to Global Equity

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:54 -0500

The article delves into the intensifying pro-Palestinian student protests on college campuses across the United States and globally, particularly in response to Israel's actions during the war in Gaza. It highlights the multifaceted nature of the protests, the responses of universities, and the broader societal implications.

Relating this to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), several goals are relevant:

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: The protests reflect students' concerns about inequality and injustice, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians. By advocating for divestment from Israel and raising awareness about the Palestinian cause, students aim to address systemic inequalities and injustices.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The protests raise questions about justice, freedom of speech, and the role of institutions in managing conflicts and upholding human rights. They also highlight the need for peaceful resolutions to conflicts, including the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Goal 4: Quality Education: The article mentions resources provided to help students better understand the protests and the underlying issues. This aligns with Goal 4, which emphasizes the importance of quality education in promoting understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
Goal 5: Gender Equality: While not explicitly mentioned in the article, student activism often intersects with gender equality issues. Therefore, efforts to address inequalities and promote justice in the context of the protests can contribute to advancing gender equality.
Goal 17: Partnerships: The article mentions various perspectives, resources, and strategies used to understand and address the protests. This highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders, including educators, students, activists, and institutions, to address complex challenges and promote sustainable solutions.

Overall, the article underscores the interconnectedness of social, political, and humanitarian issues, and the role of education, activism, and collaboration in addressing them in alignment with the UN SDGs.

Teaching and Learning About the Pro-Palestinian Student

Protests on College Campuses

A collection of resources and critical-thinking questions to help students better understand the protest movement and consider the complex issues it raises.

By The Learning Network

May 9, 2024

Since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, students at scores of colleges and universities across the United States and in other countries have protested in support of Palestinians and called for their schools to divest from Israel.

As the war in Gaza has escalated, universities have been caught in an often bitter debate over how to handle the protests. And over the past few weeks, students at many universities have intensified their protests and built encampments on campus. Several universities have begun calling in the police to arrest the protesters and to clear these encampments.

In this teaching resource, we draw on recent articles, photos, audio, video and maps to help students understand what is happening and why. Use the list below to choose the topics and materials that are right for your students. (For instance, some teachers may wish to begin with the personal questions we pose in our final section, about high schools, rather than to end with them.)

You might also borrow from the advice and strategies suggested by Facing History and Ourselves in centering humanity while following news of the Israel-Gaza war, or via the many teacher guides on the conflict offered by Solutions Not Sides.

Part I: What’s happening on college campuses

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Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University this month.Credit...C.S. Muncy for The New York Times

Over the past few weeks, tensions have escalated over pro-Palestinian student encampments at college campuses nationwide, with a growing number of colleges and universities turning to the police to remove protesters and threatening them with disciplinary action.

Here are some Times resources to help students understand these events:

Overview: An explainer article “What to Know About the Campus Protests Over the Israel-Hamas War” addresses some basic questions: who, why, where and how.

Photos and videos: The collection “Scenes From the Student Protests Churning Across the Country” is regularly updated.

Audio: “The Crackdown on Student Protesters,” the April 25 episode of “The Daily,” features both a Times reporter and the editor in chief of Columbia’s college newspaper. A May 4 episode, “The Protesters and the President,” includes President Biden’s response.

Map: See where protesters have been arrested or detained on U.S. college campuses since April 18.

Voices of student journalists: If your students are already familiar with what is happening and why, perhaps the best way to get fuller context is to hear from student reporters on the ground. Below, some places to start:

PBS NewsHour, in the above video: “Student journalists discuss covering the campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.”
Columbia Daily Spectator: “Our Campus. Our Crisis.” Inside the encampments and crackdowns that shook American politics. A report by the student journalists of the Columbia Daily Spectator in collaboration with New York magazine.
NPR: “How these University of Texas-Austin students view Gaza war protests on their campus.”
Teen Vogue: “Student journalists covering the campus protests at U.C.L.A., the University of Texas-Austin, City College of New York are writing history” and “College students reflect on graduation amid massive campus protests.”
Politico: “What’s really happening on college campuses, according to student journalists.”
In addition, students might consult the campus newspapers of any of the colleges or universities that interest them, whether of the City College of New York, U.C.L.A., University of Texas-Austin or any other.

Responding and Discussing

Students might begin by “noticing” and “wondering” about what they read and saw, using questions like the ones below. They can do this privately in their journals, as partners, via small group discussions, as a whole class — or in some combination:

What do you notice? What quotes or images stand out for you, and why?
What do you wonder? What questions do you have about what is happening and why it is happening?
What connections can you make? How does this issue relate to you and your community?

However you handle class discussion of these sensitive topics, Facing History has additional ideas for protocols. You might consider trying strategies like Save the Last Word for Me; Head, Heart, Conscience; or Big Paper.

Part II: More background and context

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Students who are not themselves Palestinian say they have joined the demonstrations for a wide variety of reasons.Credit...Bing Guan for The New York Times

To give your students a bit more context for what is happening on college campuses, and to help them appreciate some of the underlying issues and questions, we provide brief explanations of various topics as well as links to related Times articles. (Please remember that all links from The Learning Network to Times content are free, but only if you access them by clicking directly from our site.)

Background

Hamas’s attack on Israel: On Oct. 7, Hamas, the Islamic group that controls the Gaza Strip, mounted a highly coordinated invasion of Israel, with terrorists attacking towns and killing people in their homes and on the streets. More than 1,200 Israelis died, including more than 100 young revelers who were dancing at an outdoor rave. Over 240 Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas, around 100 of whom remain in Gaza. The attack was the deadliest on Israel since its founding.

Israel’s war in Gaza and the ensuing humanitarian crisis: In response, Israel launched in Gaza one of the most intense military campaigns in modern history. So far, Israel’s forces have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, a majority of them women and children, according to Gaza health officials, and have displaced more than 80 percent of the enclave’s surviving population, according to the United Nations. The leader of the World Food Program recently said that parts of the Gaza Strip were experiencing a “full-blown famine” that is spreading across the territory.

A long, contested history: The current war is part of a long history of conflict in the region. Students can learn more in this detailed Times explainer from The Times. It uses as a starting point 1920, when the British mandate for Palestine was established: “Over the following decades, two nationalisms, Palestinian and Jewish, took root on the same land and began to compete in a way that has ever since proved irreconcilable. The Arab population wanted what every native majority wants — self-determination. Jews who immigrated in growing numbers wanted what persecuted minorities almost never attain — a haven, in their ancient homeland.”

Understanding the Protests

Calls for a cease-fire: Most immediately, protesters are demanding an end to Israel’s war in Gaza. They say that Israel is committing what they see as genocide against the Palestinian people, and they aim to keep a spotlight on the suffering in Gaza. (Facing History provides an explainer for what genocide means.)

Demands for university divestment: Students are also calling on their colleges and universities to make transparent all financial holdings and to divest from, or cut financial ties with, Israel or companies they say are profiting from its invasion of Gaza. But, as the Times has reported, divesting can be challenging for universities to do, even if they want to.

Links to a broader global struggle: In many activists’ eyes, the Gaza conflict is a struggle for justice, tied to issues closer to home, such as policing, mistreatment of Indigenous people, discrimination toward Black Americans and the impact of global warming.

Key Issues and Questions

Charges of antisemitism: Many Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe on campus — either because of overt threats or attacks, or because of speech that the students consider offensive and antisemitic. Part of the problem for universities is defining when pro-Palestinian political speech during a time of war crosses the line into antisemitism. And the question is made even more complicated because there is no consensus about what, precisely, constitutes antisemitism. Students can read this article about how universities are struggling to define what makes a protest antisemitic, and this article about how even the definition of antisemitism is the subject of bitter debate.

Concerns about freedom of speech: Protesters on college campuses have often cited the First Amendment as grounds for allowing their protests to continue unhampered. But while college administrators have called the right to free speech “vital,” they have also pointed out that it is not unlimited. And universities have said that they needed to call in the police, arrest students and clear encampments to restore order. Students can read this article to learn more about the thorny issues related to freedom of expression on college campuses. And they can read this Opinion piece about freedom of speech and prohibitions of harassment, including against students because of their identity.

Campus disruption and the police response: Protests have been taking place at college campuses since the war began in October. However, the nature and tenor of the protests and of universities’ responses changed on April 18, when Columbia University called in the police, who arrested more than 100 protesters and removed dozens of tents that protesters had set up. Within hours, a new group of protesters pitched tents at Columbia, and within days, protesters at other schools across the country established their own pro-Palestinian encampments. The demonstrations have also attracted counterprotesters, and clashes between the two groups have occasionally become violent, as seen at U.C.L.A. In the weeks since, universities have cracked down on these escalating protests and encampments, citing issues of safety and campus disruption, and more than 2,700 people have been arrested or detained on campuses so far. Students can read this article about how administrators at some of the country’s most influential universities have struggled to calm campuses torn by this conflict.

After reading, students might discuss the following questions:

In your own words, what did you learn?
What questions do you still have?
What might you need to research further to better understand?
How does what you read change your understanding of or thinking about these issues?

Alleged Hate Crime in Lockport Township Exposes Persistent Inequalities and Justice Gaps

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:46 -0500

The incident reported in Lockport Township, Illinois, where a woman was allegedly shot by her neighbor, highlights several critical aspects related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The victim, Melissa Robertson, and her family have endured years of harassment from the accused, John P. Shadbar, allegedly culminating in this violent act. According to reports, Shadbar subjected the family to racial slurs and intimidation, targeting them because of their race. The victim's son recounted instances where Shadbar used racial epithets and brandished firearms, creating a hostile environment for the family.

This tragic incident underscores the persistence of racial inequalities and the urgent need to address systemic discrimination. Goal 10 aims to reduce inequalities by advocating for universal policies that consider the needs of marginalized populations. However, the failure to effectively address the reported harassment despite previous complaints reflects a gap in achieving this goal.

Furthermore, the shooting incident raises concerns regarding access to justice and the functioning of institutions. Despite the family's repeated attempts to seek intervention from authorities, the harassment allegedly persisted without resolution. Goal 16 emphasizes the importance of building effective, accountable institutions and ensuring access to justice for all. The fact that the victim's family felt unheard and unprotected suggests a failure in meeting these objectives.

In conclusion, the alleged hate crime in Lockport Township underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing racial inequalities and ensuring justice and security for all individuals, as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Efforts to combat discrimination and strengthen institutional frameworks are imperative to creating a more equitable and peaceful society.

Illinois man who allegedly shot neighbor, a white woman with

Black sons, charged with hate crime

John Shadbar was also charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

By Minyvonne Burke

An Illinois man was arrested and charged with a hate crime after he allegedly shot his neighbor several times in what authorities say is a racially motivated incident.

Around 5:37 p.m. Tuesday deputies were called to an area in Lockport Township for reports of shots fired. The responding deputies were told that the victim, a 45-year-old woman, had been shot by her neighbor, the Will County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release on Facebook.

Witnesses identified the shooter as John P. Shadbar and said he had "shot the victim outside and was walking around his property with a rifle," according to authorities. They said he allegedly fired dozens of rounds at the woman "from different outside locations."

The shooting was captured on video from security cameras in the area. The sheriff's office said they believe it was racially motivated.

John P. Shadbar is facing nine felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, felony possession of a firearm and a hate crime after he allegedly shot his neighbor.WMAQ

Deputies provided life-saving measures to the woman and she was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities said she had been shot in the chest and hand and underwent surgery. She is currently recovering, the sheriff's office said.

The victim was identified by family members as Melissa Robertson. The family told NBC Chicago that they have been harassed by Shadbar since they moved in 10 years ago. Robertson is white and her sons are Black.

Mikeal Johnson, one of Robertson's sons, told the news station that during one incident Shadbar allegedly yelled slurs like "dead n-words, n-word this, n-word lover."

"[He] called me the n-word straight to my face," Johnson said. "My mom made him apologize. A few days later he comes out holding a gun in his underwear."

Other times, Shadbar would allegedly fire his gun in his yard and toss fireworks between the homes, the family said.

During Tuesday's incident, he was yelling "dead n-word" and was trying to get into the family’s backyard, Robertson’s aunt, Jeanne Beyer, told NBC Chicago. Robertson’s 8-year-old son witnessed the shooting, the family said.

Authorities said Shadbar, 70, barricaded himself inside his residence after the shooting. After speaking with him on the phone, a crisis negotiator convinced him to exit with his hands up, according to the news release.

Deputies said Shadbar made "several incriminating statements" while speaking to the crisis negotiator.

He was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and a hate crime. The sheriff's office said additional charges are likely.

The family said that they contacted authorities several times over the years about the alleged harassment, but nothing was ever done about it. NBC News reached out to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

"This did not need to happen at all. Not just our lives, but his life and his wife’s and our neighbors are all affected by it," Johnson told NBC Chicago.

Shadbar appeared in court on Thursday and was denied pretrial release.

Greek Court Sentences Former Turkish Consulate Official on Spying Charges: Implications for Regional Stability

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:21 -0500

The recent sentencing of a former official at the Turkish Consulate by a Greek appeals court on spying charges underscores the delicate diplomatic relations between Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies. The court's decision, which sentenced the Greek national employed with the Turkish consulate on the island of Rhodes to five years in prison, aligns with the principles of Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

The case, which dates back to 2020, highlights the tensions between the two nations, rooted in longstanding issues such as the divided island of Cyprus and disputes over exploration rights in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The accused, along with another Greek national who worked as a cook on a passenger ship, were under surveillance for months before their arrest. They were charged with photographing the movements of Greek armed forces in the Aegean Sea, reflecting concerns over national security and territorial integrity.

Despite these tensions, both Greece and Turkey have made recent efforts to improve relations. In December, they agreed to reboot their relations, aiming to establish a roadmap for closer ties. However, incidents like this underscore the challenges in achieving sustainable peace and cooperation between the two nations, highlighting the importance of Goal 17: Partnerships in revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.

Greek Court Sentences Former Official at Turkish Consulate

to Prison on Spying Charges

ATHENS (Reuters) - A Greek appeals court has sentenced a man who worked for a Turkish consulate to five years in prison on spying charges, legal sources said on Friday, in a case that had strained relations between the NATO allies.

The man, a Greek national employed with the Turkish consulate on the island of Rhodes, was arrested in 2020.

He had denied any wrongdoing and Turkey's foreign ministry had condemned the arrest, saying it violated the then consular official's rights.

A second Greek national, who worked as a cook on a passenger ship operating the Rhodes-Kastelorizo line, and who was arrested at the same time, has also been sentenced to three years in prison. He had also denied any wrongdoing.

Kastelorizo is a small Greek island just off the Turkish coast.

The two had been under surveillance for months before their arrest and they were accused of photographing the movements of Greek armed forces in the Aegean Sea.

Greece and Turkey have long-running issues that divide them, ranging from the divided island of Cyprus to exploration rights in the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea.

In December, both countries agreed to reboot their relations, establishing a roadmap designed to usher in a new era of closer ties between them.

Biden's Weapons Pause in Israel Conflict: Impact and UN SDG Perspective

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:16 -0500

The article discusses President Joe Biden's decision to pause shipments of bombs to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While this move has garnered praise from some critical Democrats, it's unlikely to quell the protests against Israel's actions, according to organizers and strategists.

The protests, largely led by a coalition of young voters and people of color, demand a suspension of military aid to Israel, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and divestment from companies supporting Israel's actions. Despite Biden's temporary ceasefire call and support for a two-state solution, billions more in weapons shipments remain in the pipeline.

From the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this situation primarily relates to Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The ongoing conflict in Gaza underscores the need for access to justice for all and the establishment of effective, accountable institutions to address such conflicts. Additionally, it highlights the importance of Goal 17: Partnerships, as revitalizing global partnerships is crucial for sustainable development and resolving conflicts like the one between Israel and Gaza.

Biden's Israel Weapons Pause Won't Dent Gaza Protests,

Organizers Say

By Nandita Bose, Trevor Hunnicutt and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters)

Biden's decision last week marks the first time he has withheld U.S. military aid from Israel since the country began attacking Gaza seven months ago, pursuing Hamas militants. Republicans and some Democrats have accused Biden of putting the security of the U.S.'s closest ally in the region at risk.

It is also too little, too late, to satisfy the left-leaning coalition of young voters and people of color who have led the protests against Israel's attacks, many say.

Pro-Palestinian protests have swept college campuses across the country, followed Biden at private events and pushed Democrats in key battleground states to vote "uncommitted" to signal their unhappiness as deaths in Israeli-occupied Gaza climbed to 35,000.

"We welcome Biden's words and this gesture toward taking responsibility for U.S. complicity in these crimes," said Stephanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, a group whose members are involved with protests around the country, including on college campuses.

"If his words are to mean anything, rather than a one off pause, this needs to be the start of a sea change in U.S. policy," Fox said.

Protesters are seeking suspension of military aid

"I think Biden's comments yesterday moves the needle... but what we don't know is if it's a PR move to try to placate some of his opponents on this issue or if it's real because he has also said his support for Israel is ironclad," said Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, another group whose members have been participating in protests all over the country.

"We will continue protesting," Benjamin said.

to Israel, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for universities to divest from companies that support Israel's actions in Gaza. Israel is retaliating for Hamas militants attacks on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200.

Biden has called for a temporary ceasefire and said he supports an eventual two-state solution. While he has been increasingly critical of the Israeli government, billions more in weapons shipments remain in the pipeline.

On Friday, Israeli troops took their ground war with Palestinian fighters into city of Rafah, as the United Nations warned that aid for the devastated Gaza Strip could grind to a halt in days.

ISRAEL IS A TOP ISSUE FOR SMALL GROUP

Stanley Greenberg, a veteran pollster who has worked for top U.S. Democrats and Israelis, held a focus group on Wednesday with voters under 45 years old, and Gaza was one of the top issues raised after rising prices.

"It was top of mind for them," he said about Gaza. Asked whether "the U.S. has gone too far in support of Israel, a plurality say yes."

Some pollsters and the Biden reelection campaign believe the issue only resonates for a small group of people. "It's very important to some people, but they're in the minority in the electorate," said Patrick Murray, director of the Polling Institute at Monmouth University.

The campaign’s message is that Biden is experienced in diplomatic matters and going to make tough and necessary decisions regardless of the polls, according to a person familiar with their thinking.

Americans' support for military aid to Israel has dropped in recent months, as has young voter support for Biden, polls show. He has struggled with tepid approval for most of his term in a sharply divided country.

Biden's margin of victory in some key battleground states was slim, and it would not take much of a slip in support from many such voters who backed him in 2020 to throw his reelection bid into question, analysts say.

Waleed Shahid, a Democratic adviser to the national "uncommitted" movement asking voters to pick another candidate in state primaries, called Biden's comment a "small step forward" and said it shows the U.S. has leverage in its dealings with Israel.

Shahid, however, said "until actions are taken to stop the arms sales for [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's war, a lot of Biden's base, a lot of the Democratic Party is going to continue to be fractured on this issue."

Other groups urged Biden to act more decisively in confronting Israel instead of looking for a middle ground if he wants to put the Democratic coalition back together.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose, Trevor Hunnicutt, Jeff Mason. Editing by Heather Timmons and Josie Kao)

Conflict Escalation in Ukraine Highlights Urgent Need for Peace and International Cooperation

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:08 -0500

This war escalation development directly relates to several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on peace, justice, and strong institutions (Goal 16), as well as partnerships (Goal 17).

Goal 16, which emphasizes the importance of access to justice for all and the need for effective, accountable institutions at all levels, is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing conflict. The situation underscores the necessity of resolving disputes through peaceful means and upholding international laws and agreements. The UN's involvement in mediating conflicts and promoting dialogue between conflicting parties is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability.

Furthermore, Goal 17 emphasizes the revitalization of global partnerships for sustainable development. The conflict in Ukraine highlights the interconnectedness of global security and development, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and collaboration to address conflicts and their underlying causes. Sustainable development cannot be achieved in regions affected by conflict, making peacebuilding efforts essential for progress towards all SDGs.

The article also indirectly touches upon other SDGs such as Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The escalation of conflict can disrupt economic activities, undermine stability, and threaten the well-being of communities. Therefore, efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace are essential for fostering sustainable economic growth and ensuring the well-being of affected populations.

In summary, the recent escalation of conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the importance of international efforts to promote peace, justice, and cooperation, as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving these goals requires a concerted global effort and a commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means.

Russia mounts surprise assault on northern Ukraine in most

serious cross-border offensive in two years

CNN — By Victoria Butenko, Olga Voitovych, Andrew Carey, Daria Tarasova-Markina, Nick Paton Walsh and Zahid Mahmood

Russian forces have made two cross-border assaults inside northern Ukraine, according to information from Ukrainian sources and officials, in what President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling a “new wave of counteroffensive actions” by Russia.

In the first development, Russian soldiers penetrated at least one kilometer towards the town of Vovchansk, a Ukrainian military source told CNN. The aim, the source said, “was to get 10 km deep and create a buffer zone at the border to secure Russian territory from feeling the war.”

In an official statement, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said Russian soldiers supported by armored vehicles had moved across the border at about 5 a.m. Friday, following a day of stepped-up attacks on the border area with guided aerial bombs and artillery.

The statement added that Ukrainian reserve units had been deployed to strengthen defenses in the area. On Saturday, local authorities said more than 20 air glide KAB bombs had been launched at the town and its surrounding settlements. The region’s governor Oleh Syniehubov said two civilians were killed when the bombs hit private houses.

A second Ukrainian source with direct knowledge of frontline developments told CNN that Russian forces had also penetrated 5 kilometers inside Ukraine towards the village of Krasne, which lies about 75 km along the border, west of Vovchansk.

The source said the Russian ground assault towards Krasne was carried out by four Russian battalions - about 2,000 men.

Ukrainian officials have not given much information about the second Russian push, though Ukraine’s General Staff, in its Friday evening update, did note Russian attacks in the area of Krasne and two neighboring villages.

It is also noteworthy that DeepStateMap, a Ukrainian monitoring group which updates frontline developments daily, showed four villages next to each other - including Krasne - in the grey area, representing territory currently contested rather than under full Ukrainian control.

DeepStateMap also noted on its Telegram channel that the number of Russian forces deployed in the two cross-border pushes was not enough for a deeper advance into Ukrainian territory, but it also drew attention to the fact Moscow has many more troops positioned along the border - estimated to be around 40,000.

Asked about developments, Zelensky did not downplay their seriousness but said Ukraine’s military had been expecting such a move.

“Russia launched a new wave of counteroffensive actions in [northern Kharkiv region]. Ukraine met them there with our troops, brigades and artillery,” he told reporters early Friday afternoon.

“But our military and military command were aware of this and anticipated their forces to meet the enemy with fire. Now there is a fierce battle in this area […] I think as of now we have stopped the enemy with artillery fire,” Zelensky said.

In an address Saturday evening local time, Zelensky said Ukraine was “strengthening our positions” and adding forces to the Kharkiv region.

Residents of border villages have been told to evacuate by authorities. National police posted photos and a video on social media showing officers helping people pack their belongings into police vehicles ahead of being driven to safer locations.

A total of 1,775 people have so far been evacuated from Kharkiv region, a day after Russia’s surprise assault, the head of the region’s military administration said Saturday.

The developments mark the most serious cross-border ground assault by Russia since Ukraine re-captured the northern Kharkiv region in the late summer of 2022, after it was first taken by Russia in the opening weeks of its full-scale invasion.

It also comes after several months of increased Russian air attacks on the city of Kharkiv, which have knocked out all the city’s power-generating capacity, as well as its sub-stations.

Governor Syniehubov insisted the latest Russian ground assaults did not put the city, which lies just 30 km south from the Russian border, under heightened risk.

“The enemy group does not pose a threat to Kharkiv city, its forces are only enough for provocations in the northern direction.”

However, analysts note that if Russian forces were able to push much further south, that could bring the northern edge of the city within range of Russian artillery, which can fire about 20 km.

Human Rights Abuses in Israeli Detention Centers: Undermining Sustainable Development Goals

Clark Howard — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:58:23 -0500

First and foremost, the treatment described in the article directly contravenes Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. The conditions within the detention center, including lack of proper medical care, neglect of wounds, and even allegations of amputations without proper medical justification, contribute to the deterioration of the detainees' physical and mental health.

Moreover, Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions are undermined by the reported abuses. Access to justice for all, as outlined in this goal, is clearly lacking for the Palestinian detainees described in the article. The secrecy surrounding the detention camps, refusal to disclose the number of detainees, and the suppression of information through censorship and military control all undermine the principles of justice and transparency.

Furthermore, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities is starkly contradicted by the treatment of the detainees. The article highlights the disproportionate power dynamics at play, with detainees subjected to abusive treatment by Israeli guards. Such disparities in power and treatment perpetuate and exacerbate existing inequalities.

Additionally, Goal 4: Quality Education is undermined by the reported mistreatment. The denial of basic human rights, including the right to education, contributes to a cycle of deprivation and marginalization, hindering opportunities for personal and societal development.

Lastly, Goal 17: Partnerships is compromised by the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the detention centers. True progress towards sustainable development requires collaboration and partnership between governments, civil society, and international organizations. However, the secretive nature of the facilities and the lack of cooperation in addressing allegations of abuse hinder the possibility of meaningful partnerships to address these issues.

In conclusion, the reported abuses in the detention center not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine key principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity in all aspects of governance and conflict resolution.

Strapped down, blindfolded, held in diapers: Israeli whistleblowers detail abuse of Palestinians in shadowy detention center

Sde Teiman, IsraelCNN —

At a military base that now doubles as a detention center in Israel’s Negev desert, an Israeli working at the facility snapped two photographs of a scene that he says continues to haunt him.

Rows of men in gray tracksuits are seen sitting on paper-thin mattresses, ringfenced by barbed wire. All appear blindfolded, their heads hanging heavy under the glare of floodlights.

A putrid stench filled the air and the room hummed with the men’s murmurs, the Israeli who was at the facility told CNN. Forbidden from speaking to each other, the detainees mumbled to themselves.

“We were told they were not allowed to move. They should sit upright. They’re not allowed to talk. Not allowed to peek under their blindfold.”

Guards were instructed “to scream uskot” – shut up in Arabic – and told to “pick people out that were problematic and punish them,” the source added.

A leaked photograph of the detention facility shows a blindfolded man with his arms above his head.

Obtained by CNN

CNN spoke to three Israeli whistleblowers who worked at the Sde Teiman desert camp, which holds Palestinians detained during Israel’s invasion of Gaza. All spoke out at risk of legal repercussions and reprisals from groups supportive of Israel’s hardline policies in Gaza.

They paint a picture of a facility where doctors sometimes amputated prisoners’ limbs due to injuries sustained from constant handcuffing; of medical procedures sometimes performed by underqualified medics earning it a reputation for being “a paradise for interns”; and where the air is filled with the smell of neglected wounds left to rot.

According to the accounts, the facility some 18 miles from the Gaza frontier is split into two parts: enclosures where around 70 Palestinian detainees from Gaza are placed under extreme physical restraint, and a field hospital where wounded detainees are strapped to their beds, wearing diapers and fed through straws.

“They stripped them down of anything that resembles human beings,” said one whistleblower, who worked as a medic at the facility’s field hospital.

“(The beatings) were not done to gather intelligence. They were done out of revenge,” said another whistleblower. “It was punishment for what they (the Palestinians) did on October 7 and punishment for behavior in the camp.”

Responding to CNN’s request for comment on all the allegations made in this report, the Israeli military, known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said in a statement: “The IDF ensures proper conduct towards the detainees in custody. Any allegation of misconduct by IDF soldiers is examined and dealt with accordingly. In appropriate cases, MPCID (Military Police Criminal Investigation’s Division) investigations are opened when there is suspicion of misconduct justifying such action.”

“Detainees are handcuffed based on their risk level and health status. Incidents of unlawful handcuffing are not known to the

authorities.”

The IDF did not directly deny accounts of people being stripped of their clothing or held in diapers. Instead, the Israeli military said that the detainees are given back their clothing once the IDF has determined that they pose no security risk.

Reports of abuse at Sde Teiman have already surfaced in Israeli and Arab media after an outcry from Israeli and Palestinian rights groups over conditions there. But this rare testimony from Israelis working at the facility sheds further light on Israel’s conduct as it wages war in Gaza, with fresh allegations of mistreatment. It also casts more doubt on the Israeli government’s repeated assertions that it acts in accordance with accepted international practices and law.

CNN has requested permission from the Israeli military to access the Sde Teiman base. Last month, a CNN team covered a small protest outside its main gate staged by Israeli activists demanding the closure of the facility. Israeli security forces questioned the team for around 30 minutes there, demanding to see the footage taken by CNN’s photojournalist. Israel often subjects reporters, even foreign journalists, to military censorship on security issues.

Detained in the desert

The Israeli military has acknowledged partially converting three different military facilities into detention camps for Palestinian detainees from Gaza since the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel, in which Israeli authorities say about 1,200 were killed and over 250 were abducted, and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza, killing nearly 35,000 people according to the strip’s health ministry. These facilities are Sde Teiman in the Negev desert, as well as Anatot and Ofer military bases in the occupied West Bank.

The camps are part of the infrastructure of Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law, an amended legislation passed by the Knesset last December that expanded the military’s authority to detain suspected militants.

The law permits the military to detain people for 45 days without an arrest warrant, after which they must be transferred to Israel’s formal prison system (IPS), where over 9,000 Palestinians are being held in conditions that rights groups say have drastically deteriorated since October 7. Two Palestinian prisoners associations said last week that 18 Palestinians – including leading Gaza surgeon Dr. Adnan al-Bursh – had died in Israeli custody over the course of the war.

The military detention camps – where the number of inmates is unknown – serve as a filtration point during the arrest period mandated by the Unlawful Combatants Law. After their detention in the camps, those with suspected Hamas links are transferred to the IPS, while those whose militant ties have been ruled out are released back to Gaza.

CNN interviewed over a dozen former Gazan detainees who appeared to have been released from those camps. They said they could not determine where they were held because they were blindfolded through most of their detention and cut off from the outside world. But the details of their accounts tally with those of the whistleblowers.

“We looked forward to the night so we could sleep. Then we looked forward to the morning in hopes that our situation might change,” said Dr. Mohammed al-Ran, recalling his detainment at a military facility where he said he endured desert temperatures, swinging from the heat of the day to the chill of night. CNN interviewed him outside Gaza last month.

Al-Ran, a Palestinian who holds Bosnian citizenship, headed the surgical unit at northern Gaza’s Indonesian hospital, one of the first to be shut down and raided as Israel carried out its aerial, ground and naval offensive.

He was arrested on December 18, he said, outside Gaza City’s Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, where he had been working for three days after fleeing his hospital in the heavily bombarded north.

He was stripped down to his underwear, blindfolded and his wrists tied, then dumped in the back of a truck where, he said, the near-naked detainees were piled on top of one another as they were shuttled to a detention camp in the middle of the desert.

The details in his account are consistent with those of dozens of others collected by CNN recounting the conditions of arrest in Gaza. His account is also supported by numerous images depicting mass arrests published on social media profiles belonging to Israeli soldiers. Many of those images show captive Gazans, their wrists or ankles tied by cables, in their underwear and blindfolded.

Al-Ran was held in a military detention center for 44 days, he told CNN. “Our days were filled with prayer, tears, and supplication. This eased our agony,” said al-Ran.

“We cried and cried and cried. We cried for ourselves, cried for our nation, cried for our community, cried for our loved ones. We cried about everything that crossed our minds.”

A week into his imprisonment, the detention camp’s authorities ordered him to act as an intermediary between the guards and the prisoners, a role known as Shawish, “supervisor,” in vernacular Arabic.

According to the Israeli whistleblowers, a Shawish is normally a prisoner who has been cleared of suspected links to Hamas after interrogation.

The Israeli military denied holding detainees unnecessarily, or using them for translation purposes. “If there is no reason for continued detention, the detainees are released back to Gaza,” they said in a statement.

However, whistleblower and detainee accounts – particularly pertaining to Shawish – cast doubt on the IDF’s depiction of its clearing process. Al-Ran says that he served as Shawish for several weeks after he was cleared of Hamas links. Whistleblowers also said that the absolved Shawish served as intermediaries for some time.

They are typically proficient in Hebrew, according to the eyewitnesses, enabling them to communicate the guards’ orders to the rest of the prisoners in Arabic.

For that, al-Ran said he was given a special privilege: his blindfold was removed. He said this was another kind of hell.

“Part of my torture was being able to see how people were being tortured,” he said. “At first you couldn’t see. You couldn’t see the torture, the vengeance, the oppression.

“When they removed my blindfold, I could see the extent of the humiliation and abasement … I could see the extent to which they saw us not as human beings but as animals.”

A leaked photograph of an enclosure where detainees in gray tracksuits are seen blindfolded and sitting on paper-thin mattresses. CNN was able to geolocate the hangar in the Sde Teiman facility. A portion of this image has been blurred by CNN to protect the identity of the source.

Obtained by CNN

Al-Ran’s account of the forms of punishment he saw were corroborated by the whistleblowers who spoke with CNN. A prisoner who committed an offense such as speaking to another would be ordered to raise his arms above his head for up to an hour. The prisoner’s hands would sometimes be zip-tied to a fence to ensure that he did not come out of the stress position.

For those who repeatedly breached the prohibition on speaking and moving, the punishment became more severe. Israeli guards would sometimes take a prisoner to an area outside the enclosure and beat him aggressively, according to two whistleblowers and al-Ran. A whistleblower who worked as a guard said he saw a man emerge from a beating with his teeth, and some bones, apparently broken.

That whistleblower and al-Ran also described a routine search when the guards would unleash large dogs on sleeping detainees, lobbing a sound grenade at the enclosure as troops barged in. Al-Ran called this “the nightly torture.”

“While we were cabled, they unleashed the dogs that would move between us, and trample over us,” said al-Ran. “You’d be lying on your belly, your face pressed against the ground. You can’t move, and they’re moving above you.”

The same whistleblower recounted the search in the same harrowing detail. “It was a special unit of the military police that did the so-called search,” said the source. “But really it was an excuse to hit them. It was a terrifying situation.”

“There was a lot of screaming and dogs barking.”

Strapped to beds in a field hospital

Whistleblower accounts portrayed a different kind of horror at the Sde Teiman field hospital.

“What I felt when I was dealing with those patients is an idea of total vulnerability,” said one medic who worked at Sde Teiman.

“If you imagine yourself being unable to move, being unable to see what’s going on, and being completely naked, that leaves you completely exposed,” the source said. “I think that’s something that borders on, if not crosses to, psychological torture.”

Another whistleblower said he was ordered to perform medical procedures on the Palestinian detainees for which he was not qualified.

“I was asked to learn how to do things on the patients, performing minor medical procedures that are totally outside my expertise,” he said, adding that this was frequently done without anesthesia.

“If they complained about pain, they would be given paracetamol,” he said, using another name for acetaminophen.

“Just being there felt like being complicit in abuse.”

The same whistleblower also said he witnessed an amputation performed on a man who had sustained injuries caused by the constant zip-tying of his wrists. The account tallied with details of a letter authored by a doctor working at Sde Teiman published by Ha’aretz in April.

“From the first days of the medical facility’s operation until today, I have faced serious ethical dilemmas,” said the letter addressed to Israel’s attorney general, and its health and defense ministries, according to Ha’aretz. “More than that, I am writing (this letter) to warn you that the facilities’ operations do not comply with a single section among those dealing with health in the Incarceration of Unlawful Combatants Law.”

An IDF spokesperson denied the allegations reported by Ha’aretz in a written statement to CNN at the time, saying that medical procedures were conducted with “extreme care” and in accordance with Israeli and international law.

The spokesperson added that the handcuffing of the detainees was done in “accordance with procedures, their health condition and the level of danger posed by them,” and that any allegation of violence would be examined.

Whistleblowers also said that medical team were told to refrain from signing medical documents, corroborating previous reporting by rights group Physicians for Human Rights in Israel (PHRI).

The PHRI report released in April warned of “a serious concern that anonymity is employed to prevent the possibility of investigations or complaints regarding breaches of medical ethics and professionalism.”

“You don’t sign anything, and there is no verification of authority,” said the same whistleblower who said he lacked the appropriate training for the treatment he was asked to administer. “It is a paradise for interns because it’s like you do whatever you want.”

CNN also requested comment from the Israeli health ministry on the allegations in this report. The ministry referred CNN back to the IDF.

Concealed from the outside world

Sde Teiman and other military detention camps have been shrouded in secrecy since their inception. Israel has repeatedly refused requests to disclose the number of detainees held at the facilities, or to reveal the whereabouts of Gazan prisoners.

Last Wednesday, the Israeli Supreme Court held a hearing in response to a petition brought forward by Israeli rights group, HaMoked, to reveal the location of a Palestinian X-Ray technician detained from Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza in February. It was the first court session of its kind since October 7.

Israel’s highest court had previously rejected writs of habeas corpus filed on behalf of dozens of Palestinians from Gaza held in unknown locations.

The disappearances “allows for the atrocities that we’ve been hearing about to happen,” said Tal Steiner, an Israeli human rights lawyer and executive director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel.

“People completely disconnected from the outside world are the most vulnerable to torture and mistreatment,” Steiner said in an interview with CNN.

Since October 7, more than 100 structures, including large tents and hangars, appeared within these areas of the Sde Teiman desert camp. Planet Labs PBC

Satellite images provide further insight into activities at Sde Teiman, revealing that in the months since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, more than 100 new structures, including large tents and hangars, have been built at the desert camp. A comparison of aerial photographs from September 10, 2023 and March 1 this year also showed a significant increase in the number of vehicles at the facility, indicating an uptick in activity. Satellite imagery from two dates in early December showed construction work in progress.

CNN also geolocated the two leaked photographs showing the enclosure holding the group of blindfolded men in gray tracksuits. The pattern of panels seen on the roof matched those of a large hangar visible in satellite imagery. The structure, which resembles an animal pen, is located in the central area of the Sde Teiman compound. It is an older structure seen among new buildings which have appeared since the war began.

CNN reviewed satellite images from two other military detention camps – Ofer and Anatot bases in the occupied West Bank – and did not detect expansion in the grounds since October 7. Several rights groups and legal experts say they believe that Sde Teiman, which is the nearest to Gaza, likely hosts the largest number of detainees of the three military detention camps.

“I was there for 23 days. Twenty-three days that felt like 100 years,” said 27-year-old Ibrahim Yassine on the day of his release from a military detention camp.

He was lying in a crowded room with over a dozen newly freed men – they were still in the grey tracksuit prison uniforms. Some had deep flesh wounds from where the handcuffs had been removed.

“We were handcuffed and blindfolded,” said another man, 43-year-old Sufyan Abu Salah. “Today is the first day I can see.”

Several had a glassy look in their eyes and were seemingly emaciated. One elderly man breathed through an oxygen machine as he lay on a stretcher. Outside the hospital, two freed men from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society embraced their colleagues.

For Dr. Al-Ran, his reunion with his friends was anything but joyful. The experience, he said, rendered him mute for a month as he battled an “emotional deadness.”

“It was very painful. When I was released, people expected me to miss them, to embrace them. But there was a gap,” said al-Ran. “The people who were with me at the detention facility became my family. Those friendships were the only things that belonged to us.”

Just before his release, a fellow prisoner had called out to him, his voice barely rising above a whisper, al-Ran said. He asked the doctor to find his wife and kids in Gaza. “He asked me to tell them that it is better for them to be martyrs,” said al-Ran. “It is better for them to die than to be captured and held here.”

Credits
Executive producer: Barbara Arvanitidis
Senior investigations writer: Tamara Qiblawi
Chief global affairs correspondent: Matthew Chance
OSINT reporter: Allegra Goodwin
Photojournalist: Alex Platt
Reporters: Abeer Salman, Ami Kaufman, Kareem Khadder, Mohammad Al Sawalhi and Tareq Al Hilou
Visual and graphic editors: Carlotta Dotto, Lou Robinson and Mark Oliver
3D designer: Tom James
Photo editor: Sarah Tilotta
Video editors: Mark Baron, Julie Zink and Augusta Anthony
Motion designers: Patrick Gallagher and Yukari Schrickel
Digital editors: Laura Smith-Spark and Eliza Mackintosh
Executive editors: Dan Wright and Matt Wells

Editor’s note: Tamara Qiblawi wrote and reported from London. Matthew Chance, Barbara Arvanitidis and Alex Platt reported from Sde Teiman; Ami Kaufman and Allegra Goodwin reported from London; Abeer Salman and Kareem Khadder reported from Jerusalem; and journalists Mohammad Al Sawalhi and Tareq Al Hilou reported from Gaza.

Towards SDG 16: Navigating Global Challenges for Peace and Justice

Todd Osborn — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:23:42 -0500

In today's interconnected world, the quest for peace and justice is more pressing than ever. From political upheavals to armed conflicts, the challenges we face are complex and multifaceted. Violence, in its myriad forms, poses a significant obstacle to progress and prosperity. In 2022 alone, over 116,000 violent events shook societies worldwide, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Beyond mere numbers, these events erode trust, hinder development, and exact a profound economic toll.

While there have been modest declines in global homicide rates over the past decade, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Regions like Latin America and the Caribbean continue to grapple with endemic violence, fueled in large part by gang-related activities. Despite strides in some areas, the disparity in homicide rates between men and women underscores the persistent challenges we face.

Armed conflicts, whether protracted or sudden, unleash untold suffering and upheaval. From Afghanistan to Yemen, the toll of war extends far beyond the battlefield, robbing communities of lives, livelihoods, and hope. The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia stands as a stark reminder of the human and economic cost of conflict, with millions displaced and economies left in tatters.

Fragile and conflict-affected situations present unique hurdles to development efforts, compounding poverty, food insecurity, and social instability. Concentrated primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, these situations demand targeted interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of violence and building resilience.

In the face of these challenges, the pursuit of peace and justice remains an ongoing journey. By fostering social cohesion, strengthening institutions, and promoting inclusivity and accountability, we can chart a path towards a more peaceful and just world. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is imperative that we unite in our commitment to building a future where every individual can thrive in safety and dignity.

Summary: The road to peace and justice is fraught with challenges, from endemic violence to armed conflict and fragility. However, by addressing these issues head-on and fostering collaboration at local, regional, and global levels, we can pave the way for a more peaceful and just world. It requires concerted efforts to build resilient societies, strengthen institutions, and promote inclusivity and accountability. Ultimately, our collective commitment to these goals will determine the future we leave for generations to come.

150 Years of What? Colorado School of Mines Removes Slogan

kagonz — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:32:10 -0500

In 2024, public engineering university Colorado School of Mines will celebrate its 150th year as an institution, and celebrated by a rebranding campaign called '150@Mines.' A subtle, almost unnnoticed change happened to Mines' brand marketing: 'Earth, Energy, Environment' was removed from the school logo, motto, and eventually the mission entirely.

When prompted, most students didn't even realize it was happening, much less permanent. Sustainability organizations brought attention to it during a mid-semester discussion, and the criticisms have started to pile.

Mines prides itself on it's body of well-rounded, ethical engineers, who care dearly about the state of the world and people around them. What happens when we take away the verbal motivation? Are we conceding to pressures from oil & gas, tech, and defense funding?

We all want an Afghanistan at peace, UN chief says in Doha

sdgcub3e — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:18:10 -0500

Speaking to journalists during a two-day meeting with regional and national special envoys for Afghanistan, António Guterres said that there was consensus among delegates over what needs to happen, although the Taliban are not taking part.

“We want an Afghanistan in peace, peace with itself and peace with its neighbours and able to assume the commitments and the international obligations of a sovereign State … in relation to the international community, its neighbours and in relation to the rights of its own populations,” he said.

There was also consensus on the process to reach this objective, he added, noting proposals outlined in an independent review on an integrated and coherent approach conducted by Feridun Sinirlioğlu, in line with Security Council resolution 2679.

Key concerns

It covered all the main areas of concern, Mr. Guterres said, including ensuring Afghanistan does not become a “hotbed” of terrorist activity, becoming an inclusive institutions, in which all its diverse groups feel represented in a “truly inclusive” State.

The review notes the importance of upholding human rights, in particular for women and girls; and concern but also a recognition of the progress made in combatting drug production and drug trafficking.

The UN chief also underscored the need for effective humanitarian assistance to the country, as well as long-term questions on Afghanistan’s future development.

Mr. Guterres further noted ongoing cooperation between Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, such as trade and infrastructure development, or bilateral arrangements on combatting illicit drugs trade.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaking to the press in Doha.

Key questions

However, there are a set of key questions, “in which we are stuck”, he added.

“On one hand Afghanistan remains with a government that is not recognized internationally, and in many aspects not integrated in the global institutions and global economy,” he said.

And on the other hand, there is a common international perception of deteriorating human rights, particularly for women and girls.

“To a certain except we are in the kind of a situation of the chicken or the egg,” he said, stating the need to overcome the deadlock and produce a common roadmap, which addresses international concerns and those of the de facto authorities simultaneously.

Unacceptable pre-conditions

In response to a correspondent’s question on the lack of participation of Taliban de facto authorities, the UN chief said that the group presented a set of conditions for its participation, “that were not acceptable.”

“These conditions first of all denied us the right to talk to other representatives of the Afghan society and demanded a treatment that would, I would say, to a large extent be similar to recognition.”

On another question, Mr. Guterres said the meeting was very useful and the discussions were “absolutely needed”.

“Obviously it would be better if we would also have the opportunity after the meeting ... to discuss our conclusions with the de facto authorities. It did not happen today, it will happen in the near future.”

UK bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda ‘undercuts human rights’: UN rights chief

sdgcub3e — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:14:39 -0500

“You cannot legislate facts out of existence,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, calling on the UK Government to reconsider the bill in light of recent reports raising a range of concerns.

“It is deeply concerning to carve out one group of people, or people in one particular situation, from the equal protection of the law – this is antithetical to even-handed justice, available and accessible to all, without discrimination.”

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill requires every “decision maker”, be it a government minister, immigration office, or court or tribunal reviewing asylum decisions, conclusively to treat Rwanda as a “safe country” in terms of protecting refugees and asylum seekers against refoulement, irrespective of evidence that exists now or may exist in the future, he said.

Bill strips courts’ abilities

The bill would also drastically strip back the courts’ ability to scrutinize removal decisions.

“Settling questions of disputed fact – questions with enormous human rights consequences – is what the courts do, and which the UK courts have a proven track record of doing thoroughly and comprehensively,” he said.

“It should be for the courts to decide whether the measures taken by the Government since the Supreme Court’s ruling on risks in Rwanda are enough.”

Problematically, the bill substantially restricts the application of the Human Rights Act, which provides legal effect within the UK for the standards set out in the European Convention on Human Rights, Mr. Türk said.

The bill also renders discretionary the implementation of interim protective orders of the European Court of Human Rights, which are internationally binding on the UK, he added.

Incompatible with international refugee law

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has reiterated the concerns expressed by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) that the scheme is not compatible with international refugee law.

“The combined effects of this bill, attempting to shield Government action from standard legal scrutiny, directly undercut basic human rights principles,” said Mr. Türk. “Independent, effective judicial oversight is the bedrock of the rule of law. It must be respected and strengthened. Governments cannot revoke their international human rights and asylum-related obligations by legislation.”

The UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights last week issued an important report raising a range of serious human rights and rule of law concerns with the proposed legislation as a whole, the UN rights chief said.

“I urge the UK Government to take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance with the UK’s international legal obligations and to uphold the country’s proud history of effective, independent judicial scrutiny. Such a stance is today more vital than ever,” Mr. Türk stressed.

Fails to meet required standards

The bill stems back to the UK’s announcement in April 2022 of a new migration and economic development partnership with the Government of Rwanda, later re-named the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership.

After the two governments signed the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership Treaty on 5 December 2023, the UK Government published the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill a day later.

After an analysis of both, the UN refugee agency said in January that they do “not meet the required standards relating to the legality and appropriateness of the transfer of asylum seekers” and “are not compatible with international refugee law”.

Gaza: Threat of ground invasion looms over Rafah

sdgcub3e — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:10:06 -0500

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday in a tweet that its special forces had conducted what they called a “precise and limited operation” inside Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, the largest functioning health facility in the area.

The UN human rights office OHCHR said on Thursday that it was deeply worried over the raid, saying that it appeared to be "part of a pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure, especially hospitals."

The raid comes after a week-long siege which cut off medical, food and fuel supplies, said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.

"Israeli forces reportedly ordered the transfer of all patients, including those in intensive care and nursery units, to a different building, exposing patients to grave risks, including the risk of death for the most vulnerable", she continued.

"There are unconfirmed reports of detention as well as targeting of those trying to leave the hospital."

In a tweet on Wednesday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed alarm over the increasingly dire situation at the hospital.

“Access to the hospital remains obstructed — there is no safe corridor for those in need. Two WHO missions have been denied in the last four days, and we lost touch with the hospital’s personnel,” the WHO Director-General said.

He called for humanitarian access and the safeguarding of hospitals by all combatants, stressing that they must remain safe for civilians.

Rafah situation dire

The latest situation update from OCHA, the UN's humanitarian aid agency, highlights “population movements” away from the southern border city towards Deir al Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Earlier this week, the World Food Programme (WFP) expressed concern that further displacement from the densely packed city on the Egyptian border could exacerbate the plight of those seeking refuge there.

Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Country Director for Palestine, describes Rafah’s streets as "packed with throngs of people", noting that every available space in the city has become a makeshift shelter.

The city is now home to around 1.5 million Gazans displaced by conflict.

Mr. Hollingworth, speaking in a video released on Thursday on the X platform, highlighted the despair pervading Rafah, where people struggle for support, fuel and sustenance amid "damp, cold and miserable" conditions.

While WFP continues to provide aid to Gazans in Rafah, organizations such as Action Against Hunger that work side-by-side with UN’s humanitarians warn of having to suspend activities if Israeli ground operations expand to Rafah.

Meanwhile, intense Israeli bombardment persists across Gaza, resulting in further civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Death toll rising

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports a death toll of at least 28,576 Palestinians and 68,291 injured since October. Between 13 and 14 February, 103 Palestinians were killed and 145 injured.

Israeli military casualties stand at 230 soldiers killed and 1,352 injured since the start of ground operations, with over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals killed during attacks on Israel, mainly during the Hamas-led massacre of 7 October.

Some 134 individuals remain captive in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

Civilians suffer as ‘perfect storm’ of war, disease and displacement grips Sudan

sdgcub3e — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:05:52 -0500

Peter Graaff, acting representative of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) in Sudan, warned that displaced people sheltering in overcrowded areas lack access to water and sanitation, food and the most basic services.

“The situation in Sudan was a perfect storm as the health system is hardly functional. The childhood immunization programme is breaking down, and infectious diseases are spreading,” he said.

He was speaking to correspondents at the regular press briefing at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG), from Cairo, having recently visited South Sudan, Chad and Kenya.

According to WHO, over 10,000 cases of cholera, 5,000 cases of measles, about 8,000 cases of dengue and over 1.2 million clinical cases of malaria have been reported in Sudan.

The alarming rise comes against the backdrop of over 80 of the 503 health facilities operated by aid organizations either not or only partially functioning due to insecurity and lack of medical supplies or personnel.

‘Catastrophic hunger’ looming

Humanitarians have warned that the upcoming lean season, which starts in May, could lead to catastrophic hunger.

Across Sudan, 3.5 million children are malnourished, and over 700,000 suffer from severe acute malnourishment, requiring urgent support.

“Hunger weakens the body’s defences; it opens the doors to disease and increases morbidity and mortality,” said Mr. Graaff.

“Disease and malnutrition have an unhealthy synergistic relation,” he explained, noting that pregnant women and children are most at risk, including of death.

Skyrocketing displacement

The war that erupted last April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has left over 25 million people dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Nearly 7.8 million people have been driven from their homes across Sudan, including 1.6 million forced to flee across its borders.

As of Monday, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering in about 6,600 locations across all of the country’s 18 states, an increase of 112 locations compared to the week before.

A aid office, which stored immunizations, medicines and other cold-chain items, after it was raided amidst the ongoing conflict in west Darfur. (April 2023)

UN response amid challenges

UN agencies alongside aid partners have scaled up their response, but face challenges ranging from insecurity, looting and bureaucratic impediments to communication blackouts.

Fuel shortages also affect the movement of humanitarian staff and supplies and the generation of power needed for maintaining cold chain storage and supplying water.

The response is also constrained by insufficient funding.

Last December, the UN launched the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan, requiring $2.7 billion to provide lifesaving protection and assistance to 14.7 million people across the war-torn country in 2024.

However, as of 12 February 2024, the appeal is only 3.5 per cent funded with $94.5 million received, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“Despite all these challenges, humanitarian partners continue to provide lifesaving assistance to the vulnerable people they can reach. The conflict – particularly in Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan – has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation,” the office noted.

Northern border heats up with fresh rocket fire, Hezbollah attacks on IDF posts

Jarret Frank — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:19:39 -0500

Lebanon on October 18, 2023. (Jalaa Marey / AFP)

Rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel towns, and the Hezbollah terror group attacked several Israeli army posts along the border, as skirmishes on the frontier continued, amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, nine rockets were launched from Lebanon, setting off sirens in Kiryat Shmona and several nearby communities. The IDF said four were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

At least one rocket landed in the northern city, causing no injuries or damage.

Shortly before the rocket sirens, the IDF said one of its tanks shelled two anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launch positions in southern Lebanon, where the military identified an attempt to carry out an attack.

A third ATGM launch site was struck following a missile attack on the northern town of Metula.

At the same time, the IDF said projectiles were also launched from Lebanon at the contested Mount Dov area, where there are a number of military posts and no towns.

Smoke rises from an Israeli army position that was hit by the Hezbollah terror group as it is seen from Tair Harfa village, south Lebanon, October. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

The IDF later said it had carried out a drone strike against a terror cell launching mortars from Lebanon at the Malkia area on the border.

Hezbollah later announced the deaths of two members, saying they were killed while “performing jihad.” The terror group did not elaborate on where Ali Muhammad Marmar and Taha Abbas Abbas were killed, but it was believed that they were targeted in one of the Israeli strikes on Wednesday.

Throughout Wednesday, Hezbollah said it had launched several missiles and attacked a number of Israeli army posts along the border with gunfire.

A video published by the terror group showed it shooting at Israeli cameras and surveillance equipment on the border.

The IDF said the missiles targeted areas near Metula, Malkia, Kibbutz Manara, and Rosh HaNikra. The gunfire targeted a number of military posts in the area, according to the IDF.

The military did not immediately report any casualties among IDF troops.

Rambam Hospital in Haifa said it was admitting one person who was listed in moderate condition as a result of one of the missile attacks, without elaborating on how or where he was hurt.

The IDF said it had responded with artillery shelling of the sources of the missile fire and gunfire in southern Lebanon and had carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah sites.

The military said that among several targets it had hit overnight in airstrikes was a military observation post from which a missile was fired toward Rosh Hanikra earlier.

Smoke rises following an Israeli artillery strike in al-Bustan, a Lebanese border village with Israel, south Lebanon, October 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

In the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, Hezbollah fired a missile at Israeli forces near Shtula, a moshav in northern Israel, lightly wounding four soldiers.

Shtula, Metula, Malkia, Manara, and Rosh HaNikra are among 28 communities being evacuated from the north under the increasing threat of war.

The incidents were the latest in a series of increasingly frequent skirmishes on the northern border with the Iran-backed Hezbollah as well as Hamas operatives there. The tit-for-tat attacks have remained limited in scope, amid threats from Israel that Lebanon could suffer if Hezbollah steps up its attacks.

In total, at least five Israeli soldiers, 13 Hezbollah terrorists and five Palestinian terrorists have been killed in the exchanges. One Israeli civilian was killed in a Hezbollah attack Sunday, and two Lebanese civilians and a journalist were also reported killed by Israeli shelling.

The attacks from Lebanon have come as Israel is waging war in Gaza against Hamas after the terror group’s murderous assault on the country on October 7, in which some 1,400 people were massacred and some 200-250 were kidnapped and taken to the Strip.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said Tuesday that if Hezbollah “makes a mistake,” it will face “destruction.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is seen at the Northern Command in Safed, October 17, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

There have been escalating warnings from Iran regarding the possibility of the war being widened, as Israel prepares a ground offensive with the stated goal of toppling Hamas’s rule over the Palestinian enclave.

Israel and the US have both warned Iran and Hezbollah to remain on the sidelines, with Washington dispatching two aircraft carrier groups to the region, signaling it could step in to defend Israel.

As the area has heated up, the IDF and Defense Ministry were working to evacuate civilians who live in towns up to two kilometers (1.25 miles) from the Lebanese border, due to the repeated rocket and missile attacks by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions in recent days.

The ministry’s National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) said the estimated 27,000 residents would be taken to state-funded guesthouses.

Haiti Bans Charter Flights to Nicaragua in Blow to Migrants Fleeing Poverty and Violence

ahopper@mines.edu — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:38:34 -0500

Haiti Bans Charter Flights to Nicaragua in

Blow to Migrants Fleeing Poverty and Violence

Haiti’s government has banned all charter flights to Nicaragua that migrants fleeing poverty and violence had been increasingly using in their quest to reach the United States

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti's government has banned all charter flights to Nicaragua that migrants fleeing poverty and violence had been increasingly using in their quest to reach the United States, according to a bulletin issued Monday that The Associated Press obtained.

Haiti’s government did not provide an explanation for the decision in its bulletin, which was first reported by The Miami Herald. Civil aviation authorities in Haiti did not respond to a message seeking comment.

The move left a couple of thousand angry and bewildered travelers stranded in a parking lot facing Haiti's main international airport in the capital of Port-au-Prince surrounded by their luggage, with some holding babies.

“I have to seek a better life elsewhere because Haiti doesn’t offer my generation anything," said 29-year-old Jean-Marc Antoine. "It’s either hold a gun and be involved with a gang, be killed, or leave the country.”

His brother in Chile had loaned him $4,000 for the plane ticket, and like many of the stranded people, he fretted about whether he would get his money back.

Nearby, Marie-Ange Solomon, 58, said she had been calling the charter company repeatedly to no avail. She had paid $7,000 total to leave Haiti with her son.

“After gathering money to get me and my son out of this fragile country, now all of a sudden they stop everything,” she said. “I thought I was going to be freed today.”

Solomon kept an eye on their bags as her 28-year-old son ran to the airport repeatedly in case someone called their names.

More than 260 flights departing Haiti and believed to have carried up to 31,000 migrantshave landed in the Central American country of Nicaragua since early August as Haiti’s crisis deepens, with gangs estimated to now control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. The number of migrants represent nearly 60% of all U.S.-Mexico border Haitian arrivals, said Manuel Orozco, director of the migration, remittances and development program at the Inter-American Dialogue.

Experts have said that seats on charter flights to Nicaragua can range from $3,000 to $5,000, with Nicaragua a popular destination because it does not require visas for certain migrants.

“The magnitude of the flights are just completely unusual ... and it represents a security risk,” Orozco said in a phone interview.

He questioned whether the suspension of the charter flights was prompted by outside pressure, adding that he did not know if the U.S. government was involved.

Orozco noted that there were no charter flights from Port-au-Prince to Nicaragua last January and that the three daily flights that began in late July had grown to 11 flights a day.

Nicaragua Vice President Rosario Murrillo did not respond to a request for comment on the change in Haitian policy. Some Nicaraguans had benefitted from the influx of migrants, offering them guide services to Honduras.

The suspension of charter flights could prompt Haitian migrants to seek other ways to flee their country, he said.

“I think Dominicans will probably at this point organize themselves or cross their fingers that there is not a cross-over," Orozco said.

The two countries share the island of Hispaniola, but are now in a dispute over construction of a canal in Haiti that would divert water from a river that runs along the border. Dominican President Luis Abinader announced last month that his government would stop issuing visas to Haitians and he closed the border to all Haitians seeking to cross for work, education, medical issues or other purposes.

With another migration route popular with Haitians closing on Monday, frustration began to build among the stranded Haitians at the airport.

“Can you imagine that I spent all this money? I sold everything that I had,” Jean Erode Louis-Saint, 25, whose flight was scheduled for mid-afternoon Monday but never received a boarding pass. “I cannot stay in this country because of the lack of security. Gangs are everywhere.”

He used to work along the border that Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic exchanging currencies, but has struggled to find another job.

“I cannot do anything in Haiti anymore,” he said as he stood with a backpack on his back surrounded by thousands of others.

Many were reluctant to leave in case there was a sudden change in plans, but by late afternoon, the crowd began to thin out.

Among them was 35-year-old Saint-Ville Etienne, a civil engineer who was hoping for a better life so he could care for the 14-year-old son he would have left behind.

“Haiti is in a state of war among its own people,” he said. “I don’t know why they are fighting. It’s only causing everybody to leave the country.”

Oct. 30, 2023, at 4:48 p.m.

Sudan Conflict Continues as Thousands Continue to Flee

judelowe — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:08:33 -0500

Thousands of people have been forced to flee the Sudanese region of West Dafur amid fears of ethnic cleansing, a medical charity says.

Witnesses have accused the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of targeting and killing non-Arabs, with reports of hundreds of deaths.

This comes after the RSF captured the Sudanese army headquarters in West Darfur capital of El Geneina.

The RSF says it is not involved in what it describes as a "tribal conflict".

It has been battling the army for control of the country since April.

Africa Live: Updates on this and other stories from the continent

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) says that most of the 7,000 people who have crossed into Chad in the past three days are women and children who are fleeing with nothing.

Hatim Ali, a local human rights monitor, said he had fled to Chad after the RSF and allied militias arrived on horses, camels and motorbikes and besieged Erdamta, just across a river from El Geneina.

He said they "killed so many men and raped a lot of women", adding that hundreds of people may have been killed.

Since the capture of El Geneina, the RSF and allied Arab militias have been accused of murdering ethnic Masalit people, looting homes and raping women.

The RSF and Arab militia even reportedly attacked a camp for internally displaced people in Erdamta, where some 800 people are said to have been killed.

A man who fled the camp with his family before the attack told the BBC: "I'm still alive, but I lost a lot".

Alaa Babikr, a resident of El Geneina, told the BBC that civilians had no way to escape the fighting.

While many people have fled to Chad, thousands remain trapped in Sudan as Arab militias demand huge sums of money to cross the border, an aid worker told BBC.

Pierre Honnorat, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Chad, told the BBC the key challenge was feeding the thousands of refugees.

"We need support, and we need it now. We do need to secure a meal a day to them all. They have nothing," he said.

The RSF originated in Darfur and has been accused of atrocities against non-Arabic groups in the region during this year's conflict.

The paramilitary group has been gaining more territory in Darfur since the beginning of this month, taking control of four of the region's five states.

Peace talks in Saudi Arabia have been unfruitful as efforts to secure a ceasefire have failed, according to Reuters.

The UN refugee agency says "an unimaginable" humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Sudan.

Nearly six million people have been forced from their homes since the war began.

More than 40% of Ukrainians need humanitarian help under horrendous war conditions, UN says

pcanetto@mines.edu — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:25:20 -0500

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russian strikes are inflicting unimaginable suffering on the people of Ukraine and more than 40% of them need humanitarian assistance, a senior U.N. official told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday.

Ramesh Rajasingham, director of coordination in the U.N. humanitarian office, said thousands of civilians have been killed in strikes on homes, schools, fields and markets since Russia’s invasion in February 20022. The U.N. human rights office has formally verified 9,900 civilians killed, but he said “the actual number is certainly higher.”

Ukrainian civilians are suffering “horrendous humanitarian consequences” and “unimaginable levels of suffering” from the Russian strikes, Rajasingham said. About 18 million Ukrainians — more than 40% of the population — need some form of humanitarian assistance, and as winter approaches “needs will be magnified,” he said.

Rajasingham said significant damage and destruction of critical infrastructure continues to severely impact civilian access to electricity, heating, water and telecommunications, “a particular concern as winter fast approaches,” which will put the elderly, disabled and displaced most at risk.

The Russian military methodically targeted Ukraine’s power stations and other critical infrastructure with missile and drone strikes during the last winter season, resulting in frequent power outages.

To prepare for the freezing temperatures this winter, the U.N. official said, the humanitarian community is helping people carrying out household repairs and ensuring that water and heating systems are functional.

“The aim is to ensure that every civilian has access to somewhere both safe and warm during the winter ahead,” Rajasingham said.

Ukrainians must also deal with diminished health care, he said.

Since the invasion, the U.N. World Health Organization has verified over 1,300 attacks on health care – more than 55% of all attacks worldwide during the same period, he said. And 111 health care workers and patients have been killed, with 13 health facilities impacted by attacks just since the beginning of September.

As the war continues, it has become more dangerous for humanitarian organizations to operate, with the number of aid workers killed more than tripling from four in 2022 to 14 so far in 2023, Rajasingham said.

Despite the risks, more than 500 humanitarian organizations – the majority of them local -- reached nine million people with aid in the first nine months of 2023, thanks to more than $2 billion contributed by donors to the U.N.’s $3.9 billion appeal for this year, he said. But over 40% of the appeal is still unfunded.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood told the council Russian attacks reduced Ukraine’s power generating capacity to roughly half its pre-war capacity, according to a U.N. estimate in June. And between October 2022 and March 2023, many civilians spent roughly 35 days without power.

He said Russian attacks on critical infrastructure have already resumed, “risking critical services and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.”

Wood pointed to a single day in September when Russia launched 44 missiles at energy facilities in six regions, and a Ukrainian government report that from Oct. 11-12, Russia launched artillery, missiles and drones against the Kherson region “an estimated 100 times.”

From mid-July, when Russia pulled out of the initiative enabling Ukraine to ship critically needed wheat and other foodstuffs from Black Sea ports, until mid-October, Russian attacks destroyed nearly 300,000 tons of Ukrainian grain, he said.

“We call on the international community to continue providing essential humanitarian support to Ukraine, including supporting Ukraine’s efforts to restore its energy grid,” Wood said.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia claimed it is Ukrainian missiles – not Russian airstrikes – that hit “civilian objects.” And he accused the Kyiv government of making up “lies about Russia” and blaming Moscow for “high profile tragedies” in Ukraine in order to elicit Western support for more military assistance.

While Western diplomats speak out about casualties and destruction in Ukraine, Nebenzia added, they never mention anything about casualties and destruction in the eastern Donbas region, which Russia illegally annexed in October 2022.

Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya expressed gratitude to the U.N. and donors for assisting the government in preparing for winter.

He said Russia shows no intention of abandoning the “terrorist” practice of targeting civilian infrastructure, saying that “makes it imperative to obtain additional air defense systems to safeguard these critical facilities during the winter.”

These numbers show the staggering toll of the Israel-Hamas war

pcanetto@mines.edu — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:58:27 -0500

JERUSALEM (AP) — The latest Israel-Hamas war has quickly become the deadliest and most destructive of the five wars fought between the sides since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 from the Palestinian Authority.

The fighting erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas carried out a surprise attack in southern Israel. Since then, Israel has relentlessly pounded the Gaza Strip with airstrikes that have wrought unprecedented destruction, flattening entire neighborhoods.

Here’s a look in numbers at the toll of the war as of Nov. 5, sourced from the Gaza Health Ministry and Israeli officials, as well as international observers and aid groups:

FILE - Photographs of over one thousand persons killed, missing or abducted in the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 are displayed on empty seats in an exhibit held under the motto “UNITED AGAINST TERRORISM” in the Smolarz Auditorium at Tel Aviv University on Oct. 22, 2023, in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

9,770

The number of Palestinians killed in Gaza.

Destroyed furniture and charred walls are seen in a home that came under attack during a massive Hamas invasion into Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The small farming community in the south of Israel was overrun by Hamas fighters from the nearby Gaza Strip who killed 1,400 Israelis and captured dozens of others on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

153

The number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank.

1,400

The number of people killed in Israel.

Palestinians mourn relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah, Monday, Oct 30, 2023. ( AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

29

The number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the ground offensive.

24,808

The number of Palestinians injured in Gaza.

2,200

The number of Palestinians injured in the West Bank.

5,400

The number of Israelis injured.

Palestinians inspect the entrance to a tunnel under a damaged mosque in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, after the Israeli army withdrew its forces from the militant stronghold. The withdrawal of troops from the camp ended an intense two-day operation that killed at least 13 Palestinians, drove thousands of people from their homes and left a wide swath of damage in its wake. One Israeli soldier was also killed. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

250,000

The number of Israelis displaced.

More than 1.5 million

The number of Palestinians displaced in Gaza.

At least 241

The number of soldiers and civilians being held hostage in Gaza.

5

The number of hostages released or rescued.

451

The number of aid trucks let into Gaza.

FILE - Destruction from Israeli aerial bombardment is seen in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. The war between Israel and Hamas has brought carefully calibrated condemnations and warnings to both sides by Russia. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File)

200,000

The number of residential units destroyed in Gaza.

Protecting civilians in both Israel and Gaza is critical for peace and justice

jaysonmartinez — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:51:07 -0500

A six-year-old boy was killed and his mother badly injured in a vicious stabbing in Chicago recently. Police have arrested a 71-year-old man on murder and hate crime charges. They say the boy and his mother were targeted because they are Muslim and that the attack was in response to the conflict taking place between Israel and Hamas.

In another instance, two teenage boys and a 20-year-old man have been arrested in Toronto after making threats at a Jewish high school – an incident which police are also investigating as a possible hate crime.

These are but two examples, among many others, of the extent to which tensions in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories are spilling over around the world, including Canada.

There has been a clear rise in antisemitic, Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian hate and violence, as well as increased fear and vulnerability within those communities. Governments and people everywhere must act immediately and urgently to resist this madness.

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas is exacting a staggering civilian toll. Yet, while Canada, the United States and the European Union have extended “unwavering support” to Israel, they have been far from definitive in their support for the people of Gaza.

Alongside the strong positions that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken in condemning the Hamas attacks and calling for the release of hostages, he and his government must also forcefully back calls for an immediate ceasefire and for unhindered access to Gaza for humanitarian aid.

Canada must also condemn and demand an end to the Israeli military operations that are blatantly and devastatingly not in keeping with either international humanitarian law or international human rights law.

Both steps would be a major – but greatly overdue and welcome – change in Canada’s long-standing approach to the region.

As has been made abundantly clear by human rights groups and the UN Human Rights Council’s independent commission of inquiry, Hamas is responsible for war crimes in southern Israel, including indiscriminate rocket attacks, hostage-taking and summary executions.

This most recent Hamas attack has been calculatingly cruel and unimaginably violent. Those responsible for these horrific crimes must be brought to justice – but justice that is in accordance with international law, possibly through the currently blocked wider investigation of actions in the region by all sides by the International Criminal Court.

Israel’s massive siege and bombardment of Gaza is not that kind of justice. Quite the contrary, extensive, terrifying war crimes are being exacted on the entire population of Gaza, not just Hamas leaders or fighters. Illegality in response to illegality does not resemble justice in the slightest.

Close to 6,000 lives have been lost already in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to their accounts. That staggering number continues to rise daily, particularly as the unrelenting Israeli bombardment of Gaza – where more than 70 per cent of those killed have been women and children – intensifies.

Israel’s military is now poised for a massive ground invasion of Gaza and has been warning civilians in the northern part of the territory to evacuate to the south. The UN has made it clear that an evacuation of that scale before the invasion is impossible.

A ground offensive will almost inevitably force hundreds and thousands of Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip, possibly even across the fortified southern border with Egypt.

Israel’s plans have been rightly condemned as unlawful collective punishment of civilians in Gaza, more than half of whom are children. It will in no way bring either justice or security to Israelis.

All parties to the conflict and all members of the international community, including Canada, need to focus now on de-escalation, peace and protecting human rights. It is in that direction, not more bombs and military assaults, that the only hope for averting further devastation lies.

That is crucial as well, to avoid the worrying potential that other actors such as Iran and the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah will be drawn into a widening conflict.

Since 2007, Israel has imposed an air, land and sea blockade on the Gaza Strip, reinforced by Egypt’s closure of its border crossing out of Gaza at Rafah, which has caused immense suffering in the territory.

Many experts, including the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, have raised the concern that this may amount to ethnic cleansing.

They also worry it might lay the ground for Israeli expansion of unlawful settlements, already commonplace in the West Bank, into Gaza as well – in further violation of international law.

The Israeli-announced “complete siege” of Gaza – with no access to food, water, electricity and fuel – amounts to a collective punishment of the civilian population, unequivocally prohibited under international law. It has to stop.

The minimal humanitarian access that opened up across Gaza’s southern border with Egypt on October 21 is nowhere near enough.

Canada must call equally for the safety of civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel. It is no longer defensible for Canada to maintain a position of forcefully recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself – with the important qualification that Israel’s defence should be in accordance with international law – while still stopping short of what is required next.

In addition to calling for an end to military operations, another concrete indication of a new approach would be for Canada to abandon its opposition to the investigation that is currently being conducted by the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor into extensive evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The ICC investigation targets both Israelis and Palestinians. It represents a vital step forward in confronting the impenetrable impunity that has prevailed throughout the decades of this conflict.

It provides a venue for prosecuting both the crimes that were committed by Hamas, originating in Gaza, and the crimes Israel is responsible for in its response. That is something that Canada should strongly endorse, not seek to shut down.

Canada, widely seen on the world stage as a champion of international justice, is particularly well-placed to work against that impunity. Opposing the prosecutor’s important and ground-breaking investigation serves only to reinforce that impunity – a significant barrier to achieving both justice and peace.

All of this matters here in Canada as well. Jewish Canadians, as well as Palestinian and Arab Canadians, have been deeply affected and traumatized by the recent events. They both fear, and are vulnerable to, hate crimes here.

They need to be confident that their government is standing up equally for everyone’s human rights in this terrible conflict. Palestinian Canadians, Arab Canadians and Muslim Canadians very understandably do not have that confidence today.

It all comes down to the simple truth that the way toward peace in Israel and Palestine lies in fully respecting international human rights and humanitarian law. That means the rights of Israeli and Palestinians alike – an approach which must now define the way Canada deals with this crisis.

URBAN LIVING LABS AS A TOOL TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 16: A CASE STUDY OF ISTANBUL, TURKIYE

Sophia Mulholland — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:33:20 -0500

URBAN LIVING LABS AS A TOOL TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 16

Author(s): Ozge CELIK YILMAZ and Ozhan ERTEKIN

Source: Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management , August 2023, Vol. 18, No. 3 (August 2023), pp. 88-118

Published by: Research Center in Public Administration and Public Services Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/27232316

ABSTRACT

The article explores the potential of urban living labs (ULLs) to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16) in the context of Istanbul, Turkiye. Focusing on the need for new approaches to addressing global challenges and local issues within a smart city approach, the research emphasizes the importance of ULLs. The findings reveal that the weakness of the local government and the unjust landscape pattern distribution in urbanization underlined the need for a new form of governance. However, ULLs have the potential to foster a culture of innovation and sustainability in urban governance. The ULL mindset can permeate the broader urban governance ecosystem, leading to the adoption of innovative policies and practices that drive sustainable urban development. However, defining the landscape pattern via planning and management system is crucial to understanding Turkiye's complicated governance. The findings contribute to the discourse on urban planning, offering a pathway for cities, including Istanbul, to navigate complex urban issues.

Institutional Entanglements: How Institutional Knots and Reverberating Consequences Burden Refugee Families

Sophia Mulholland — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:21:36 -0500

Institutional Entanglements: How Institutional

Knots and Reverberating Consequences Burden

Refugee Families

BLAIR SACKETT, ANNETTE LAREAU

RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, Vol. 9, No. 4, Administrative Burdens and Inequality in Policy Implementation, Part I (SEPTEMBER 2023), pp. 114-132 (20 pages)

ABSTRACT

Research on administrative burdens has demonstrated that families experience significant costs in navigating different institutions. Yet studies have often focused more on the nature of the burdens that result from administrative rules than on the types of obstacles that produce these burdens. Less attention has also been paid to how families navigate multiple institutions simultaneously. Drawing on qualitative research with Congolese refugees resettled in the United States, we conceptualize how errors and mishaps in organizations tangled procedures into institutional knots, or complex blockages. We also show how some knots had a ripple effect as problems in one institution reverberated, leading to new, unrelated problems in different institutions. These institutional knots and subsequent reverberations were costly to resolve and a hindrance to upward mobility.

Judges rules Texas county voting map unconstitutional

lellens — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 01:09:22 -0500

In a major win for Black and Latino residents of Galveston County, Texas, federal judge Jeffrey Brown ruled the county's voting map unconstitutional, as it unfairly discriminated against minorities.

Put in place in 2021 by the county's Republican commissioners, the map eliminated the majority-minority Precinct 3 by splitting the precinct's diverse residents across the other majority-white districts. This effectively diluted the voice and voting powers of Black and Latino voters in the county.

By ruling this map unconstitutional, Brown forces a redistricting of the county and the re-creation of a majority-minority precinct. This map must be redrawn by October 20, 2023, meaning it will be in place before the next election.

Despite dealing with local level politics, this case was closely watched across the country. This is because it was the first case utilizing section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act alongisde the Supreme Court's related ruling in Allen v Milligan. Reactions amoing minority residents in Galveston has been overwhelmingly positive, and voting rights advocates have appluaded Judge Brown's decision as well. The case is seen by many as a blueprint that can used in future cases alledging racial gerrymandering, and it's likely that the case's impact will extend far beyond Galveston County.

Women and youth oust Polish ruling party

lellens — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 22:27:48 -0500

After a brutal campaign and close election last Sunday, Poland's ruling party--the socially conservative PiS--lost their parliamentary majority, ushering in an opporunity for the opposition parties to form a center-left coalition.

This election saw record-breaking turnout, with 74% of registered voters casting their ballot. Queues on election day were long, with some voters waiting over 6 hours to turn in their ballot. The huge turnout was largely precipitated by robust social media campaigns and calls from celebrities to go out and vote. This was particularly true among young people, as voters under age 29 increased their voting rate by 20% compared to last election.

These young voters voted overwhelmingly for change. The opposition parties marketed this election as a last chance to save the country's democracy, and young voters took this message to heart. During their years in power, PiS limited access to abortion and regularly sparred with the EU over issues such as migration, LGBTQ rights, and other controversial topics. The leader of the opposition, Donald Tusk, has promised to change much of this, a message that resonated with many of Poland's young voters and women.

Though the road to reform may be long, young voters expressed hope and joy with the election results, some of them almost crying in happiness. For many, it was the first time they felt their vote mattered, and most felt optimistic about their country's future.

UN chief ‘horrified’ by strike on Gaza hospital, as warring sides blame each other

Shayn McHugh — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:27:21 -0500

Both sides are blaming each other. The Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled enclave blames the Israeli military for an airstrike which hit al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.

The Israeli Defense Forces tweeted that according to their intelligence information, rockets fired by Islamic Jihad militants towards Israel were responsible, having deviated off course.

Mr. Guterres stressed in his message on X that hospitals and all medical personnel are protected under international law.

He condemned the strike and an attack earlier on Tuesday on a school run by the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, which killed at least six people, his spokesperson said in a statement.

The UN human rights chief described the strike on the hospital as "totally unacceptable".

"We don't yet know the full scale of this carnage but what is clear is that the violence and killings must stop at once," said High Commissioner Volker Türk in a statement.

Displaced civilians were reportedly seeking shelter at the hospital, following Israel’s order to evacuate to the south in advance of what is expected to be a ground assault.

“WHO strongly condemns the attack,” agency chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

“We call for the immediate protection of civilians and healthcare, and for the evacuation orders to be reversed,” he added.

Human rights chief Türk said hospitals are sacrosanct and must be protected at all cost, adding that "those found responsible must be held to account.”

On Tuesday night in New York, the United Arab Emirates said they along with Russia have called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Palestine, including the strike on the hospital in Gaza City.

Evacuation order 'impossible to carry out'

Al-Ahli Arab Hospital was operational, with patients, health and caregivers, and internally displaced people sheltering there, WHO said in a statement.

It was one of 20 hospitals in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military.

"The order for evacuation has been impossible to carry out given the current insecurity, critical condition of many patients, and lack of ambulances, staff, health system bed capacity, and alternative shelter for those displaced," WHO said.

The UN agency appealed for the immediate active protection of civilians and healthcare. "Evacuation orders must be reversed. International humanitarian law must be abided by, which means health care must be actively protected and never targeted."

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) also took to social media to condemn the strike.

"Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must cease, and healthcare facilities must never be a target," the UN's reproductive and sexual health agency posted on X.

Healthcare in the crosshairs

During a virtual press conference held later on Tuesday, senior officials underlined WHO’s condemnation over the strike on the hospital.

There have been over 115 attacks on healthcare across the Occupied Palestinian Territory since the start of the conflict on 7 October, sparked by Hamas’s bloody incursion into southern Israel.

Of this number, 51 occurred in the Gaza Strip, with 15 healthcare workers killed and 27 injured, said Hyo-Jeong Kim, Lead of WHO’s Attacks on Health Care Initiative. The remaining incidents took place in the West Bank.

Not even hospitals are safe

Gaza has a population of more than two million and the crisis has displaced some 600,000 people. Many have sought safety in hospitals which are already overwhelmed with rising casualties and deaths, and as fuel and medical supplies dwindle.

Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, highlighted the dilemma facing people on the run.

“They go to these hospitals because they expect they are safe places. Now, even a hospital is not a safe place anymore, what is?” he wondered.

Running on empty

Food, water and critical medicines and health supplies are running out in Gaza. Out of 35 hospitals there, four are not functioning due to severe damage and targeting, he said. Additionally, only eight of the 22 UNRWA primary healthcare centres were partially functional.

Dr. Peeperkorn reported that all hospitals, especially the largest ones, are running short on essential supplies and medicines, including for treating non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. Blood banks only have a week of supply left.

“Besides the whole essential medicines, we also have to think about simple things - cleaning materials, hygiene materials - to avoid infections,” he added. “Already now in the hospitals, in the key hospitals, they see a lot of infections, infected patients, because of that.”

Aid at the border

Meanwhile, trucks carrying lifesaving aid remain lined up at the Rafah crossing, the sole border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Dr Richard Brennan, Regional Emergency Director for WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean, described the situation as “extremely frustrating”.

“There are a lot of different dynamics going on, we understand. There is a lot of, frankly, finger-pointing on this, and we also know that there's a lot of diplomacy,” he said.

“Senior UN officials are arriving tonight in Cairo and tomorrow, and I hope that they will be able to negotiate with all the relevant parties to get the opening going as soon as possible.”

Stop the violence

A journalist asked if aid could be airlifted into Gaza, but that option was ruled out by Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO Director of Emergencies and a veteran of Ebola, polio and, most recently, COVID-19 response.

He explained that the volume of aid that can be airdropped is so much lower than what can be delivered overland, particularly as some two million people in Gaza are in need.

Dr. Ryan said the Rafah crossing is the simplest, safest and most effective way to get aid into Gaza.

“And it’s not just the Rafah crossing: it’s what happens on the far side of that crossing,” he added, highlighting the need for safe access to hospitals and people.

“It's not just an issue of opening or closing the gate at the border. It's going to require very, very high-level diplomacy between multiple countries," he said.

"The violence has to stop, the bombing has to stop, and we have got to get assistance to the people of Gaza. And that needs to happen now, that needs to happen tonight, that needs to happen tomorrow morning. This cannot wait. It simply cannot wait.”

U.N. Withdrawal Leads to Increased Violence in Mali

judelowe — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:43:33 -0500

Islamist militants in Mali began a blockade of Timbuktu by cutting road access in August and then shut off river and air routes in an offensive that has put the city once again on the frontline of a jihadist insurgency.

The bombing began soon after. On Sept. 21, witnesses said rockets hit a hospital, killing two children, and landed near a school where survivors of a passenger boat attack that killed more than 100 people were sheltering.

"Our worry is the shelling," businessman Sory Touré said in Timbuktu, which was occupied by jihadists a decade ago. "It creates a real psychosis and leaves a lasting impression. I have this fear within me."

Since the United Nations began winding down its peacekeeping mission in July, al Qaeda affiliated militants launched an offensive in central Mali, fighting has resumed between the army and Tuareg rebels from the north and, in the east, Islamic State-allied insurgents have continued to carry out attacks.

Mali, run by a junta that has spurned the support of U.N. and French forces, is in meltdown and the violence risks adding to instability across West Africa's Sahel, a region already reeling from military coups in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Experts compare Mali's situation now to its position in 2012 when another Tuareg rebellion was overtaken by jihadists who captured Timbuktu and pressed south towards the capital Bamako.

"This conflict is escalating fast," said Ulf Laessing, the Bamako-based head of the Sahel programme at the Konrad Adenauer foundation. "There is a risk of civil war."

Back in 2012, French forces and the U.N. intervened to halt the advance in Mali. But there will be no such intervention now.

Mali's military rulers, who consolidated power over two coups in 2020 and 2021, severed ties with former colonial power France and kicked out its troops. In June, it ordered the 13,000-strong force deployed by the United Nations to leave.

Russia's Wagner Group, which has sent 1,000 mercenaries to support the junta, has failed to fill the gap and is accused of attacks against civilians.

More than 650 people have died in conflict in Mali in the two months after the U.N. began pulling out, a more than 40% rise over the previous two months, U.S.-based group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project said.

Mali's authorities did not respond to specific requests for comment for this article. The army said in a statement on Monday that September had been a "turbulent" month but it would continue to fight its enemies to protect the nation and its people.

TOO FEW TROOPS

In 2013, French forces beat back Islamists. But they regrouped and waged a new campaign that has killed thousands and displaced millions in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, a band of countries on the edge of the Sahara. Insurgents also have a foothold in West African coastal states, including Benin, Togo and Ivory Coast.

Insecurity has spawned coups whose leaders have jilted regional and Western states. France said last week it would pull out troops from Niger. Domestic armies are struggling alone.

In Mali, fighting began in August between the army and an ethnic Tuareg group called the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) around a base vacated by the U.N. Since then, CMA has attacked other Malian army bases, some hundreds of miles apart.

The group laid down arms in 2015 under a U.N.-brokered deal but says the army has encroached on its territory and says these are "times of war". The army calls CMA fighters "terrorists".

Al Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) raided other military camps, attacked an airport, fired on passenger boats and launched its blockade of Timbuktu.

"The problem is Mali has too few troops and too little mobility," said Michael Shurkin, director of global programs at 14 North Strategies consultancy. "JNIM and CMA have freedom of movement over the entire area."

There is no evidence the groups coordinate, security experts said. But they have other ties. JNIM's leader Iyad Ag-Ghali is a former Tuareg rebel.

"They have each other's phone numbers. That doesn't mean they are in lock step, but they can communicate," Shurkin said.

A man walks toward Sankore mosque, also known as the former University of Sankore, in Timbuktu, Mali September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

BAD TO WORSE

Timbuktu, a centuries-old centre of Islamic learning, is now under siege. Food and other supplies are blocked, driving up prices for essentials. Traders in the city say sugar is up 25%, while charcoal for cooking, potatoes and onions are up 30%.

Residents wary of falling rockets avoid markets and a nightly curfew empties the streets.

"Things are going from bad to worse," said market trader Mohamed Massaya. "Our business has stopped working. We are making do with our old stocks."

Hundreds of survivors were brought to the city after a JNIM attack on Sept. 7 on the "Timbuktu", a boat carrying soldiers and residents from Gao. Ferry services stopped after that.

Salaha Maiga, a member of Mali's National Transitional Council, the junta's equivalent of a national assembly, told Reuters that 111 people were killed in the attack. Authorities originally said 64 died.

Survivors are struggling in the aftermath.

"We cannot describe the horror," said Aicha Sababou, who was on the boat. "Seeing dozens of people die and burying them together is scary. We are happy to rejoin our families even if there are still wounds we need to heal."

Mediation/Concilliation Mechanisms in Türkiye

cancelik — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 03:22:50 -0500

Türkiye has been doing their part and more to set up a more bright and sustainable future for the next generations not only in Türkiye but also in the world in alignment with SDGs. One of the goal of the SDGs is goal 16 which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Goal 16 is divided into 12 sub-goals. This article focuses on the 16.3 target which is to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all in terms of analyzing the files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms that ended by conciliation/agreement.

The proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %49.4(2017), %50.2(2018), %52.7(2019), %51.8(2020), %49.2(2021), %47.7(2022). In addition, diving into the data on a regional basis is considered the same proportion as a whole country. In terms of Akdeniz Region, The proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %49.6(2017), %49.3(2018), %52.3(2019), %52.4(2020), %49.9(2021), %46.7(2022). In terms of Ege Region, the proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %49.8(2017), %52.8(2018), %53.9(2019), %53.4(2020), %51.5(2021), %48.9(2022). In terms of Doğu Anadolu Region, the proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %60.3(2017), %62.5(2018), %61.2(2019), %59.3(2020), %55.3(2021), %54.2(2022). In terms of İç Anadolu Region, the proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %49.4(2017), %50.1(2018), %53.1(2019), %51.3(2020), %47.9(2021), %47.8(2022). In terms of Güneydoğu Anadolu Region, the proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %57.9(2017), %57(2018), %57.9(2019), %59.1(2020), %55.8(2021), %52.3(2022). In terms of Karadeniz Region, the proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %54.3(2017), %54.4(2018), %55.9(2019), %54.2(2020), %51.6(2021), %50.4(2022). In terms of Marmara Region, the proportion of files involved in mediation/conciliation mechanisms ended by conciliation between 2017 and 2022 is in sequence %43.7(2017), %44.6(2018), %48.5(2019), %47.5(2020), %45.4(2021), %44.6(2022). This indicator complements the other indicators of 16.3 which focus on rates of pretrial detention and reporting of victimization and thereby provides a more holistic picture of people’s ability to access justice mechanisms across a wide range of disputes.

The data indicates some advantages. First, It is people-centred, as it measures the experience of justiciable problems from the perspective of those who face them. Second, it provides a broad assessment of people’s approach to address problems they face, both inside and outside of formal institutions or mechanisms. Third, it focuses on experience of accessing justice mechanisms or institutions when in need. Then, it is well suited to monitor public policies aimed at improving the functioning of formal or informal dispute resolution mechanisms and to those aimed at empowering the population.

To sum up, the data shows that the proportion of files ended by mediation/conciliation stays at the same level. It indicates that Türkiye has to make progress to develop itself to meet GOAL 16.3.3 of SDGs. It needs the amendment which shall be a tendency to be involved a range of different law sub-heads from motivation for people to end their case by mediation/conciliation. On the other hand, the percentage of ending by mediation/conciliation shall be considered encouraging at all.

Where Are the Women?

apapp — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 18:53:46 -0500

When Middle Eastern women are denied abortion, education, divorce, or driver’s licenses, women’s humanitarian organizations are on the front lines. Now that hundreds of Israeli women are being raped, tortured, publicly humiliated, and murdered by Hamas terrorists, the same humanitarian voices are silent.

United Nations Women, the U.N.’s entity for “women’s empowerment” last issued a press release on October 5. It was about providing women with technical climate-resilient farming skills. Women for Women International, a nonprofit that gives support to female survivors of war, has not released a statement on the terrorist attacks in Israel. The organization’s last post was a Maya Angelou stock quote: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” Same with the Global Fund for Women — its last post was on October 6, about “LGBTQI-led groups, organizations, or networks in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal or Togo.” The Association for Women’s Rights in Development, Equality Fund (formerly the MATCH International Women’s Fund), Plan International, and the Women’s Refugee Commission have all been silent on Hamas’s terrorist attacks.

Organizations that acknowledge Hamas’s crimes against Israeli women do so half-heartedly. Equality Now commented vaguely on the “Israel-Hamas conflict” today:

As we witness the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we condemn any use of sexual and gender based violence as a weapon of war, which is a grave violation of international human rights. All perpetrators must be held to account within the context of the rule of law.

The specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and children on all sides should be prioritized.

We highlight the importance of working towards lasting and sustainable peace through reinvigorated efforts via the Middle East Peace Process. This should be done in accordance with international law, with women involved at every stage.

Israeli women are fighting for their right to protect their children, protect their bodies, and sustain their lives. Women of the world who claim to care about global humanitarianism are watching terrorists burn Israeli girls alive, rip babies from mother’s hands, shoot children in front of their parents, rape women in the streets, and parade naked female bodies around Gaza — and they somehow can’t muster a word.

Credits: HALEY STRACK, is a William F. Buckley Fellow in Political Journalism and a recent graduate of Hillsdale College.

Highlighting Hamas’ Recent Attack on Israel - Rise in Conflict Victims, Racism, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Worldwide

madalynbruhl — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:13:32 -0500

One quarter of humanity lives in places affected by conflict, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and, now again, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a United Nations human rights official told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, highlighting that the number of civilians killed in war operations worldwide rose by 50 per cent in 2022.

Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed deep shock over the horrific attacks launched by Palestinian armed groups on Saturday and the ensuing full-blown conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “Civilians on both sides bear an intolerable brunt,” he said, urgently calling on all parties to pull back from total warfare and the vicious cycle of vengeance and its disastrous and possibly irreparable long-term effects on peace and security across the region and beyond.

He then painted a grim picture of the staggering number of civilian casualties in conflicts worldwide, the rise of racism and gender-based discrimination – notably against women and girls - as well as the surge in hate speech, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Additionally, abject poverty and skyrocketing inequalities constitute tragic failures of the world’s commitment to human rights. This sobering landscape of ills is further aggravated by harsh restrictions of the civic space which undercut institutions of justice and media freedoms, and by ungoverned digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weaponry.

Spotlighting his Office’s work in addressing human rights violations, he drew attention to the situation in Afghanistan: in light of pervasive human rights violations in that country, it is essential to sustain support for the UN's human rights presence. Similarly, in Colombia, the High Commissioner’s office has played a key role in the peace process. However, the Office needs a level of core financing to implement all mandated activities, he emphasized.

The central focus of the broad human rights dialogue that followed was the resurgence of violence in the Middle East.

“How many murdered Jews does it take for you to support Israel’s right to self-defence?” asked Israel’s delegate, noting that the High Commissioner’s role is not one of a “bystander expressing his emotions” and the Human Rights Council has “lost its moral compass”.

The observer for the State of Palestine, stressing that over 850 Palestinians have already been killed, said: “[Israel] is telling you that killing more Palestinians, including children, is the answer.” Israel’s war minister has ordered a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, he said, calling on States to reject such collective punishment.

The representative of the United States condemned the unjustified attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, supporting the country’s right to self-defence. Echoing his stance, Canada’s delegate underscored that support for Palestinian self-determination or empathy for Palestinians must not obscure the fact that Hamas is an anti-Semitic terrorist group that wants “to wipe Israel off the map”.

Syria’s delegate, meanwhile, said that many Western countries “are shocked with what is happening lately”. However, he added that “we are shocked that none of them were shocked by all the atrocities and killings […] committed by the occupation authorities against the Palestinian people for the last 75 years”, noting that “the last day of occupation is the first day of peace”.

On another note, delegates shed light on specific human rights situations in their respective countries, with Myanmar’s delegate emphasizing that “every moment that the international community sits idly and watches, the suffering of the Myanmar people continues”.

Adding to that, the representative of Bangladesh elaborated on the protracted presence of Rohingya refugees in her country, noting that no Human Rights Council mechanism has managed to engage with Myanmar or even visit the Rakhine State. The United Nations might need to recalibrate its strategies vis-à-vis Myanmar, she added.

For his part, Afghanistan’s delegate spotlighted systematic violations of women and girls’ rights by the Taliban, the arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings of former security forces and systematic collective punishment of minorities, including the Hazara communities.

Turning to unilateral coercive measures, Iran’s delegate expressed dismay that the High Commissioner’s report did not devote any consideration to their impact on human rights. Along similar lines, Venezuela’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, stressed that the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights must carry out its work in a non-politicized, non-selective manner and voiced concern over the effects of unilateral coercive measures on the guarantee of universal health coverage.

Interactive Dialogue - High Commissioner for Human Rights

In the morning, the Committee elaborated on the theme “Promotion and protection of human rights”, with an interactive dialogue featuring a presentation by Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Mr. TÜRK expressed deep shock over the horrific attacks launched by Palestinian armed groups on Saturday and the ensuing full-blown conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Civilians on both sides bear an intolerable brunt, he said, urgently appealing to all parties to pull back from total warfare and the vicious cycles of vengeance, which decades of experience have shown will have disastrous and possibly irreparable long-term effects on peace and security for everyone - in Israel, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, across the region and beyond. Presenting his report (document A/78/36), he said human rights measures are the only way to make development inclusive, participatory and sustainable; the only way to shape laws that are just and to ensure accountability, promote reconciliation and a path away from conflict.

However, he continued, one quarter of humanity lives in places affected by conflict – places such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and now again, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Last year, the number of civilians killed in war operations worldwide rose by over 50 per cent – the first increase since the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) began compiling this data, in 2015. Racism and gender-based discrimination – notably against women and girls – are also rising, with concerted pushbacks against the important progress made in recent decades. Social media platforms, when unchecked, have also become delivery systems for vicious hate speech against women and girls, people of African descent, LGBTIQ+ people and many other minority groups. He voiced particular concern about the rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

Moreover, abject poverty and skyrocketing inequalities constitute tragic failures of the world’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and human rights, he stressed, pointing to harsh restrictions on civic space, which have undercut institutions of justice, media freedoms, and the space for fundamental freedoms. Ungoverned digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous weaponry and surveillance techniques, profoundly threaten human rights. All these trends compound the accelerating menace of the triple planetary crisis – “the defining human rights threat of our generation”. “What can be done to repair this sobering landscape of ills?” he asked, describing the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as “a lighthouse of stability” whose values “connect all of humanity”.

“Our work to monitor and address human rights violations is crucial to the establishment and maintenance of peaceful, secure societies,” he said, spotlighting the situation in Afghanistan, the dismantling of national human rights bodies, and pervasive violations – including unprecedented discrimination against women – which make it crucial to sustain support for the UN's human rights presence. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) provides the country's only independent monitoring and has been granted formal access to prisons in numerous provinces. In Colombia, human rights work has been essential in the peace process; the High Commissioner’s office has served as a key bridge between all actors, and as an advocate for transitional justice and the rights of victims, Indigenous Peoples and civil society – especially women and girls.

He further outlined his Office’s efforts to foster economies that are grounded in human rights, underscoring the need for meaningful civic participation in decision-making – particularly for women, and others who have long been side-lined. The human rights economy can address root causes of inequalities and grievances; ensure greater trust in government, and target policies more effectively to areas of need. Globally, human rights guardrails are also sorely needed for international financial and development institutions, so that Governments are not forced to undercut their investments in human rights to repay foreign debt. In this context, the Declaration on the Right to Development promises an international order that can better fulfil human rights: It is time to act on it," he asserted. For the Office to deliver on its mandate, it needs a level of core financing that guarantees the capacity to implement all mandated activities, he said, noting that, in 2023, it appears likely that it will receive only 60 per cent of the extra-budgetary funding it has requested.

In the ensuing interactive dialogue, delegates expressed grave concern and condemnation of renewed conflict in Israel as well as support for the OHCHR’s work and its required funding, while others underscored the importance of adhering to the principles of non-selectivity and neutrality in carrying out the Office’s mandate.

The representative of Venezuela, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, voiced concern over the effects of unilateral coercive measures on the guarantee of universal health coverage, specifically on timely vaccine delivery and efforts to fight against tuberculosis and other endemic diseases. Worse, the topic remained unaddressed at the recent high-level meeting on public health, he stressed, inviting the High Commissioner to comment on the situation. He underscored the importance of the OHCHR carrying out its work in a non-politicized, non-selective manner.

The representative of the United States condemned the attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, noting that Israel has a right to defend itself. Calling the attack unjustified, he said that such attacks prevent the fulfillment of human rights. Either there is the path of dialogue and conflict resolution or the path of terrorism, he said, noting that Hamas destroys lives, including Palestinian lives. Further, the United States is concerned about countries such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Afghanistan as well as the violations of human rights in Ukraine by the Russian Federation. He voiced further concern over the human rights in China of the Uyghur population.

The representative of Mexico underscored his country’s openness to international scrutiny as well as to integrate the recommendations of the treaty body system. The anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to human rights, essential for the work of the UN, he said. He asked what the main challenges to full implementation of the Universal Declaration as well as other human rights instruments are.

The representative of Colombia said that human rights work has been integral to achieve peace in her country, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation with Mr. Türk’s office and the openness with which the country received his recommendations. For the first time, the country will be a candidate to the Human Rights Council, she said, adding that Columbia has proposed to host the Third International Conference on Human Rights, calling for the international community’s Support.

The representative of Canada condemned Hamas’ multifront terror attack against Israelis citizens. Support for Palestinian self-determination or empathy for Palestinians must not obscure the fact that Hamas is an anti-Semitic terrorist group that wants to wipe Israel off the map, he said. The litany of intensifying abuses should concern all States, he added. The independence and integrity of the Commissioner’s office are important, he said, expressing Canada’s support. He asked what has surprised Mr. Türk in his work that the international community can appreciate and also what difficulties the Commissioner has encountered in his work.

The representative of Pakistan highlighted the Human Rights 75 Initiative of the OHCHR, noting that it should end double standards and selectivity in UN work. He also pointed to India’s illegal occupation of Jumma and Kashmir, lamenting international community’s failure to hold India accountable, which erodes credibility in the High Commissioner’s Office. He then asked about the next report to be released on the subject. Further, the prevalence of Islamophobia such as Qur’an burning is concerning, given that it is outlawed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. He urged the High Commissioner to regularly report on Islamophobia.

The representative of France, aligning with the European Union, underscored the important role the OHCHR and the treaty body system play in monitoring human rights situations and issuing recommendations leading to reform. The OHCHR can only fulfil its mandate if it has the necessary resources, however. To that end, France has doubled its contribution to the Office, which now totals more than 10 million euros, she said, noting that the Office could count on France’s commitment during budget negotiations. A candidate for the Human Rights Council, France will continue its action against the death penalty and discrimination, defending the rights of LGBTQ people and human rights defenders, she said.

The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, echoed France’s delegate in his call for adequate resources for the Office, condemning any attempt to weaken its work, including reprisals, and called on all countries to protect human rights defenders. She asked Mr. Türk to provide an example of when the realization of one human right led to the realization of others.

The representative of Malaysia said that human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. It is imperative that the international community treat them in a fair manner, he continued, stressing that civil and political rights are prioritized, while social and economic rights are not given due attention. He underscored the importance of the universal periodic review mechanism, noting that Malaysia will welcome the Office’s feedback to improve its national human rights framework. He asked what the Office can do to address gaps in funding in programmes of economic, social and cultural rights, including in the capacity-building of Member States.

The representative of Rwanda, speaking on behalf of the Countries of Central Africa, noted that, at the request of his bloc, the Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa was established in 2001. General Assembly resolution A/RES/76/171 asked the Centre to step up its activities in social and cultural rights, but the bloc is concerned about the limited capacity to carry out its mandate due to an increased demand as well as lack of funding. Resolutions over the past six years have asked the High Comissioner’s Office to provide more resources to the Centre, she noted, asking by how much the Centre’s budget will be increased and what budgetary space can be explored within the Office’s existing budget.

The representative of the United Kingdom highlighted the tragic events in Israel, condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens and called for an end to such attacks. Hamas’ indiscriminate use of violence is horrific and taking more than 100 hostages is heinous. The United Kingdom stands by Israel’s right to self-defense, noting that Hamas does not represent the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and that their acts have resulted in the deaths of 687 Palestinians in Gaza, adding to their suffering. He asked how the international community can best support a de-escalation of hostilities.

The representative of Belarus, aligning with the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, said that human rights problems indeed require comprehensive solutions and international cooperation, but the practical work of the OHCHR often does the opposite, creating a breakdown in trust. He called for total compliance with the principles of constructiveness, transparency, non-selectivity, impartiality and a lack of bias in the Office. A short report cannot provide a full picture of events. He asked what the request for “political support” in the budget of the office meant, as it seemed “dubious”.

The representative of Iraq, recalling that his country has sought to implement the OHCHR’s recommendations to improve its legislative framework relating to human rights, reiterated that the High Commissioner and all treaty bodies have an open invitation to visit his country. He then asked the High Commissioner to evaluate his last visit to Iraq in August.

The representative of Iran expressed dismay that the High Commissioner’s report did not devote any consideration to the impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights. He also encouraged OHCHR to prioritize discrimination against Muslims and Islamophobia. Spotlighting that 2024 will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, he asked the High Commissioner to elaborate on OHCHR’s activities regarding the protection of the family.

The representative of Italy, reiterating her commitment against the death penalty, pointed to the increase of international support – from 104 to 125 Member States - for the first General Assembly resolution on the universal moratorium presented by her country in 2007. She further asked how States can strengthen cross-regional dialogue and enhance civil society’s involvement on this topic.

The representative of Armenia asked how the OHCHR will address the violations of the right to life and the use of torture - prohibited in international and humanitarian law - committed by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The representative of Israel, addressing the High Commissioner, asked: “How many murdered Jews does it take for you to support Israel’s right to self-defence?” Emphasizing that the High Commissioner’s role is not to be a “bystander expressing his emotions”, he stressed: “We need you to take action.” He further questioned: “How do you expect Israel to ensure that these genocidal jihadists never commit these atrocities again? Should we invite them to our living room for a civilized chat?” Emphasizing that the Human Rights Council has “lost its moral compass”, he said that the world cannot accept a “distorted moral standard” that guarantees that such atrocities will continue. “Israel will obliterate [the] Hamas terror infrastructure,” he asserted.

The representative of China pointed out that people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang live in harmony; the economy and society in Tibet “continue to […] progress”; and the people of Hong-Kong enjoy a wide range of rights and freedoms. “Any lies about China will self-destruct in the face of facts,” he stressed.

The representative of Bangladesh, pointing to the protracted presence of Rohingya refugees in her country, said that no Human Rights Council mechanism has managed to engage with Myanmar or even visit the Rakhine State. Recognizing that “nothing seems to be working”, she asked what can be done to eradicate the suffering of the Rohingya minorities. She also asked whether the United Nations might need to recalibrate its strategies vis-à-vis Myanmar, while also questioning how human rights mechanisms can identify challenges of developing countries.

The representative of Saudi Arabia asked how the OHCHR can assist in dealing with the escalating trends of exclusion, hatred and racism.

The representative of Egypt, turning to the concept of the “human rights economy”, asked about the proposed intersectionality between international financial architecture reforms and the promotion of human rights in relation to foreign debt, including the repatriation of illicit funds to their countries of origin. She also asked how the OHCHR can counter hate speech.

The representative of Myanmar, pointing out that “every moment that the international community sits idly and watches, the suffering of the Myanmar people continues”, urged Member States to ensure that the United Nations does not fail the Myanmar people or leave them alone. He asked what the next step is to save the lives of these people in a timely manner.

The observer for the State of Palestine said that Israel’s war minister has ordered a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, calling on Member States to reject such collective punishment. Spotlighting that over 850 Palestinians have been killed, he stressed: “We regret that some still have difficulties to acknowledge Palestinian victims killed by Israel.” Recalling that Israel has imposed a 17-year blockade, he added: “Now it is telling you that killing more Palestinians, including children, is the answer.” Also noting that his country “could have chosen war” yet it decided to “strive for peace”, he stressed: “We could have found many reasons [during] 75 years of accumulated grievances to absolve ourselves from the rule of international law, [yet] we decided to submit to it.”

The representative of Syria, spotlighting that many Western countries “are shocked with what is happening lately”, stressed: “We are shocked that none of them were shocked by all the atrocities and killings […] committed by the occupation authorities against the Palestinian people for the last 75 years.” Emphasizing that “the last day of occupation is the first day of peace”, he asked the High Representative: “Do you concur?”

The representative of Afghanistan, spotlighting systematic violations of women and girls’ rights by the Taliban, asked the High Commissioner to comment on this issue. He also asked about his views on the arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings of former security forces and systematic collective punishment of minorities, including the Hazara communities.

The representative of India, noting that Pakistan has “again” misused the forum to distract the international community’s attention from “its own” abuse of human rights, pointed to the “largest scale brutality” against a Christian community in Gujranwala in 2023. She also emphasized that the conditions of women belonging to monitories remain deplorable.

Mr. TÜRK responded by underscoring the importance of equality, dignity and justice for all. Expressing dismay and profound shock over the attacks that were perpetrated by the Palestinian armed forces against Israeli citizens, he also recognized the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people. “It is absolutely clear that nothing justifies acts of terror,” he added, calling for the urgent and unconditional release of those who are held hostage. “It is my duty and my responsibility to point out that military operations must be conducted with strict compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” he said, sounding alarm over the impact of the conflict on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. It is essential that a solution is found to the 56-year-long conflict – a way out of this vicious cycle of bloodshed, he emphasized.

He went on to underscore that geopolitical tensions and increased polarization are not going to advance the cause of human rights. Human rights - the force of transformation of societies – “could become collateral damage”, he warned. He highlighted the incredible potential of the OHCHR to make a difference on the ground, working with human rights defenders and civil rights society, as well as contribute to prevention. Instead, the failure to address accountability perpetuates the cycle of war and polarization. On the issue of funding, he said that his Office must prepare 99 reports on a wide range of topics, some of which are not covered from the regular budget.

Turning to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, he said his Office has outlined a clear roadmap on how to address the human rights issue of minorities; however, nothing has happened on that front. In light of systemic gender persecution in Afghanistan, he stressed the need to ensure continued support for UNAMA. He also elaborated, inter alia, on the situation in Armenia and Iraq. Further, he underlined the importance of analysing the impact of unilateral coercive measures - especially when they are sectoral - on the enjoyment of human rights and humanitarian issues. On the death penalty, he spotlighted positive developments in Sub-Saharan Africa. He also noted that the dehumanization of the “other” is the main reason for conflicts.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES IN BELARUS: FORMER MEMBER OF PRESIDENT LUKASHENKA’S ELITE HIT SQUAD BROUGHT BEFORE A SWISS COURT.

madalynbruhl — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:45:59 -0500

(St. Gallen, Paris, Minsk, Geneva, 30 August 2023) – Yuri Harauski, former member of President Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s SOBR unit will stand before a criminal court in St. Gallen, Switzerland on 19-20 September 2023. He is accused of having participated in the enforced disappearances of three major political opponents in 1999. The proceeding follows the criminal claims by relatives of two of the victims and is supported by FIDH, TRIAL International and Viasna, which concurrently filed a criminal complaint. The case is groundbreaking: for the very first time, a Belarusian national stands trial for enforced disappearance on the basis of universal jurisdiction. It is also the first application of the specific provision criminalizing this offense in Switzerland. The trial is scheduled to take place on 19 and 20 September 2023. “With this first ever prosecution of an alleged member of Lukashenka’s hit squad we are sending a strong signal. Justice for international crimes can and will be delivered, regardless of state borders or time elapsed since the crimes have been committed”, said Pavel Sapelko, lawyer of Viasna. “The principle of universal jurisdiction is becoming firmly and crucially entrenched in our judicial systems. Step by step, we are making impunity impossible for international criminals.”

DISAPPEARANCES OF LUKASHENKA’S POLITICAL OPPONENTS Between May and September 1999, in Minsk, several leading figures of the opposition disappeared: Yury Zakharenka, former Minister of Interior; Viktar Hanchar, former Deputy Prime Minister during the early years of Lukashenka’s presidency, and Anatoly Krasouski, a businessman and close friend of Hanchar. The families of the victims made numerous attempts to obtain information on the whereabouts of their relatives. However, law enforcement authorities in Belarus systematically refused to prosecute perpetrators and to hold them accountable.

UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION COUNTERACTS YEARS OF FRUITLESS ATTEMPTS TO OBTAIN JUSTICE “This case marks a decisive step forward in the fight against impunity for the crimes committed in Belarus,” said Severin Walz, the attorney at law representing the victims’ relatives. “My clients’ greatest hope is to obtain certainty about the fate of their fathers through a judgment delivered by a due judicial proceeding.” “This trial will be historic. It further paves the way to universal jurisdiction as a concrete reality,” said Vony Rambolamanana, Senior Legal Advisor at TRIAL International. “This case will set a precedent. The prosecution of such crimes in Switzerland will serve as an example worldwide.” A TURNING POINT FOR BELARUS? In Belarus, political opponents, human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and other ordinary citizens are arrested, detained on political grounds and deprived of their fundamental rights. The recent conviction of Viasna human rights defenders, including 2022 Peace Nobel Prize Laureate Alès Bialiatski, comes in retaliation for 25 years of their human rights work in Belarus. “This could be a watershed moment for international justice for the Belarusian regime’s crimes,” added Ilya Nuzov, head of FIDH’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. “Hurauski’s trial might not only secure a conviction for one of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes; it could also establish facts which could later be used to go after those who had ordered the commission of the crime, including Lukashenka himself.”

Source:

https://trialinternational.org/latest-post/belarus-accountability-for-enforced-disappearances-before-swiss-court/

Genetics Society Issues Apology for Ties to Eugenics and Racism

apapp — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:48:02 -0500

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) apologized last week for the participation of several of its former leaders in the American eugenics movement. As an organization, it said, it failed to consistently acknowledge and oppose the unjust ways human genetics has been used to feed racism and systemic discrimination.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Sarah Tishkoff, a geneticist at the University of Pennsylvania and member of an expert panel that helped guide an accompanying report, tells Rodrigo Pérez Ortega of Science. “And much needed.”

The field of genetics has historically been misused to justify pre-existing prejudices. The early American eugenics movement, which believed that so-called “undesirable” traits were determined by genes, formed the basis for genocide in Nazi Germany. During the 1960s and 1970s, discriminatory policies in the United States targeted Black people based on sickle cell disease, which does not solely affect people with African ancestry. Eugenicists created a pseudoscientific footing for racism, classism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, ableism and sexism that began in the late 1800s and still has an impact today.

With its statement, ASHG released a new report detailing its connections to such injustices during its 75-year history. The report was the result of a self-investigation launched by the society in the wake of the racial justice movement following the murder of George Floyd by police in 2020. An outside contractor and a 13-member board of experts helped create the report, titled “Facing Our History—Building an Equitable Future.”

While ASHG did not directly support the eugenics movement, nine of its early leaders had leadership positions within the American Eugenics Society—and three of them held these roles during their time as ASHG president, per the report. Additionally, multiple ASHG presidents in the 1950s supported both voluntary and forced sterilizations of people who were seen as genetically “unfit,” including people with disabilities. It wouldn’t be until the 1990s that ASHG took a public stance against the eugenics movement.

“The report and its findings are painful and document a history that must be told and taught so we can prevent its resurgence,” says Brendan Lee, a geneticist at the Baylor College of Medicine and ASHG’s president, in the statement.

Some traits that eugenicists believed “could be eliminated from the population by manipulating genetic inheritance” have no actual biological basis, such as race, per the report. But similar beliefs about race persist today, despite scientific consensus otherwise, Charles Rotimi, former ASHG president and scientific director in the inherited disease branch of the National Institutes of Health, tells the Washington Post’s Sydney Trent.

“I call it genetic innuendo,” Rotimi tells the publication. “It is the feeling that these racial categories have some genetic way of defining them, which has never been true.”

In addition to its apology, ASHG announced new commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Immediately, it will suspend the use of individual names for its professional awards until they are reviewed for ties to eugenics or other discrimination. Previously, the highest annual award of the society was named after William Allan, a known eugenicist who supported sterilizations.

The organization will also continue to promote diversity in its leadership and the field more broadly. A recent survey found the workforce of genetics and genomics is 67 percent white. ASHG also plans to advocate for more diversity in genetics research, since currently 78 percent of the field’s global research participants are of European descent, per the report.

Erik Peterson, a historian of science at the University of Alabama, tells Science that the report is “a great first step,” but he hopes ASHG will also continue its commitment—for example, by advocating for universities to include the history of human genetics and eugenics in genetics programs across the country.

Lee tells the Post that the apology and report are just the beginning of the work ASHG plans to do. “I think we all recognize that it’s not something that’s ‘one and done’ at all,” he says. “I think that it’s [about] a continuous engagement, and hopefully the trust will be built up over a period of time.”

Credits: Teresa Nowakowski | | READ MORE

Teresa Nowakowski is a print and multimedia journalist based in Chicago. They cover history, arts and culture, science, travel, food and other topics.

A bill proposing defunding the United Nations

Claudia — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:35:12 -0500

The Appropriations process is well underway, with the Biden Administration submitting its budget request for FY’24 and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees releasing their proposals. For the first time in history, the House bill recommends eliminating funding for the UN regular budget, which would force the U.S. to lose its vote in the UN General Assembly. The House bill also slashes, eliminates, or prohibits contributions to critical partners like the World Health Organization, the UN Development Program, UNESCO, UNRWA, the Green Climate Fund, UN Women, UNFPA, and more.

The United States also provides voluntary contributions to U.N. entities through other SFOPS accounts. Congress generally appropriates overall funding to each of these accounts, while the executive branch determines how funds are allocated based on policy priorities and issue-specific needs.

For example, according to USAID, the United States contributed more than $7.4 billion to U.N. entities through global humanitarian accounts in FY2022, including Migration and Refugee Assistance, International Disaster Assistance, and Food for Peace, Title II (P.L. 480). Such funding supported entities such as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and World Food Program. U.S. funding is also provided through accounts supporting global health, security, and development objectives, including the Economic Support Fund and Global Health Programs accounts.

In recent years, U.S. assessments for the UN regular budget, peacekeeping operations, and specialized agencies have amounted to approximately $3 billion annually, equivalent to around 0.06% of the total federal budget.

At the same time. U.S. Companies Receive Nearly $2.4 Billion in UN Contracts.

The Better World Campaign have pulled the data on the top 10 states for UN contracts and the top states for growth in UN contracts between 2021 and 2022.

Florida falls in the top 10 states for UN contracts with $39 million awarded.

For more specifics about your state, please see this link.

Students, future voters, and activists have also expressed their appreciation and concern to our US Representative, reflecting the aspiration of millions of US Citizens, sending letters and calling their Congressmen and Congresswomen.

Tell Congress to Invest in the UN in FY’24

Click here to understand how US funds are used by the United Nations.

Human Rights Day from a Guatemalan activist

Claudia — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 16:35:24 -0500

Today is the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Angela Lucrecia Chiquin Chitay, a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and IOM - UN Migration award-winning filmmaker from Guatemala fighting for Women's Rights. Angela recently joined Mentee, a nonprofit organization offering global mentorship and knowledge sharing to those marginalized around the world. Listen to her message echoing around the world.