European Parliament to discuss the resumption of hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh TheEuropeanTimes INFO
During the election of vice-presidents for the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EUROLAT), the Left was blocked from reclaiming the 2nd Vice-Chair position through a maneuver by right-wing groups. The far-right “Patriots for Europe” nominated their own candidate, while the center-right EPP also put forward a contender. In the second round of voting, the Left’s nominee, João Oliveira, was ultimately defeated.
“The maneuver that blocked our group from reclaiming the 2nd Vice-Chair position in EUROLAT will not stop those of us who denounce the EU’s policies of interference in Latin America,” said Left MEP João Oliveira (PCP, Portugal).
The co-chairs of the Left, Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) and Martin Schirdewan (DIE LINKE, Germany), added: “The European Parliament’s right-wing has violated the political balance to block us from positions we rightfully hold. The only Cordon Sanitaire should apply to the far-right, who undermine democracy. This is a clear attempt to marginalize voices that denounce the EU’s complicity in violent, destabilizing actions by far-right forces. We will continue to fight against the neoliberal and militaristic agenda increasingly pushed by the EU.”
Two Russian tankers “Nikolay Velikiy” and “Nikolay Gamayunov” were refueling ships leaving the ports of Varna and Burgas on the border of Bulgaria’s 24-mile contiguous zone in the Black Sea. Risky offshore fueling was probably motivated by dumping prices, which were achieved after taxes and excise duties were not charged on the fuel sold.
This was shown on several reports of companies working in the field of ship agency. A large part of them work as intermediaries for the only company in the country that trades in marine fuel – “Lukoil – Bulgaria Bunker” EOOD.
Illustration: The ship “Nikolay Velikiy (the Great)” on September 16, 2024 in position near Cape Shabla (Screenshot from the Vessel Finder system).
Greece’s Princess Theodora celebrated her long-awaited wedding to American lawyer Matthew Kumar, marking an important event almost six years in the making.
On September 28, Theodora, daughter of the late King Constantine and Queen Anna-Maria, married her American fiancé in a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony in Athens, Greece. Theodora, 41, announced her engagement to the Los Angeles lawyer in November 2018. Their wedding was postponed twice – first in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and again after the death of Theodora’s father in January 2023 on 82 years old.
The couple exchanged vows at the capital’s Cathedral of the Annunciation – the same church where Theodora’s parents were married on September 18, 1964. King Constantine and Queen Anna-Maria share nearly 60 years of marriage and five children – Princess Alexia, Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Nikolaos, Princess Theodora and Prince Philippos – before the King’s death.
Theodora and Matthew, 34, were married by His Eminence Dorotheos II, Metropolitan of Syros, with several family members in attendance, the official statement said.
The bride’s brothers, Crown Prince Pavlos, 57, and Prince Philippos, 38, were chosen as best men, as was the second son of Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Maria-Canthal, Prince Achilles-Andreas. At the same time, Pavlos and Maria-Chantal’s daughter, Princess Maria-Olympia, and Princess Alexia’s eldest daughter, Arietta Morales de Grecia, were asked to be bridesmaids.
Princess Theodora and Matthew’s engagement announcement gives insight into their decision to marry in Athens.
“The couple’s desire to hold their wedding in Athens reflects their love for Greece, the strong ties they have with the country, and their desire to share Greek culture and hospitality and identity with their guests,” the statement said.
Princess Theodora and Matthew had a busy week leading up to their wedding. Theodora, Matthew and her mother Queen Anna-Maria had an audience with the Archbishop of Athens on September 24, reported Hello! On September 27, they also went out to the place of their wedding – the Metropolitan Cathedral.
That evening, the bride and groom hosted a pre-wedding event at the Byzantine Museum, according to Hello!
Princess Theodora’s late father – Constantine – was the last king of Greece before the monarchy was abolished in 1973, although his descendants still represent the country as princes and princesses.
Theodora posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram after her wedding to Matthew was first called off, along with a close-up shot of the pair holding what looked like champagne glasses.
Source: People
Illustrative Photo by Bert Christiaens: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-and-white-flag-on-the-wall-6282766/
White (polar) bears separated from their brown relatives only 70,000 years ago – relatively recently by evolutionary standards, according to a Danish study.
A team of molecular ecologists from the University of Copenhagen has found that it was at this time that polar bears developed unique characteristics that allowed them to survive in a harsh and frosty environment.
In their study, published in the journal BMC Genomics, the team analyzed the genomes of polar bears, brown bears and a pair of fossilized polar bears. The researchers’ goal was to learn more about the timeline associated with the development of traits such as white fur and the ability to survive a high-cholesterol diet.
Previous research has shown that polar bears are closely related to brown bears, but until now it was not known when the two species diverged. With this study, the team from Denmark set themselves the task of finding the answer.
Some of the main differences between brown bears and polar bears are the color of their fur, but also the types of fur. Brown bears have one layer of fur and white bears two, which helps them keep warm and dry.
Polar bears have also developed the ability to eat fattier meat without it harming them. If brown bears were fed this way, they would develop cardiovascular disease and die young.
To learn more about when the two species diverged, the team analyzed the genomes of the two bear species, particularly genes related to fur type and color and cardiovascular system functions.
Comparing the genomes of 119 polar bears, 135 brown bears and the pair of fossilized polar bears, the researchers found differences dating back about 70,000 years. This suggests that they evolved their unique characteristics much sooner than previously thought.
Specifically, the team found seven genes associated with adaptation to polar conditions. The comparison also shows that the divergence was more gradual than scientists had thought.
The research team concluded that the differences in the genes related to the adaptation of the polar bears were probably influenced by their relatives who lived towards the end of the last ice age.
On Friday, September 27, the Global Human Rights Defence Foundation and the student team Involve from EFR are organizing a symposium at Nieuwspoort, The Hague, about the human rights situation in Bangladesh and how Western media portrays this issue.
The symposium will specifically focus on the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, the role of Western media in reporting on it, and the impact on the Bengali community. The event will take an interactive format, featuring renowned genocide experts, former politicians, and human rights defenders. Among the speakers is Harry van Bommel, who will lead the panel discussion and pose questions to the experts.
Instead of formal speeches, the speakers will answer questions related to their expertise and fields of work, with special attention to Western media and human rights in Bangladesh, as well as the Bengali genocide of 1971. The symposium will emphasize the consequences of bias in Western media regarding the situation in Bangladesh. It will address the societal, economic, and political effects of the 1971 War of Independence. Additionally, connections will be made between Bangladesh’s past and current political and social unrest, including the impact on the Pakistani population and the broader context of the issues discussed at the symposium.
Students from the Erasmus School of Economics, affiliated with the Involve Team of the Economic Faculty Association Rotterdam (EFR), will also participate in the symposium. These students have prepared a report on Bangladesh’s complex history, focusing on the Liberation War of 1971 and its aftermath. The report highlights the atrocities committed by the West Pakistani army during the war, which still have not been officially recognized as genocide by the international community. It emphasizes the influence of media bias in shaping public opinion and policymaking.
Western media, with their focus on military conflicts and neutral tone during the Liberation War, likely downplayed human suffering, possibly due to geopolitical interests. The war had devastating consequences for Bangladesh, including the loss of intellectuals, infrastructure, and economic instability. The trauma of 1971 continues to have a lasting impact on Bengali society and politics. A sentiment analysis from the report shows that Western media’s attitude toward Bangladesh has improved over the years, while Pakistani media remains predominantly negative.
The report calls on the international community to re-evaluate the events of the 1971 Liberation War and recognize them as genocide, which could contribute to moral justice for the Bengali people and foster a more positive image of Bangladesh in global media. The symposium provides a unique opportunity to discuss these complex and pressing issues with leading experts and stakeholders. For more information about the symposium or to register, you can contact the Global Human Rights Defence Foundation.
AMSTERDAM – On the eve of China’s National Day, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and South-Mongolians gathered on Amsterdam’s iconic Dam Square to demand justice and recognition of human rights abuses. This powerful demonstration, held on September 29, 2024, drew international attention to the ongoing persecution of ethnic minorities in China.
A United Front for Human Rights
The protest brought together diverse communities united in their struggle against oppression. Activists and supporters from around the world stood in solidarity, calling for immediate action to address several critical issues:
1. End of Forced Labor: Protesters demanded the cessation of widespread forced labor practices, particularly in industries such as cotton and textile production.
2. Closure of Concentration Camps: Demonstrators urged the immediate shutdown of detention facilities where millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims are reportedly held.
3. Restoration of Religious Freedom: Calls were made to end the destruction of mosques and the suppression of Islamic traditions.
4. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Protesters opposed policies of forced assimilation and advocated for the protection of Uyghur, Tibetan, and Mongolian languages and cultures.
A Powerful Display of Global Resistance
The choice of Dam Square as the protest location proved significant. As a historic center of Dutch democracy and a popular tourist destination, it provided a highly visible platform that captured global attention.
“By uniting our voices in the heart of Amsterdam, we have shone a spotlight on the systematic oppression faced by millions,” said Amina Yusuf, lead coordinator of the event. “The international community must now move beyond words and take concrete actions to hold China accountable.”
Impact and Outcomes
The demonstration saw a turnout of over 5,000 people, including representatives from various human rights organizations and members of the European Parliament. The event featured moving speeches from community leaders and personal testimonies from survivors, culminating in a candlelight vigil that illuminated Dam Square.
Several key outcomes emerged from the protest:
1. Increased media coverage of the human rights situation in China, with major international news outlets reporting on the event.
2. A pledge from Dutch parliamentarians to raise the issue in the next session of parliament.
3. The launch of a new coalition of NGOs dedicated to advocating for the rights of persecuted minorities in China.
Next Steps
Organizers have announced plans for follow-up actions, including a series of educational workshops and a social media campaign to maintain momentum. They continue to call on governments worldwide to impose sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses.
About the Organizers: The protest was organized by a coalition of Uyghur, Tibetan, and Southern Mongolian rights groups, including the World Uyghur Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center.
On 1 October, over 1,000 essential workers from nine EU countries will rally in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, calling for urgent reforms to the EU’s public procurement rules. The Left stands in solidarity with these workers, advocating for stronger collective bargaining rights, improved working conditions, and public contracts that prioritise quality services over corporate profits.
Left MEP Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland), Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social affairs in the European Parliament:
“Competitiveness threatens to turn into a race to the bottom in terms of workers’ rights. Therefore we need better public procurement rules and strong emphasis on social criteria. We must ensure good, healthy and safe jobs for the people in Europe. When using public money, we must set an example – as we must have policies that strengthen the European Social Pillar, it’s also our responsibility to promote collective bargaining.”
Across Europe, millions of workers rely on public contracts for their livelihoods. Yet, research from UNI Europa exposes a troubling reality: half of public tenders in the EU are awarded solely based on the lowest price, disregarding the social impact on workers and communities. This practice flies in the face of the European Commission’s commitment to improving job quality and expanding collective bargaining to secure fair wages and better working conditions for all workers.
As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gears up to revise the EU Public Procurement Directive, essential workers are making their voices heard, especially after the glaring omission of a portfolio dedicated to quality jobs and social rights.
This is a pivotal moment – a chance to finally address the needs of the very people who make these services possible.
The Left unequivocally opposes this broken system of public procurement that puts corporate greed ahead of workers’ livelihoods. Europe must no longer be driven by deregulation and profit-hungry corporations; instead, it should be shaped by robust public investment, the protection of workers’ rights, and an unwavering commitment to social and environmental justice.
Only hours earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterreswarned the Security Council that “hell is breaking loose in Lebanon” along the UN-patrolled line of separation, with exchanges of fire greater in “scope, depth and intensity” than previously.
That warning came as US President Joe Biden told the world’s leaders gathered at UN headquarters on Wednesday that an “all-out” war was possible between Hezbollah and Israel, while the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported people fleeing from Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in the early hours of Thursday morning, in response to attacks on Israel which included a first attempted missile strike on Tel Aviv.
In a video message issued on Thursday in New York, the head of UN Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix said: “I am deeply concerned by the sharp escalation along the blue line. As the Secretary General said last night in the Security Council, “Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon and we should all be alarmed by the escalation.”
He stressed that both the Lebanese and Israeli populations “are in extreme danger, with hundreds dead and thousands injured in recent days alone. Regional security and stability is at risk.”
“Literally thousands of families of Syrian and also Lebanese are crossing into Syria…they are women, children, men,” said UNHCR Representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, as the Israeli military announced strikes on more than 70 targets overnight in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and in southern Lebanon. Both areas are believed to be Hezbollah strongholds.
Border stress
Standing amid vehicles laden with belongings strapped to the roof and countless people queuing in long lines on the Syrian side of the border, Mr. Vargas Lllosa said that UNHCR was working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide water, food, blankets and mattresses – “because many of them will be spending the night here at the border while they are processed”.
According to media reports, a 21-day ceasefire proposal by the US, European allies including France and several Arab nations has been rejected by members of Mr. Netanyahu’s government.
Latest data from Lebanon’s interior ministry indicates that 70,100 internally displaced people are now registered inside 533 government-run centres. Some 500,000 people have been displaced following months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the Lebanese authorities said.
UNHCR said that it was continuing to coordinate closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organizations to provide relief to people uprooted from their homes inside Lebanon. “Our teams are on standby to help more civilians who have fled the airstrikes, providing shelter, health care and psychosocial support,” the UN agency said on Thursday.
Echoing solidarity with those impacted by the strikes, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, appealed for “more shelters and more funds” to provide critical support to those in need. “We are on the ground distributing emergency hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, and dignity kits in displacement shelters. Our team is working tirelessly to support displaced families.”
Citing the Lebanese authorities, UNHCR said that more than 90,000 people have been displaced since 23 September and “more are abandoning their homes by the minute”.
The latest hostilities have killed more than 600 people and injured 1,835.
World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
In an act that shows a lack of respect for human rights the Turkish government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stooped to a new level by arresting 15 adolescent girls aged between 13 and 17 years old. This action has led to condemnation from advocates of human rights and global onlookers who view this as part of a wider suppression of civil freedoms, in Turkey.
The young women were said to have been held in custody in order to compel them to give evidence against their siblings and parents who have been accused of having ties to Hizmet, a social movement that Erdoğan’s administration has branded as a terrorist group. This behavior has drawn criticism and is viewed as a targeted campaign, against opponents and individuals seen as dissenters of the authorities.
Critics claim that the Erdogan government is undermining the rights of its people by using intimidation tactics to intimidate families connected to Hizmet movement supporters. Enes Kanter – a former NBA player and prominent advocate for human rights – recently brought attention to this troubling pattern and shared how his father’s arrest in a bid to stifle his criticism personally affected him. This shows the extreme measures taken by the regime to quash dissent.
On May 7th there was an incident where the police detained some girls in Istanbul based on orders from the prosecutor to gather information which turned out to be false pretense and unjust treatment towards minors as they were treated as criminals without access, to legal representation and faced psychological coercion which goes against international and Turkish legal norms. United Nations guidelines stress the importance of treating child witnesses and victims with compassion, however, this aspect of treatment was blatantly ignored in this case.
The Ministry of Justice in Turkey has a history of charging minors with terrorism offenses based on recent data. Almost 20.000 children have faced such trials in recent years according to official records. Various human rights groups like Amnesty International have repeatedly highlighted concerns that Turkey misuses terrorism legislation to suppress civil organizations and dissenters; these actions have been flagged by the United Nations as possibly amounting to crimes, against humanity.
The continued harassment is more than a violation of personal liberties; it also weakens the foundation of families and communities by isolating innocent individuals from society’s mainstream fabric. The accusations against these women mostly arise from everyday endeavors like supporting their community and participating in educational initiatives that the authorities unjustly labelled as acts of terrorism.
The global community should press the government for answers to stop these serious human rights abuses from becoming commonplace. It is crucial to have an investigation overseeing these detentions. Those who champion rights warn that not holding such actions accountable will only empower the Erdogan administration to continue restricting its citizens liberties further.
The Hizmet movement draws inspiration from the teachings of Fethullah Gulen. Focuses on education and fostering dialogue among different faiths while also promoting humanitarian efforts. Imbued with an ethos yet the Turkish government has pointed fingers at it for allegedly masterminding the failed coup of 2016. An accusation that lacks concrete evidence and is widely debated. In response to this upheaval Erdogan’s administration initiated a crackdown operation targeted at those suspected of having affiliations with Hizmet. This crackdown included the closure of educational institutions the media outlets and other establishments along, with the detention of tens of thousands of individuals.
The global community has strongly voiced its disapproval of Turkeys track record on human rights issues recently reviews from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted cases of misconduct such as unjust detentions and the limitation of freedom of speech reports Additionally the European Union and the United States have both raised alarms, about Turkeys application of anti terrorism measures to silence opposition voices.
Turkeys legal system has faced scrutiny for its perceived lack of autonomy as numerous judges and prosecutors have been substituted with individuals aligned with the government’s agenda. This situation has resulted in a system that frequently prioritizes the ruling party’s agenda, over administering justice and upholding legal principles. The incarceration of minors and the extraction of forced testimonies represent breaches of both Turkish and global legal norms.
The global community needs to listen to Enes Kanter plea for unity and taking steps against these practices. It is through united international efforts that we can address this serious issue and safeguard the rights of people in Turkey especially the young individuals impacted by this political turmoil. It is crucial for the world to keep a watch on the developments and ensure that the Turkish government remains answerable for its deeds.
Cases of conflict-related sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and abuse have been growing since then, especially in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan.
Many cases of abuse perpetrated against displaced women and girls go unreported due to a fear of stigma from other community members and inadequate support.
With cases of acute food insecurity and abuse now at a record high in war-torn Sudan, female-headed households are being more affected than male-headed households.
Additionally, 1.63 million women of reproductive age lack access to adequate healthcare services, even though around 54,000 childbirths are expected over the next three months.
The alert explained that “women and girls also continue to be disproportionately impacted by the lack of safe, easily accessible, and affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene.”
“At least 80 per cent of the internally displaced women are unable to secure clean water due to affordability, safety concerns, and distance,” it continued.
Education crisis
Access to education for girls in Sudan is also a major concern as more than 2.5 million school-aged girls are unable to return to the classroom which increases the risk of “being subjected to harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.”
“Women and girls in Sudan are facing unimaginable challenges, yet their strength and resilience continue to inspire us,” said Hodan Addou, acting Regional Director for UN Women’s East and Southern Africa office. “We cannot let Sudan become a forgotten crisis.”
Call for action
UN Women said urgent action is needed to protect women and girls in Sudan and secure their access to food, safe water, and sexual and reproductive health services.
The office is calling on the international community and humanitarian partners to support funding for women-led organizations that are prioritising protecting and empowering women and girls.
“Now, more than ever, the international community must rally together to support women in Sudan, ensuring they have the resources and protection they need to survive and rebuild their lives,” Ms. Hodan Addou.
UN Women is also demanding an immediate halt to the fighting but all international efforts to bring about a ceasefire between the RSF militia and Government forces have so far fallen short.
