, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20201111IPR91307/
UNICEF: Children need continued support in Beirut – Vatican News
By Vatican News staff writer
It’s been 100 days since a massive explosion tore through the port of Beirut, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Crucial support
A new report published on Wednesday by the UN children’s agency UNICEF warns that many children and families still remain in need of “crucial support” months on from the disaster.
Entitled “Rising from Destruction. 100 days of UNICEF’s response to the Beirut explosions and the road ahead for children and families,” the findings paint a distressing picture.
Trauma of explosion
The report highlights that many children have been affected by trauma both during and after the explosions, and the charity is working to provide parents, primary caregivers and kids with psychosocial support.
Twelve-year-old Hussein is just one of the children who has received this kind of help.
“I stopped using colour on my drawings that show my life because everything changed on that day,” he said.
Hussein lives in the city’s Karantina neighbourhood which was one of the worst affected. Now ten weeks on from the disaster, Hussein and many children like him are learning to smile again. “The colour is back in my life again,” he said.
Healing wounds
According to UNICEF Lebanon Representative Yukie Mokuo, “While the immediate scars are starting to heal, thanks to extraordinary efforts on the ground, the deep wounds – both visible and invisible – of children and families in a country experiencing multiple emergencies will require sustained solidarity, commitment and support.”
Over the last several weeks, UNICEF and its partners have provided over 22,000 children under age five with essential nutrition supplements, including Vitamin A, high energy biscuits and emergency food rations.
It has also re-established water supply connection in 1,060 buildings, reaching thousands of people, and water tanks have been installed in three heavily affected hospitals.
Although much work has been done to alleviate suffering, the children’s agency stresses that the “sheer number of children, parents, and caregivers who remain in need of support, however, means that increased funding for key programmes, including child protection, is urgently required.”
Remarks by Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the press conference on Building a European Health Union
European Commission Speech Brussels, 11 Nov 2020 The past year has taught us how crucially important health is for each and every one of us.
![[Column] The European Parliament has its eye on S. Korea’s National Assembly](https://i2.wp.com/caymaneco.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Kids_in_fountain.239105402_std.jpg?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "[Column] The European Parliament has its eye on S. Korea’s National Assembly")
Hubballi: Tipu Sultan was respectful of Hindu religion, says Congress
HUBBALLI: Tipu had handed over his two children to Britishers as hostages in the interest of his state and the nation as well and was treating all religious persons equally, said Altaf Hallur, president, Hubballi-Dharwad City District Congress Committee.
Speaking at the 270th birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, Hallur said Tipu was a pioneer in adopting advanced technology in administration, particularly in the defence sector. “His life is the best lesson to teach to the next generation,” he added.
Former KPCC secretary Mohan Asundi expressed regret over the state government’s move of not celebrating Tipu’s birth anniversary. Another leader Basavaraj Malakari noted that Tipu had great respect for Hindu religion and temples. “However, BJP, a communal party, is trying to present Tipu as anti-Hindu. Chief minister BS Yediyurappa utilised Tipu to woo Muslims when he floated Karnataka Janata Party but is now terming Tipu as anti-Hindu,” he added.
Office bearers Dasharath Wali, Altafnawaz Kittur, Navid Mulla, Rafiq Dargad and others were present.
‘Don’t like offending anyone’s religion’: Cardi B apologises for goddess Durga look on magazine cover
By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi |
November 11, 2020 4:40:09 pm
November 11, 2020 4:40:09 pm
<span itemprop="image" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject">
<meta itemprop="url" content="https://images.indianexpress.com/2020/11/cardi-b-new-1200.jpg"/>
<meta itemprop="width" content="1200"/>
<meta itemprop="height" content="667"/>
</span><span class="custom-caption"> <span class="ie-custom-caption">Cardi B debuted her Club C Cardi sneaker collection with the magazine cover. (Source: iamcardib/Instagram)</span></span>International rap sensation Cardi B posted an apology in an <a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://www.instagram.com/europeantimesnews" title="Instagram" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Instagram</a> story for posing as Goddess Durga on the cover of a footwear magazine for its November 2020 issue. The cover features Cardi B with 10 hands, but instead of weapons, she is seen holding a shoe.
In the video, the rapper said, “When I did the shoot, the creatives told me I was going to represent a Goddess; that she represents strength, femininity and liberation, and that’s something I love and I’m all about. And though it was dope, if people think I’m offending their culture or their religion I want to say that was not my intent. I do not like offending anyone’s religion; I wouldn’t like it if someone did it to my religion.”
Cardi B posted an apology video on Instagram. (Source: iamcardib/Instagram)
She added, “When people dress as Virgin Mary and Jesus, as long as they do it in a beautiful, graceful way…. But I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful; maybe I should have done my research. I’m sorry, I can’t change the past but I will do more research for the future.”
Cardi B is seen wearing an off-shoulder red Georges Hobeika dress for the cover photo. The magazine, Footwear News, explained Cardi B’s pose and wrote on Instagram, “…she pays homage to Durga, the Hindu goddess, whose symbols of protection and inner strength resonate as much in modern times as they have through the centuries. Like Durga, Cardi B is a dominant female voice at a critical time.”
Netizens, however, were unhappy with the concept of the photoshoot and called out the rapper for hurting sentiments.
One Twitter user wrote, “Cardi B did not pay ‘homage’ to the Hindu goddess Durga by holding a shoe in her hand, this is plain disrespect and in no way cultural appreciation. She can’t get away with this without addressing and apologizing for mocking our culture.”
Another said, “Apparently this is Cardi B paying ‘homage’ to the Hindu goddess Durga…This is straight-up racist.”
“Coward Cardi B has deactivated her account. Otherwise, we could have taught Cardi B in how many ways she is different from goddess Durga (including she is a human),” wrote yet another user.
Read| Cost of engagement ring to favourite fast food: 7 interesting facts about Cardi B
With the magazine cover, the WAP star has made her first major foray into the shoe industry and debuted her Club C Cardi sneaker collection with Reebok. Here are some of her other looks featured in the magazine.
What is your opinion on the photoshoot?
For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter: lifestyle_ie | Facebook: IE Lifestyle | Instagram: ie_lifestyle
EASO holds its 37th Management Board
At its 37th meeting which took place on 10 November 2020 by videoconference, members of the EASO Management Board discussed a range of issues in relation to the Governance areas, such as the implementation of the EASO Work Programme and Budget 2020, staff recruitment and audit reports.
Members of the EASO Management Board also considered updates on EASO’s operations in the field, in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta and looked at the situation of asylum in the EU+ with a special focus on EASO’s recent analytical work related to the asylum situation in 2020 as well as the emergency measures in place in asylum and reception authorities as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
Members also continued the discussion on identified new alternative options for the deployment of experts across the European Union Member States where EASO provides operational support.
At the end of the meeting, the European Commission gave a presentation on the recently published Pact on Migration and Asylum.
EU Council adopts conclusions on future EU intellectual property policy
The FINANCIAL — The European Council adopted a set of … key elements of a future EU intellectual property policy. These … within the Commission on an EU intellectual property action plan, … Indications protection systems in the EU. It stands ready to …
Pope renews Church’s commitment to eradicate clerical sex abuse – Vatican News
By Vatican News staff writer
Pope Francis on Wednesday referred to the release of the McCarrick Report the day before, and expressed his closeness to all victims of abuse.
Speaking during the weekly General Audience in the Vatican’s Apostolic Library, the Pope also said that following “the Report on the painful case of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick” he renews “the commitment of the Church to eradicate this evil”.
After pronouncing these words, he paused for a moment of silent prayer.
The McCarrick Report, composed of 461 pages of documents and testimonies, is an exhaustive investigation into the knowledge and decision-making regarding Theodore McCarrick during his career as a priest, bishop and cardinal.
The Report, published by the Secretariat of State on the mandate of Pope Francis, is the result of a two-year investigative process.
Speaking upon its release on Tuesday, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said the Report “will also have an effect in this respect: in making all those involved in such choices more aware of the weight of their decisions or omissions. These are pages that encourage us to reflect deeply and ask ourselves what more we can do in the future, learning from the painful experiences of the past.”
Romania and the Republic of Moldova stand together to tackle COVID-19
Since the onset of COVID-19, Romania and the Republic of Moldova have been working together to find ways to protect the health of their citizens.
Solidarity in action
The cooperation which already existed between the health authorities and health systems of the two countries intensified as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In early spring, with WHO assistance, Romania sent medical supplies and equipment to support the medical system of its neighbour.
“Romania’s relationship with the Republic of Moldova is unique. Adding a robust health response to our partnership only strengthens the existing tie between our countries,” said Dr Andrei Baciu, Deputy Minister of Health of Romania.
In addition to the donation of equipment, a team of 42 doctors and nurses was deployed from Romania to support their colleagues in the Republic of Moldova. The team carried out a 2-week mission, providing medical assistance and care for COVID-19 patients, and training for medical staff in the health facilities of Bălți, Chișinău and Cahul.
“This is only one of many examples of our cooperation, which dates back to long before COVID-19,” explains Dr Miljana Grbic, WHO Representative in Romania. “Working together will ensure the best possible protection and care for citizens in both countries.”
Overcoming obstacles
Common challenges have also been discussed and solutions found through virtual platforms. In August, an online session on disease management was arranged, with leading physicians sharing experiences of treatment of COVID-19 patients, as well as of preparedness plans, treatment protocols and how to optimize human resources to respond to the pandemic. The session was hosted by the Ministry of Health of Romania and supported by WHO.
“This webinar was arranged in order to optimize our health response, exchange best practices and also share concerns,” said Dr Igor Pokanevych, WHO Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “Leading experts from both countries took part, and we were able to discuss both challenges and successes.”
Continued response
Both the Republic of Moldova and Romania are currently facing an increase in cases of COVID-19.
“Each country has had to gradually adapt its measures and actions to control the COVID-19 pandemic, depending on the epidemiological situation. And each country’s experience in detecting, treating and monitoring cases is very important at this stage,” said Alexandru Holostenco, State Secretary, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova. “As we move into autumn and flu season, sharing available resources, information and experiences is essential,” added Mr Holostenco. “I thank my colleagues from Romania for all the support provided during this period and going forward.”
