Scientology Empowering Mental Health against Abuses: Advocating for Guidelines to Protect People

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12 October 2023

World News in Brief: recovery efforts in Ukraine, human rights in Sudan and WHO report

“Our team has mobilized and is currently implementing more than $1 billion in recovery and development initiatives across the country,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, this week visited some of our recovery initiatives in Invakiv, a town in the Kyiv region.

There, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) are reconstructing and repairing homes, primary schools, and water systems, that were all destroyed at the start of the Russian invasion last February.

“Our team is also supporting a centre where residents can access a wide range of essential services, including birth certificates,” Mr. Dujarric said, adding that, the work is aligned with the aspirations of the war-affected communities.

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Sudan: UN rights council establishes fact-finding mission

The UN’s top human rights body established an Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, in response to the ongoing war between the national army and paramilitary forces.

Adopting a resolution on Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Council decided that the Mission will consist of three experts in international human rights law and international humanitarian law who will serve for an initial period of one year. They will be appointed by the Council President as soon as possible.

Their mandate will include investigating and establishing the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international law, in the context of the conflict, which erupted on 15 April.

The experts will collect, consolidate and analyse evidence of violations and abuses, including against women and children. Where possible, they will identify those responsible, with a view to ensuring they are held accountable.

The resolution was presented by the United Kingdom, and on behalf of Germany, Norway and the United States.

Niger: Expulsion of top UN official to impede aid delivery

The decision to order the expulsion of the top UN official in Niger will have adverse effects on vital work in the country, where millions are in need of humanitarian assistance.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres deeply regretted that on Tuesday authorities ordered UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Louise Aubin to leave Niger within 72 hours, his Spokesperson said in a statement.

He underlined that the order to leave the country is contrary to the legal framework applicable to the United Nations, including with respect to obligations under the UN Charter and the privileges and immunities accorded to the Organization.

“The decision to order the departure of the Resident Coordinator hampers the ability of the Organization to effectively carry out its mandates and disrupts the essential work we do for the people of Niger, where 4.3 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, mostly women and children,” the statement said.

It added that Ms. Aubin has been exemplary in leading the UN system in Niger to work impartially and tirelessly to deliver humanitarian and development assistance, in accordance with the National Development Plan.

In late July, military leaders in the West African country seized power from the democratically-elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, and suspended the Constitution.

WHO report reveals shift towards an ageing Europe

A new report from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) warns that by 2024, the number of people aged 65 and over in Europe will surpass those under 15, ushering in a host of social, economic, and health challenges.

The report, titled Promoting physical activity and healthy diets for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region highlights the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout one’s life to prevent noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and other ailments.

“A less active and mostly sedentary life with a monotonous and even dull routine every day – that’s an unfair but very common perception of life after 65,” said Kremlin Wickramasinghe, WHO Europe Regional Adviser on Nutrition.

The report offers a roadmap for navigating this demographic shift, emphasizing the crucial role of physical activity and diet quality in maintaining health.

“Our report highlights why policy-makers, businesses and communities in our Region should create more opportunities and make better investments to make healthy choices easier, increasing healthy life expectancy for all of us.,” Dr. Wickramasinghe added.

From the Field: How UN distributes food aid in Gaza, West Bank

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12 October 2023

From the Field: How UN distributes food aid in Gaza, West Bank

ROME – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an emergency operation to provide critical food assistance to over 800,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank who are facing dire circumstances, lacking access to food, water, and essential supplies.

WFP calls for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the entry of aid and humanitarian assistance into Gaza and appeals for the safe and unobstructed passage for its staff and essential commodities.

WFP urgently requires access and funding to reach those in need. A total of US$17.3 million is needed in the next four weeks to address this critical situation.

An update from Palestine where WFP is rapidly expanding the distribution of emergency food assistance:

On Monday, WFP together with UNRWA, has distributed ready-to-eat food to 73,000 people. Distributions are ongoing daily for displaced people in shelters in Gaza, amid concerns that the city is running out of critical resources like food, water, and electricity, with damaged infrastructure severely impeding both food production and distribution networks.
WFP is also starting the distribution of cash-based transfers to 164,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank. Electronic vouchers can be redeemed on food items in local shops. WFP is concerned about availability of food in local shops as supplies are running out.
In the next few days, pending the replenishment of food stocks through the opening of humanitarian corridors, WFP will distribute food to 300,000 people in host communities and make available cash-based-platforms to humanitarian partners.
All borders and check points between the West Bank and Gaza are closed, which is further exacerbating the crisis by preventing much-needed assistance from entering.

Sudan: Massive protection crisis continues warns UNHCR

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12 October 2023

Sudan: Massive protection crisis continues warns UNHCR

“This is one of the largest protection crises that we are faced with today,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes.

“Inside Sudan itself there are a lot of people in urban settings that are affected equally and who do not have the resources to leave.”

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High-level probe

In a related development, the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday voted to set up a high-level probe “to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations” in Sudan.

In accordance with the resolution, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan is mandated to investigate violations of international humanitarian law, including those committed against refugees, and related crimes caused by the ongoing conflict.

Cease hostilities

In an appeal for a cessation of hostilities, the UNHCR official urged Sudan’s opposing militaries “to have a peace process that will help our brothers and sisters who have been obliged to flee their countries to go back to their countries”.

As a result of the conflict that erupted in mid-April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups in mid-April, the UN agency described how families had faced harrowing journeys and become separated while on the move, amid increasing reports of gender-based violence. Malnourishment among children is now described as a major crisis, along with disease outbreaks.

“I have seen and I have witnessed the level of human rights violations that have happened within Sudan so that what we hear from people who have crossed the borders is really heartbreaking and that’s the protection crisis that we are faced with and it has been ongoing for the past six months,” Mr. Balde said.

Regional ramifications

The regional ramifications of the Sudanese emergency are deep, particularly in neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Both nations are grappling with the influx of refugees fleeing the devastating conflict in Sudan, bringing with them stories of despair, loss, and continued vulnerability.

“In my long career as a humanitarian worker what I have seen in Chad with this new emergency with such a rapid and vast displacement of people is the first time,” said Abdouraouf Gnon Konde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

There are over 420,000 new refugees in Chad, 300,000 in Egypt, and about 19,000 in CAR.

Situation in Chad

To put this in perspective, “Chad has hosted more refugees in these mere five months than it has in the past 20 years becoming now undeniably the epicentre of this crisis,” Mr. Konde said.

By the end of 2023, the number of refugees in Chad could number 600,000, according to UNHCR estimates.

In response to the emergency there, the UN agency has relocated 42 per cent of refugees away from high-risk border areas, with a focus on protecting the high percentage of vulnerable women and children.

Xylazine, a one-way trip to Dante’s Inferno

By

Christian Mirre

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11 October 2023

www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/european-drug-report/2023/

Xylazine is called a “zombie drug” because the users have this particular, confused, hunched and slowed move which gives them the appearance of the living dead.

In the whole world, environmental disasters, poverty, inequalities and social injustice are increasing, health care is degrading, same for education and moral values; it is also noted the instrumentalisation of religions and human rights; the metropoles are subject to pollution, crimes, human trafficking and flourishing illicit drug markets. And among the long, impressive and life-threatening list of illicit drugs and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) -most often produced to circumvent the drug laws- the emergence of a new one, Xylazine, is gaining the attention of the concerned authorities (Rodriguez N. et al., 2008).“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Administrator Milgram-U.S.A. Drug Enforcement Administration (2023).

The xylazine (C12H16N2S) is not an opioid like fentanyl but a methyl benzene from the class of phenothiazines. It had been produced by various alternate syntheses, starting in Germany (Bayer Pharmaceutics, 1962). This is a highly lipophilic substance, so easily crosses the membranes and reaches the brain receptors as well as the ones in the body.

This is a drug initially considered for use in humans as an antihypertensive agent, but due to the adverse effects in humans (severe hypotension and Central Nervous System depressant effects), its medical use was discontinued.

In 1972 its use was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only in veterinary medicine for sedation (for 1-4 hours), analgesia (15-30 min), anaesthesia for surgical procedures, and as a muscle relaxant, in animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, and others.

Xylazine in human misuse is known under the names of flesh-eating drug, tranq, tranq-dope, zombie drug, sleep-cut, and Philly dope. It is called a “zombie drug” because the users have this particular, confused, hunched and slowed move or in some cases are in a trance-like state, which gives them the appearance of the living dead that people describe as being zombie-like.

In 2022, the Estonian police reported seizing mixtures containing new opioids and the animal sedative and analgesic xylazine. Most often, xylazine is used as a cheap drug adjuvant (online, for 6-20 dollars per kilogram) to inflate doses of hard drugs, including the opioid fentanyl whose mixture is health devastating. The first death in Europe associated with xylazine use was reported in England (UK) in 2022 with a postmortem detection of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and xylazine (Rock K. L. et al., 2023).

As an illicit drug, xylazine can be consumed orally, by smoking, snorting, by intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection. The drug’s reported duration of effect is longer than that of fentanyl. The adulteration of fentanyl with xylazine allows to extend the feeling of euphoria and analgesia induced by fentanyl and to reduce the frequency of injections (Gupta R. et al. 2023).

Xylazine would be 50 times more powerful than heroin, and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Xylazine is currently responsible for a third of overdose deaths in the United States. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Report 30 (June 2023), mentions that the number of drug overdose deaths involving xylazine was 102 in 2018, 627 in 2019, 1 499 in 2020, and 3 468 in 2021.

In users, xylazine causes loss of consciousness, and states of stupor and in injecting users can lead to skin lesions, and ulcers that, easily infected, can cause gangrene and necrosis often requiring amputation to remove the limb with the rotting tissue. The Professor of Neurobiology S. Kourrich (2023) speaks of the devastating effects, beyond addiction, of xylazine on health, including skin lesions worthy of horror movies.

The signs and symptoms of xylazine overdose are similar to those of heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. When xylazine is added to opioids, severe toxicity and death can occur due to the combined effects of the drugs. But, because xylazine is not an opioid, Naloxone (best antidote for opioid overdose – Jordan M.R. and Morrissonponce D., 2023) is unlikely to be effective in treating people. There is no safe xylazine drug dose to use!

Xylazine acts within the brain to cause sedation and abnormally slow breathing, a life-threatening respiratory depression (that can request tracheostomy) leading to cardiac arrest and death. The effects of severe xylazine intoxication can last for several days.

Xylazine is an adrenergic agonist, having the same action as adrenaline, a hormone and neurotransmitter (Chavez-Arias et al., 2014). Due to its highly lipophilic nature, xylazine directly stimulates the Central Nervous System alpha(α)2-adrenergic receptors as well as other peripheral α-adreno receptors in a great variety of tissues. It has been shown that the human placenta expresses α2-adrenergic receptors that may be implicated in pathogenesis and fetal growth restriction (Motawea H.K.B. et al., 2018).

Note: The 5 main different types of adreno-receptors are:

(Alpha) α-1: present on the smooth muscle fibres of the vessels; α-2: pre-synaptic localization (inhibitory effect on the synapse) located in the central nervous system and heart. α-2 is composed of 3 subtypes A, B, C.

(Beta) β-1: present in the heart where it strengthens the activity (faster and stronger beats); β-2: present locally on certain tissues and allows vasodilation of the arteries or dilation of the bronchi; β-3: present on adipocytes, stimulates thermogenesis.

These receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors, a family of transmembrane receptors in mammals, target of many catecholamines as the natural ligands of the α2-receptors which are: the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) which has a greater affinity, the adrenaline (epinephrine), and the dopamine (the molecule of pleasure, part of the reward system in the brain).

Xylazine inhibits the release of both neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine at the neuronal synapse, resulting in depression of the Central Nervous System interfering with behavioural flexibility, working memory, and nociceptive control and it causes the inhibition of the Sympathetic Nervous System (automatic activities of the body) as on smooth muscle contraction and at heart level a bradyarrhythmia, thus responsible for the decrease of alertness, nociception, muscle tone and of the fight-or-flight response.

Xylazine is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzymes, and then 70% is excreted as urine (Barroso M. et al., 2007). So, urine can be used in detecting xylazine through its metabolites but within a few hours, they decrease to undetectable levels.

How come people are voluntarily reaching such a point of self-destruction, debilitating and painful physical deterioration and dependence?

Substance abuse (greed and dependence) has been associated with early emotional deficiencies resulting in an inability to tolerate emotions and regulate self-esteem and relationships with others (Krystal H., 1982).

Before reaching this addiction point there is a long way to go, starting often with alcohol and cannabis (and some medicines). It is not with legalization, decriminalisation, or shooting rooms that the drug problem will be solved, these ways appear to escape the responsibilities in terms of prevention.

Even if there is no ideal age to talk about the harmful effects of drug use, young people must be informed of these risks as early as possible. The role of the parents -when it is not itself a risk factor- by listening, conversing and providing correct information remains the best prevention. This should be reinforced by trained teachers and educators with continuous yearly teaching adapted to the age and with prevention actions carried out by governments, communities, organizations and associations, among youth and parents.

This is what the Say No To Drugs volunteers across Europe with the Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe strive to achieve through the educational materials The Truth About Drugs*.

The Greek philosopher Epictetus (50-135 A.D.) said: Only the educated are free. Indeed, education provides awareness and knowledge of basic elements of life and gives the ability to differentiate the right from the wrong and to take the right decision. Because as said by the humanist L. Ron Hubbard in 1956: It’s a problem in unawareness. The ethics, the morality, the capability of good, sound judgment alike depend upon the ability to be aware.

Instead of living the drug hell torments of a drug addict who can no longer stand life enslaved to the increasing spiral of harmful drug doses, isn’t it better to be able to face life responsibly, and freely, and act with passion and perseverance to make dreams come true?

REFERENCES

www.desdiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/Xylazine.pdf

www.poison.org/articles/what-is-xylazine

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr030.pdf

https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine

(*)Visit:

wwwdrugfreeworld.org (free materials in 20 languages)

Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe: https://fdfe.eu

The culinary specialties of Tournai: delights from the Belgian region

By

NewsdeskTET

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11 October 2023

The culinary specialties of Tournai: delights from the Belgian region

In the heart of Wallonia, the town of Tournai is renowned for its culinary specialties which are the pride of the Belgian region. Nestled in the province of Hainaut, this charming city has a rich and varied gastronomic tradition. Tasty and authentic dishes delight the taste buds of locals and visitors who discover this gourmet region.

First of all, how can we not mention the famous Tarte al Djote from Tournai? This emblematic dish of the city is a real delight for lovers of traditional flavors. Tarte al Djote is a savory tart made with chard, cheese, eggs and spices. Its crispy dough and soft filling make it an essential dish for family meals or festive events. Its ancestral recipe is jealously guarded by Tournaisian families, who pass it on from generation to generation.

Then, the town of Tournai is also famous for its Flemish carbonade, a typical dish of the region. This succulent preparation based on beef simmered in a dark beer sauce is a real treat for fans of traditional cuisine. Flemish Carbonade is often accompanied by crispy Belgian fries, for a complete taste experience. The restaurants of Tournai compete in originality to offer their own version of this emblematic dish, which delights locals and tourists alike.

Sweet lovers will not be left out in Tournai. The city is famous for its delicious waffles, which can be found in many pastry shops and street stalls. The Tournai waffle is distinguished by its light and crispy texture, as well as its subtle vanilla taste. It can be enjoyed plain, sprinkled with icing sugar, or accompanied by whipped cream, melted chocolate or fresh fruit. A real treat for gourmets!

Speaking of sweets, it’s impossible not to mention the speculoos from Tournai. These traditional cinnamon-based cookies are a true institution in the city. Their crunchy texture and spicy taste make them a very popular treat for young and old. Tournai speculoos are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, for a moment of relaxation and taste pleasure.

Finally, how can we talk about Tournaisian gastronomy without mentioning beer? The Tournai region is renowned for its craft breweries which produce beers of character. Hop lovers will find what they are looking for in the city’s many estaminets and beer bars. Traditional Belgian beers such as blonde, brown, amber or triple are offered, as well as special beers with original flavors. A tasting of local beers is a must during a visit to Tournai, to discover the unique aromas of this emblematic Belgian drink.

In conclusion, the culinary specialties of Tournai are true delights of the Belgian region. Between Tarte al Djote, Flemish Carbonade, waffles, speculoos and beer, gourmets will find what they are looking for in this gourmet city. Culinary traditions are respected here and passed down from generation to generation, to the greatest pleasure of the taste buds. A visit to Tournai is an opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of the region and to enjoy typical dishes, for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Iran: Rights experts ‘dismayed’ over continued imprisonment of Nobel Laureate Mohammadi

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11 October 2023

Iran: Rights experts ‘dismayed’ over continued imprisonment of Nobel Laureate Mohammadi

Ms. Mohammadi has been arrested multiple times, the first arrest being in 2011 for her advocacy for incarcerated human rights activists and their families. In 2015, she was rearrested and sentenced to additional years.

She is currently serving a lengthy jail sentence in Tehran’s Evin Prison for “spreading anti-State propaganda”, according to a news release issued by the UN Human Rights Council-appointed Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

“We are dismayed that Iranian authorities continue to deprive Ms Mohammadi of her liberty, despite concerns about her deteriorating health in detention, against the advice of medical professionals, in violation of their obligations under international human rights law,” said the Working Group.

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Repeated calls for release

The experts had previously determined that Ms Mohammadi’s detention was arbitrary and called for her immediate release, compensation and reparations.

They stressed that her arrest and detention constituted a violation of international law on the grounds of discrimination on the basis of her status as a human rights defender.

“It is deeply regrettable that despite calls by the UN and the international community, Iranian authorities continue to criminalize Narges Mohammadi for her work in defence of human rights,” they said.

The Working Group

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is composed of five independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. The Working Group is mandated to investigate cases of deprivation of liberty imposed arbitrarily or inconsistently with the international standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), or the international legal instruments accepted by the States concerned.

They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary.

UN teams ramp up aid after another earthquake strikes Afghanistan

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11 October 2023

UN teams ramp up aid after another earthquake strikes Afghanistan

UN teams have stepped up their response after another strong earthquake struck western Afghanistan early on Wednesday, just days after powerful earthquakes killed over 2,000 people in the same region.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Herat at 5:10 AM (00:40 AM GMT) local time, injuring over 100 people, many of whom were taken to hospitals, according to media reports.

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UN response

UN agencies have stepped up support, deploying teams to assess the damage and assist ongoing humanitarian efforts.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is supplying emergency food assistance to the affected communities, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has dispatched medical teams to support hospitals and help treat the wounded.

UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has brought in blankets and shelters, potable water and is providing psychosocial support services.

Approaching winter

Prior to the earthquake on Wednesday, quakes that struck since the weekend affected more than 12,100 people, in some 1,730 families, most of them women and children.

Over 2,000 people lost their lives, a vast majority among them women and children.

Those who survived have lost their loved ones, their homes and possessions, said Rebecca Phwitiko, UNICEF Communications Officer in Afghanistan.

“Yesterday, I met children in one of the damaged villages, families have lost everything, and they do not know how they will survive the coming winter,” she said.

The UNICEF official emphasized the urgent need for international support.

“We urge you not to forget the children of Afghanistan,” she said.

The UN agency has launched a $20 million appeal for its aid operations in this disaster.

MEPs address Borrell to end discrimination against women and minorities in Iran

By

Newsroom

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11 October 2023

Following the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini,the rise of the “Women, Life Freedom” movement in Iran and the nomination of Narges Mohammadi to a Nobel prize for her struggle, members of the European Parliament addressed a petition to the high Representative of the European Union for Foreign affairs and security policy Mr Joseph Borrell.

The MEPs are raising awareness to the issue of discrimination of 30 million citizens of Iran – ethnical Azerbaijanis, who suffer greatly from the oppression by the Iranian regime. The Azerbaijani minority represents more or less the third of the Iranian population. Together with other minorities – Arabs, Baluchis, Turks and Kurds they suffer from cultural, linguistic, economic, political and ecological discrimination which marginalizes these populations and make them vulnerable. The women of these minorities are even in worst situation.

Uprisings In Iran calls for equal rights for every citizen no matter his gender, age, religion, ethnic background, political affiation or social background. Thanks to Human rights organizations and journalists who work unconditionally to reflect the reality on the ground the EU and the international community are provided with real information. The Guney AZFRONT Telegram channel which coordinates the current struggle for freedom and rights of Southern Azerbaijanis is one of the major sources of activity and reports.

By addressing a petition to the high Representative Joseph Borrell, the Members of the European Parliament show solidarity with minorities and women in Iran and support their fight for freedom and justice. They demand that the Iranian regime must stop the economic, political and military pressure on ethnic, religious minorities and of course women.

It is a reminder that the EU has never forgotten the sacrifices of the Iranian people and their fight for democracy a year after the uprisings started. The EU supports civil society organizations and free media in Iran and continues to put pressure to enable minorities to live in dignity.

Israel-Palestine: Rising death and displacement, including among UN staff

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11 October 2023

Israel-Palestine: Rising death and displacement, including among UN staff

The death toll in Israel from attacks by Palestinian armed groups, and in Gaza due to Israeli bombardments, has continued to rise, with mass displacement soaring across the enclave, the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, said on Wednesday.