Greek Synod anathematizes gay marriage

The clergy is also against adoption by same-sex couples

The Holy Synod of the Greek Church stood categorically against the conclusion of marriages and the adoption of children by same-sex couples. The conservative government is not expected to propose a change in the law due to a strong reaction within the party, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

Recent opinion polls among Greeks show that they accept same-sex couples living together, but more than half of Greeks are against them marrying and even more against allowing them to adopt children.

According to surveys, 70% of Greeks do not agree with adoption. Over 40% say they would not go to such a wedding.

Yesterday, the Holy Synod of the Greek Church issued a statement that senior clergy are categorically against same-sex marriage. “Children have the right to live in a family with a mother and a father, not with one or two parents,” the Greek church leadership said. Violations of church canons are not tolerated by deeply believing Greeks. Only a cohabitation contract, like all other Greeks, but not marriage with children, is the definitive position of the Holy Synod.

On the opposite side are the organizations that fight for equal rights for monogamous couples. The new SYRIZA leader Kaselakis, who married his partner abroad, cannot legalize it in Greece. After today’s position of the Holy Synod, it is not expected that the conservatives will risk bringing the same-sex marriage law to the parliament, MPs are categorical.

The Roman Catholic Church, for its part, published this month a declaration “Fiducia supplicans” by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document is not devoted to marriage and homosexual unions, but to the various aspects of the pastoral blessing.

In one of the paragraphs it is noted that the priest can also bless people who turn to him for a blessing, even if he knows that they live in “illegal unions”, be they hetero- or homosexual. This kind of blessing is “offered to all without asking,” helping people to feel that they are still blessed in spite of their faults, and that “their heavenly Father continues to desire their good and to hope that they will eventually open up to the good.” However, the priestly blessing of such people should not have a ritual or liturgical character, but only personal (spontaneous) and in no way create the impression that “their status is confirmed or the Church’s eternal teaching on marriage is changed in any way” . It is also emphasized that “rites and prayers which might create confusion between what constitutes marriage” and “what is contrary to it” are inadmissible, avoiding any suggestion that “something that is not marriage is admits of marriage’. It is reiterated that according to “eternal Catholic doctrine” only sexual relations between a man and a woman in the context of marriage are considered legitimate. People who live in a homosexual union, if they want, can receive a blessing from a priest, but “outside the liturgical framework”.

The opinion reiterates the arguments developed in the Roman Catholic Church’s special document on homosexual relationships, issued two years ago. The new declaration does not cancel the old one.

The official position of the Roman Catholic Church on this matter was formulated in 2021 and it has the status of a doctrinal document. It is titled:

“Response of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Dubium (doubt, bewilderment) regarding the blessing of same-sex unions.

PROPOSED QUESTION: Does the Church have the right to bless same-sex unions? ANSWER: Negative’.

The decision specifically justified the refusal to bless homosexual unions and said:

“It is impermissible to bless relationships or partnerships, even stable ones, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (ie, outside of the indissoluble union of a man and a woman that is open to the transmission of life), as is the case with unions between persons of the same sex. The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which in themselves should be valued and are valued, cannot justify these relationships and make them legitimate objects of ecclesiastical blessing, since the positive elements exist in the context of a union that is not subject to the design of the Creator.

Also, since the blessing of people is related to the sacraments, the blessing of homosexual unions cannot be considered legitimate. This is because they would represent some kind of imitation or analogue of the conjugal blessing which is invoked upon a man and woman united in the sacrament of Matrimony, when in reality “there is absolutely no reason to think that homosexual unions are in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God’s plan for marriage and the family.”

The statement that it is illegal to bless same-sex unions is not and should not be a form of unfair discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite and the very nature of the sacrament as understood by the Church.

The Christian community and its pastors are called to accept people with homosexual tendencies with respect and sensitivity and to know how to find the most appropriate ways, consistent with the teaching of the Church, to proclaim the Gospel to them in its fullness. At the same time, these people must recognize the authentic closeness of the Church, which prays for them, accompanies them and shares their journey of Christian faith, and accept the teaching with sincere openness.

The answer to the proposed dubium does not exclude the blessings granted to persons with homosexual inclinations who show a will to live in fidelity to the revealed plan of God, as it is offered to us by the teaching of the Church. Rather, any form of blessing that tends to recognize their unions as such is declared unlawful. In such a case, in practice, the blessing is not an expression of the desire to entrust these people to God’s protection and help in the above sense, but approves and encourages a choice and a way of life that cannot be recognized as objectively corresponding to God’s revealed will. plans for man.

At the same time, the Church reminds us that God Himself does not stop blessing each of His wandering children in this world, because “we are more important to God than all the sins we can commit”. However, He does not bless and cannot bless sin: He blesses the sinful man to realize that he is part of His plan of love and to allow him to change. In fact, He accepts us as we are, but He never leaves us as we are.’

Illustration: St. Peter, fresco.

Gaza: UN welcomes deal for pause in fighting, hostage-release pact

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21 December 2023

Gaza: UN welcomes deal for pause in fighting, hostage-release pact

“This is an important step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done,” Mr. Guterres said via a statement from his spokesperson Farhan Haq.

The top UN official leading efforts to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, echoed those comments and also welcomed the announced 96-hour “humanitarian pause” in war-shattered Gaza.

“This pause must be used to its fullest extent to facilitate the release of hostages and alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians in Gaza.”

The development comes as UN humanitarians reiterated that they remain ready to seize the opportunity to ramp up lifesaving aid to the enclave.

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‘Ocean of need’

Following the four-day ceasefire announcement the UN World Health Organization (WHO) issued fresh calls for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access in the Strip.

“The fighting needs to stop so that we can quickly scale up our response,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “We cannot keep providing drops of aid in Gaza in an ocean of need.”

Meanwhile, WHO said that a new evacuation was under way at Gaza City’s embattled Al-Shifa hospital, with more to follow in northern Gaza.

‘Senseless conflict’

According to media reports, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was due to begin within 24 hours of its announcement. In his statement, Mr. Wennesland welcomed the efforts of the Governments of Egypt, Qatar and the United States in “facilitating” the agreement.

WHO’s representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, said that any news of a humanitarian pause and of a release of hostages was welcome, but that a true end to the fighting was needed.

At the same WHO press conference in Cairo, Dr. Al-Mandhari called for a “permanent ceasefire” and said that the parties to the conflict should “put the welfare and health of their people as their first priority”.

The UN health agency official also led a minute of silence to honour WHO staffer Dima Alhaj, killed in Gaza on Tuesday, along with many relatives. “As we grieve, we are reminded of the senseless nature of this conflict and of the fact that in Gaza today nowhere is safe for civilians, including our own UN colleagues,” he said.

Since the start of Israel’s retaliation of Hamas’ 7 October massacres which left 1,200 dead in southern Israel and some 240 hostages abducted, 108 UN staff members have been killed in the Strip.

New hospital evacuations under way

Dr. Peeperkorn revealed on Wednesday that a mission was under way in close coordination with humanitarian partners the Palestinian Red Crescent and Médecins Sans Frontières, to evacuate patients and health workers remaining in Al-Shifa.

The mission follows the initial inter-agency evacuation of 31 premature babies on Sunday. Out of the 220 patients and 200 health workers still at the hospital, the priority evacuees would be 21 dialysis patients, 29 patients with spinal injuries and those in intensive care, Dr. Peeperkorn said.

He also informed that in the meantime, the UN health agency has received evacuation requests from three other hospitals in northern Gaza: Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital and the Indonesian Hospital, and planning was under way, with WHO and its partners sparing no efforts to “make sure this happens in the coming days”.

He explained that such evacuations are only undertaken upon request and as a last resort.

Attacks on healthcare

Dr. Al-Mandhari deplored the fact that even hospitals are not being protected from the “horrors” of the conflict in Gaza. WHO has documented 178 attacks on healthcare in the Strip since 7 October and out of the enclave’s 36 hospitals 28 are not functional anymore, his colleague Dr. Peeperkorn told journalists.

The eight remaining hospitals, all in the south, are “overwhelmed”, he said, and all efforts must be made to keep them functional and expand their bed capacity.

The enclave had some 3,500 hospital beds prior to the current escalation and that number is now down to less than 1,400.

People seek refuge in the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza. (file)

Much more aid required

The perspective of a ceasefire has raised hopes for improved access to desperate Gazan civilians and an increase in the volume of relief items coming through.

According to UN humanitarian affairs coordination office OCHA, the aid trucks which have been entering Gaza since 21 October represent barely 14 per cent of the monthly volume of humanitarian and commercial transport reaching the enclave before the start of the current hostilities; this excludes fuel, which had been completely banned by the Israeli authorities until just a few days ago.

OCHA said that on Tuesday, 63,800 litres of fuel entered Gaza from Egypt, following an Israeli decision from 18 November to “allow the daily entry of small amounts of fuel for essential humanitarian operations”.

The incoming fuel is being distributed by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, to support food distribution and the operation of generators at hospitals, water and sanitation facilities, shelters and other critical services.

No food in the north

News of the ceasefire agreement came amid fears of hunger spreading in the north, which has been sealed off from the south by Israeli military operations. Humanitarian agencies have been unable to deliver assistance there since 7 November. Due to the lack of cooking facilities and fuel, “people are resorting to consuming the few raw vegetables or unripe fruits that remain available to them”, OCHA said, while no bakeries are open.

OCHA also warned that livestock in the north “is facing starvation and the risk of death” due to the shortage of fodder and water, and crops are being “increasingly abandoned”.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said 10 days ago that it considered the entire civilian population in Gaza to be food insecure.

Mental health needs ‘skyrocketing’

The distress caused by constant bombing, displacement and massive overcrowding in the UNRWA shelters, in some of which 400 people have to share a toilet, has been taking a heavy psychological toll on Gazans. OCHA said that mental health care needs are “skyrocketing”, especially for the most vulnerable: children, persons with disabilities and those with pre-existing complex conditions.

“Only limited psychosocial support services and psychological first aid is being provided in some shelters across Gaza where protection actors are sheltering and have capacity to respond”, OCHA said. Many services have reportedly been destroyed and many staff are unable to work.

OCHA also highlighted an increase in the movement of unaccompanied children and separated families. The UN Office said that an interagency plan is being developed to respond to this situation, including the registration of cases.

Humanitarians stand ready

The OCHA chief, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths, issued a statement welcoming the agreement.

“I hope it brings some respite to the people of Gaza and Israel and some relief to the hostages and detainees who will be released and to their families. I also hope it allows grieving families to honour their dead and bury them with dignity,” he said.

Humanitarian agencies are mobilized and ready to increase the volume of aid brought into Gaza and distributed across the Strip, he added.

He said that as they wait for the pause to come into effect, they renew their call for full adherence to international humanitarian law, safe and unimpeded access to deliver aid to people in need, protection of civilians, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

World News in Brief: Wave of ‘fear and dread’ in Ukraine, UN expert slams Navalny disappearance, youth leaders for nuclear disarmament meet

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21 December 2023

World News in Brief: Wave of ‘fear and dread’ in Ukraine, UN expert slams Navalny disappearance, youth leaders for nuclear disarmament meet

That’s according to UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director Regina De Dominicis who said in a statement on Monday that bombardment was “particularly unrelenting” in the east and south of the country.

The UNICEF official said the past week provided a concerning trend with an increase in ballistic missiles and mass drone attacks, including widespread targeted attacks on Kyiv’s infrastructure.

“These attacks have caused injuries among children, sent an intensified wave of fear and dread through already deeply distressed communities, and left millions of children across Ukraine without sustained access to electricity, heating and water, exposing them to additional serious harm as temperatures plummet”, she said.

“Children and families most at risk are those who already have the least access to basic, life-depending resources to start with, and who have already endured immense hardship”, she added. “These children and their families have nothing to fall back on.”

Winter temperatures regularly go as low as -20°C.

“Children simply cannot withstand these conditions without energy”, she warned.

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Blackouts

“Blackouts and power cuts make it extremely challenging for health facilities to provide critical services, another dire situation given the rise in cases of pneumonia, seasonal influenza and waterborne diseases among children across Ukraine.”

Around 1,800 children have been killed or injured since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

“UNICEF is providing generators and other equipment to support the Government of Ukraine in keeping water supply, heating, health and education facilities running”, said Ms. De Dominicis. “In the hardest hit areas, UNICEF is providing winter clothing sets for children along with blankets for their families. We are also reaching families with cash assistance.”

Russia: Rights expert slams Navalny’s ‘enforced disappearance’

Jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny should be immediately released and “provided remedies and reparations for all the harm suffered” in accordance with international law, a UN-appointed independent rights expert said on Monday.

Mr. Navalny’s whereabouts have been unknown for over 10 days, which according to Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, amounts to enforced disappearance.

“I am greatly concerned that the Russian authorities will not disclose Mr. Navalny’s whereabouts and wellbeing for such a prolonged period of time,” she said.

A Friday court hearing on the violations of Mr. Navalny’s human rights in detention did not take place and Mr. Navalny’s lawyers were reportedly told by the court that their client is no longer held in the Vladimir region.

Ms. Katzarova cited concerns about Mr. Navalny’s “persistent” ill-treatment in detention and lack of access to adequate medical care since January 2021.

On 4 August 2023 he was sentenced to an additional 19 years on “extremism” charges, a term which, according to the independent expert, “has no basis in international law”.

Following sentencing Mr. Navalny was being prepared to be transferred to a harsher regime penal colony. Three of his lawyers were arrested in October.

Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts, including Special Rapporteurs, serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work, nor are they UN staff members.

Nuclear disarmament youth leader programme gets underway

The 100 young people selected to serve on the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs’ Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons, met together for the first time on Monday.

Representing over 60 countries and selected from over 2,000 applicants from around the world, “they will spend the next year learning about nuclear disarmament and developing their skills to become changemakers for a world without nuclear weapons – the most destructive weapons on earth”, said the UN disarmament affairs office (UNODA) in a news release.

As part of this innovative training programme, made possible by the generous support of Japan and implemented by UNODA – with support from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research – they will take part in interactive online learning, engagement with experts from the field and an immersive study tour to Japan, including participation in a youth-led conference.

As the programme kicked off on Monday, the future changemakers heard from the Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Fumio Kishida, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Prime Minister Kishida, a native of Hiroshima, has been a strong advocate for keeping alive the lessons of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – which wrought tremendous death, suffering and devastation.

“No matter how difficult the path to a world without nuclear weapons may be, we should not stop our steps. Now is the time when we need the power of young people like you, the bearers of our future”, he told the group.

Safeguarding ‘our common future’

In his message, Mr. Guterres encouraged the participants to tap into their energy, innovative ideas, and creativity to help usher in a new era of a world free of nuclear weapons.

“In the name of our common future – in the name of humanity – let us spare no effort to rid the world of nuclear weapons, once and for all”, he said.

In recent years, the Secretary-General has made a major push to empower youth, recognizing their role as the ultimate force for change and noting they have become a strong and powerful force in support of disarmament.

Council of the EU and European Council

Legal migration: Council and Parliament reach deal on a single permit directive

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20 December 2023

Legal migration: Council and Parliament reach deal on a single permit directive

Today member states’ representatives to the Council (Coreper) confirmed the provisional agreement between the Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament on an update of an EU law that deals with legal migration to the EU labour market.

The updated rules streamline the procedure to apply for a permit to reside for the purpose of work in the territory of a member state. This will give a boost to international recruitment of talent. In addition, more rights for third-country workers and their equal treatment compared to EU workers will reduce labour exploitation.

Many employers are facing a tense labour market situation. The proposal we have agreed on today is a response to this
situation of shortages as it will result in a smooth and predictable process for third-country nationals to apply for work and residence permit in one go.Elma Saiz, Spanish Minister for the inclusion, Social security and migration

Elma Saiz, Spanish Minister for the inclusion, Social security and migration

The single permit directive sets out the application process for EU countries to issue this single permit and establishes common rights for workers from third countries. Member states keep the final say about which and how many third-country workers they want to admit to their labour market.

Application procedure

A third-country worker can submit an application from the territory of a third-country or, according to the agreement reached between the co-legislators, from within the EU if he or she is a holder of a valid residence permit. When a member state decides to issue the single permit this decision will serve both as residence and as work permit.

Duration

The Council and European Parliament decided that issuing a single permit should be made within three months after receipt of the complete application. This period also covers the time needed to check the labour market situation before a decision on the single permit is adopted. Member states will then issue the requisite visa to allow initial entry into their territory.

Change of employer

Single permit holders will have the possibility to change employer, subject to a notification to the competent authorities. Member states may also require a minimum period of time during which the single permit holder is required to work for the first employer. In case of loss of employment, third-country workers are allowed to remain in the territory of the member state if the total period of unemployment does not exceed three months during the validity of the single permit or six months after two years of the permit.

Background and next steps

The current single permit directive dates back to 2011. On 27 April 2022, the Commission proposed an update of the 2011 directive.

The proposal is part of the ‘skills and talent’ package which addresses the shortcomings of the EU as regards legal migration and has as objective to attract the skills and talent the EU needs.

Eurostat data from 2019 show that 2 984 261 single permit decisions were reported by member states of which 1 212 952 were for issuing first permits. The other decisions were for renewing or changing permits.

Following today’s approval, the text will now have to be formally adopted by both the Council and European Parliament.

UN agency heads unite in urgent plea for women and children in Gaza

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20 December 2023

UN agency heads unite in urgent plea for women and children in Gaza

Briefing the Security Council, Sima Bahous, Catherine Russell and Natalia Kanem – heads of UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA), respectively – also welcomed the agreement on the release of some of the hostages taken during the Hamas attack on Israel and emphasized the need for a lasting truce.

They also stressed the importance of Security Council resolution 2712 that was adopted last week and calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout Gaza to save and protect civilian lives.

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‘They continue caring’: UN Women head

Speaking first, Ms. Bahous highlighted the intensity of violence in Gaza and the devastating impact on its population, in particular women and girls, who are estimated to account for 67 per cent of the 14,000 fatalities in the enclave.

She also expressed deep concern for pregnant women and those who delivered babies without medical supplies, painkillers, anaesthesia for C-sections, or water.

“Yet, they continue caring for their children, the sick, the elderly, mixing baby formula with contaminated water, going without food so that their children can live another day, enduring multiple risks in severely overcrowded shelters,” she said.

Working under severe constraints

Ms. Bahous said that Gaza’s only two women’s shelters are now closed but women-led organizations continue to operate there, though under severe constraints, using their networks to source and distribute emergency items and to document and respond to protection concerns.

In her briefing, the head of UN Women also spoke of an escalation in the West Bank, where demolitions of public infrastructure, revocation of work permits, increased settler violence, and detentions have “significantly impacted” the lives and livelihoods of women.

She also said that UN Women met with Israeli women who shared their work in documenting gender-based atrocities, as well as sharing their hope for peace, with women – both Israeli and Palestinian – at the table.

Most dangerous place to be a child: UNICEF chief

Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, highlighted the severe impact of the crisis on children and noted that over 5,300 Palestinian children have been reported killed in 46 days, accounting for 40 per cent of deaths in the enclave.

“This is unprecedented. In other words, the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child,” she said.

She added that the children who survive the war are likely to see their lives irrevocably altered through repeated exposure to traumatic events.

“The violence and upheaval around them can induce toxic stress that interferes with their physical and cognitive development,” she said, noting also that one million children – or all children inside the territory – are now food insecure, “facing what could soon become a catastrophic nutrition crisis.”

True cost measured in children’s lives

Ms. Russell also emphasized that the “true cost” of the war will be measured in children’s lives: those lost to the violence and those forever changed by it.

“Without an end to the fighting and full humanitarian access, the cost will continue to grow exponentially,” she said, adding that the destruction of Gaza and killing of civilians will not bring peace or safety to the region.

“The people of this region deserve peace. Only a negotiated political solution – one that prioritizes the rights and wellbeing of this and future generations of Israeli and Palestinian children – can ensure that,” she said.

Joy overshadowed by death, destruction: UNFPA head

Also briefing, Ms. Kanem outlined the challenges in Gaza, emphasizing the critical lack of healthcare, with hospitals shutting down, leaving thousands of pregnant women and those who delivered recently at risk.

“At a moment when new life is beginning, what should be a moment of joy is overshadowed by death and destruction, horror and fear. The situation is most dire for women facing obstetric complications – some 15 per cent of pregnant women,” she said.

“Their lives are at risk due to severely limited access to healthcare and emergency obstetric care,” she added.

Ms. Kanem also voiced deep concern over lack of clean water and sanitation, which creates multiple health risks, including for women who have no access to menstrual hygiene.

Lack of food and water across Gaza will have adverse impacts on the health and wellbeing of pregnant and breastfeeding women who have higher daily water and caloric intake requirements, she said.

An urgent test of humanity

The head of UNFPA underscored the need for protection of humanitarian workers in Gaza, “who risk their lives in the service of others”, and mourned the loss of over 100 staff members of the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA), and scores of aid workers killed in the conflict.

In conclusion, she emphasized that the fate of humanity does not belong in the hands of those wielding weapons, “it rests with women and young people and allies standing together waging peace.”

“In this urgent test of humanity, women and girls desperately need peace to prevail. I call upon the Security Council to do everything in your power to make that peace happen,” she said.

Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Ukraine: Türk calls on Russia to silence the guns in appeal for ‘a just peace’

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20 December 2023

Ukraine: Türk calls on Russia to silence the guns in appeal for ‘a just peace’

Since the onset of the invasion the UN human rights office (OHCHR) has meticulously monitored the situation. As of December 4, there have been over 10,000 civilian deaths, including 560 children, with an additional 18,500 civilians confirmed injured, with actual figures believed to be much higher due to the difficulties of verifying figures.

“I feel for the Ukrainians, who have a right to peace, and who deserve peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law. Instead, I fear that protracted and entrenched conflict will impact lives and human rights for generations to come,” warned the High Commissioner.

The Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has diligently documented the crisis using a methodology developed over decades. Mr. Türk highlighted the findings, revealing gross violations of international human rights and serious breaches of international humanitarian law, primarily by Russian forces.

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Report’s findings

Between 1 August and 30 November, 2,440 civilian deaths and injuries were documented.

The data showed a 25 per cent decrease compared to the previous four months and a 46 per cent compared with the same period in 2022, attributed to factors such as frontline stabilization, civilian evacuations, and strengthened air defense systems.

Most of those killed were in the areas of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia near the frontlines, with a disproportionate number of older people among the casualties, as they were unwilling or unable to relocate.

The majority of civilian casualties, 86 per cent, occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine, while the remaining 14 per cent – areas under Russian control.

Missile threat

However, being away from the frontline is no guarantee of safety, with missile attacks launched by the Russian armed forces regularly launched against targets in densely populated residential areas. Attacks on Kyiv in the past few days wounded over 50 people and damaged numerous buildings.

“People across the country do not feel safe,” Mr. Türk said, adding that attacks have also targeted grain storage and transport facilities that constitute protected civilian objects under international humanitarian law.

Over 1,300 education and health facilities have been damaged or destroyed since February 2022, with more than 100 incidents reported in the last four months. Mines and explosive materials continue to threaten lives.

Human rights violations

In Russian-occupied territories, documented patterns of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and widespread abuse by Russian armed forces continue to be reported.

Despite lacking access to Russian detention centers, OHCHR highlighted at least 100 civilian deaths resulting from arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, and enforced disappearance.

The report mentions thorough examination of six new cases of Russian soldiers killing civilians in occupied territory.

“The Russian authorities announced the arrest of two Russian soldiers in connection with the killing of a family of nine, including two children, in Volnovakha, in Donetsk oblast. There are also indications that an investigation has been opened into a second case that we have verified, in which a couple was killed in Maly Kopani, Kherson oblast,” Mr. Türk said.

He also reminded that under international law the occupying power must maintain the status quo, to the extent possible, and criticized Russian attempts to impose its own laws and practices in violation of international law – even conscripting Ukrainian men to serve in the Russian military.

Call on Ukrainians

On the Ukrainian side, Mr. Türk urged authorities to narrow the definition of “collaboration” in prosecutions, expressing concern over convictions related to what are lawful activities.

As of 30 November, some 8,600 criminal charges have been filed by authorities in Kyiv in relation to alleged collaboration, with courts ordering, in most cases, that the accused remain in custody pending trial.

Many have been convicted for conduct that could be lawful – including, for example, working to ensure the continued functioning of social services and schools in occupied areas.

The High Commissioner also noted concerns regarding freedom of religion and belief in Ukraine, given continuing action by Kyiv against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A draft law under consideration, he added, could lead to the dissolution of any religious organization with ties to Russia, which is not in compliance with international human rights law.

Respect human rights

Mr. Türk appealed to all States to push for immediate and decisive measures by both parties, particularly the Russian Federation, to comply with international human rights and humanitarian law.

He called for an end to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, timely investigations into allegations of violations, and the need for accountability for perpetrators.

Mr. Türk called on Russia to allow access by independent monitors to places of detention and an end to conscription of civilians.

He urged Ukraine to align all laws with international standards, protect freedom of religion, and swiftly adopt a national strategy for the protection of civilians.

“Ultimately, there is only one solution to this tragic and far-reaching conflict: a just peace,” the rights chief said.

Citing General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1 and the binding order by the International Court of Justice, he called on Russia to immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine.

Top 5 Mobile Tracking Apps for Keeping Tabs on Loved Ones

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Newsdesk

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20 December 2023

Top 5 Mobile Tracking Apps for Keeping Tabs on Loved Ones

There is nothing so important as knowing that your dear ones are safe and sound. However, constantly calling or texting them to check-in can be annoying on both sides. Fortunately, there are special mobile apps that offer a more convenient way to track a phone number. With just a few taps, you can discreetly track anyone’s current location, monitor their geo history, and even set geo-fences.

In this blog, we will round up the top 5 mobile tracking apps to monitor your loved one’s location on the map without them suspecting anything. We will go through the key features of each app to help you make up your mind.

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1. Find My Device by Google

Among the most popular tracking apps is Find My Device from Google. This free app comes pre-installed on most Android phones. It allows users to remotely find, lock, and delete sensitive data from a parent device.

But not everyone knows that Find My Device can also be used to track phone number location free of charge. This can be easily done if you permit location sharing option on the target’s device. Once you do so, you will be able to view the live phone’s location on Google Maps and confirm that your dear one has arrived safely at a predetermined place. The application also shows the recent movement history, so you can always be sure that your dear one is following normal daily patterns.

Here’s how to start tracking a phone number with Find My Device:

Open Find My Device on the target phone.
Head to ‘Location sharing’ and tap on ‘Share location’.
Share the location with your contact and set the required duration.
Turn on the location services (if they are disabled).
Open the app on your device and monitor your dear one in real time.

With customizable options for location tracking, Find My Device provides a great monitoring solution, but only once location access permissions have been granted.

2. Find My Mobile for Samsung Phones

Like Google’s Find My Device, Samsung Galaxy users also can rely on a proprietary app called Find My Mobile to track phone location by a number for free. As a rule, it comes preloaded on most recent Samsung models or can be easily downloaded from the Galaxy Apps store. This tracking application detects GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular network tower signals to find a Galaxy phone’s location.

Find My Mobile is equipped with many standout features that make it one of the top free trackers on the market:

GPS tracking showing real-time and recent movements
Access to multiple registered Samsung devices from one account
Alarm sound option to find a lost phone
Lock, delete, or back up functions
Recent calls and messages monitoring

While Find My Mobile can help you track Samsung phone location for free, this feature requires prior permission to run without disruptions.

3. GEOfinder.mobi

As compared to the previous 2 methods, GEOfinder.mobi offers a more discrete way to track phone location by number for free. It boasts an extensive suite of features, including a GPS tracker, IP logger, Wi-Fi scanner, and even a VPN detector. But what really makes it stand out is its unique URL location link. With nothing more than a simple link click required by the receiving party, you can use GEOfinder.mobi to pull accurate GPS coordinates without arousing suspicion.

The tracking process works like this:

Having subscribed, log in to your user space at GEOfinder.mobi from any browser.
Select the SMS text with a trackable URL link tied to your account.
Send the text to a target phone number.
Wait for the recipient to click the link on their device.
Access geolocation information via your dashboard.

The best part about GEOfinder.mobi is that this tracker runs in an anonymous mode. This way, you won’t need to worry about your identity being disclosed.

4. LocationTracker.mobi

Our list won’t be complete if we don’t add LocationTracker.mobi to it. As you may have guessed right, LocationTracker also utilizes a tracking link that taps the target device’s location services upon clicking.

To track a cell phone by its number, you need to choose any picture or photo and upload it to the app. LocationTracker.mobi will process the file and generate a link with a hidden tracker. Simply copy the link and send it to your intended recipient in any messenger. Once clicked, the tool will show you the target’s exact location. This is great news for users who seek a surefire way to track their dear ones. It offers live chat support, a money-back guarantee, and a free trial that needs to be requested.

5. uMobix

We would like to round up our list with a premium all-in-one solution – uMobix tracker. This full-suite app offers unrestricted device access that goes beyond mere location look-up. With uMobix at your disposal, you can easily track cell phone number, read SMS and private chats, and even see browsing history.

Once you secretly install uMobix on the target’s Android or iPhone, it will start gathering the location data that can be viewed via your personal user space. The tracker gets updated every 5 minutes and sends regular notifications about the target’s whereabouts. If you don’t have the possibility to install it, it has a Geofinder option that allows you to locate a person by phone number remotely.

When most trackers offer basic features, uMobix leaves no stone unturned. Whether you want to see someone’s location history or check their current coordinates, uMobix is a great option, logging every keystroke and taking screenshots of every phone activity. Moreover, the app has a 2-day free trial available upon request to give you a taste of its tracking capabilities.

How to Choose the Best App to Track Phone Number Location?

Choosing the right phone number tracker starts with identifying your needs. Do you need it only once, or is constant monitoring required? Also, consider how precise the location details have to be. In case you need exact latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, double-check if the app collects geo details from several sources (e.g., GPS and Wi-Fi). Apps relying on less specific network-based location checks may only determine general whereabouts. Last but not least, assess the app’s reliability and compatibility with the device. Read reviews to confirm tracking success rates without draining phone batteries or causing other unwanted disasters.

In short, look for a phone tracker that aligns with your needs. And that doesn’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. There are some wonderful deals on our list that prove you don’t need to break the bank to track your dear one’s phone number.

Whales and dolphins are highly threatened by warming oceans

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Newsroom

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20 December 2023

Council of the EU and European Council

The consequences of climate change are increasingly threatening whales and dolphins, says a new report cited by DPA.

The non-governmental organization “Conservation of whales and dolphins” published the document on the occasion of the COP 28 climate conference, which is being held in Dubai.

It warns that warming oceans are having a dramatic impact on a large number of species, and their habitats are changing so rapidly that animals are starting to compete or even fight with each other.

Rising temperatures have led to an increase in algal blooms, which release toxins. The organization says they are increasingly being found in dead whales and dolphins.

In addition, toxins can slow down the animals’ reactions, exposing them to greater risks, such as collisions with ships.

“The sudden mass mortality is most likely due to the algal bloom,” said the report, quoted by DPA.

According to him, at least 343 toothless whales (Mysticetes) died in Chile in 2015, with extremely high concentrations of paralyzing toxins found in more than two-thirds.

A problem is also the reduction of krill – one of the most important sources of food for these mammals, the organization points out. It is declining due to industrial fishing and higher water temperatures.

Food shortages mean marine mammals can store less fat and no longer have enough energy for their seasonal migrations. It is also observed that many animals no longer go to warmer waters to mate. The result: fewer young animals.

The creation of protected areas is of particular importance for animals, as well as achieving the goals outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement – limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, if possible.

Governments and industry must ban destructive fishing practices, the report urges. The authors believe that catch limits and alternative fishing gear should be introduced, DPA notes.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-black-killer-whale-on-blue-pool-34809/

EU adopts new sanctions against Russia

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19 December 2023

EU adopts new sanctions against Russia — © Council of the EU

The twelfth package of new sanctions against Russia includes a ban on the import, purchase or transfer of diamonds from Russia. It also reinforces enforcement and measures against circumvention of sanctions.

The Council adopted today a twelfth package of economic and individual restrictive measures in view of the continued Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. These measures deliver a further blow to Putin’s ability to wage war by targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions.

The agreed package includes the following measures:

Diamonds

The EU is imposing a prohibition on the direct or indirect import, purchase or transfer of diamonds from Russia. This prohibition applies to diamonds originating in Russia, diamonds exported from Russia, diamonds transiting Russia and Russian diamonds when processed in third countries.

A direct ban applies to non-industrial natural and synthetic diamonds as well as diamond jewellery, as of 1 January 2024. Furthermore, an indirect import ban of Russian diamonds when processed (i.e. cut and/or polished) in third countries, including jewellery incorporating diamonds originating in Russia, will be phased in progressively as of 1 March 2024 and be completed by 1 September 2024. This phasing-in of indirect import bans is justified by the need to deploy a traceability mechanism that enables effective enforcement measures and minimises disruptions for the EU market.

The ban of Russian diamonds is part of a G7 effort to develop an internationally coordinated diamond ban that aims at depriving Russia of this important revenue source.

No Russia clause

Today’s decision requires that EU exporters contractually prohibit re-exportation to Russia and re-exportation for use in Russia of particularly sensitive goods and technology, when selling, supplying, transferring or exporting to a third country, with the exception of partner countries. The clause covers prohibited items used in Russian military systems found on the battlefield in Ukraine or critical to the development, production or use of those Russian military systems, as well as aviation goods and weapons.

Import-export controls and restrictions

The Council added 29 new entities to the list of those directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. They will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. Some of these 29 entities belong to third countries involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions, or are Russian entities involved in the development, production and supply of electronic components for Russia’s military and industrial complex.

Furthermore, today’s decision expands the list of restricted items that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector to include: chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats, DC motors and servomotors for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), machine tools and machinery parts.

Lastly, the EU introduced further restrictions on imports of goods which generate significant revenues for Russia and thereby enable the continuation of its war of aggression against Ukraine, such pig iron and spiegeleisen, copper wires, aluminium wires, foil, tubes and pipes for a total value of €2.2 billion per year. A new import ban is introduced on liquefied propane (LPG) with a 12-month transitional period.

Lastly, the Council decided to introduce some exemptions to import restrictions concerning personal use items, such as personal hygiene items, or clothing worn by travellers or contained in their luggage, and for cars that have a diplomatic vehicle registration plate to enter the EU. Additionally, in order to facilitate the entry into the Union of EU citizens living in Russia, member states can authorise the entry of their cars provided that the cars are not for sale and are driven for strictly personal use.

Enforcement and anti-circumvention measures

The transit ban that currently applies to dual use goods and technologies exported from the EU to third countries via the territory of Russia will be extended to all battlefield goods.

In order to further limit circumvention, today’s decision includes a ban on Russian nationals from owning, controlling or holding any posts on the governing bodies of the legal persons, entities or bodies providing crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents.

Additionally, the existing prohibition on the provision of services will be extended to also include the provision of software for the management of enterprises and software for industrial design and manufacture.

Lastly the EU is imposing notification requirements for the transfer of funds outside the EU by any entity established in the EU that is owned or controlled by an entity established in Russia, or by a Russian national or natural person residing in Russia.

Enforcement of oil price cap

The Council is introducing tighter compliance rules to support the implementation of the oil price cap and clamp down on circumvention. Furthermore a strengthened information sharing mechanism will allow better identification of vessels and entities carrying out deceptive practices, such as ship-to-ship transfers used to conceal the origin or destination of cargo and AIS manipulations, while transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products.

The Council also decided to introduce notification rules for the sale of tankers to any third country in order to make more transparent their sale and export, in particular in the case of second-hand carriers that could be used to evade the import ban on Russian crude or petroleum products and the G7 Price Cap.

Iron and steel

Today’s decision adds Switzerland to a list of partner countries which apply a set of restrictive measures on imports of iron and steel from Russia, and a set of import control measures that are substantially equivalent to those of the EU.

It also extends the wind-down periods for the import of specific steel products.

Individual listings

In addition to economic sanctions, the Council decided to list a significant amount of additional individuals and entities.

Background

In the European Council conclusions of 26-27 October 2023, the EU reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter and reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression.

The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.

The leaders of Hungary and Turkey exchanged generous gifts

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Newsroom

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19 December 2023