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Human trafficking for organ removal needs urgent international attention

By
Robert Johnson
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Human-Trafficking
Human-Trafficking

Human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal needs urgent international attention, concludes expert roundtable co-organized by OSCE and partners

VIENNA, 8 July 2020 – Despite its high profits and catastrophic harm to victims, trafficking in human beings for the removal of organs is one of the least understood and addressed forms of human trafficking globally and needs urgent attention from the international community, an international group of experts concluded in a two-day online meeting held on 7 July.

The event,  co-organized by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), was an opportunity to share experiences in addressing this challenge and examine possible ways to enhance responses in the OSCE region.

The meeting gathered legal, criminal justice, medical and victim-protection experts from over 20 OSCE participating States, Partners for Co-operation and international organizations.

The experts noted that, although it is specifically mentioned in the internationally-recognized definition of trafficking in human beings, human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal remains a troubling and elusive form of exploitation across the globe. They emphasized the need to raise international attention to the issue and deploy all available tools to combat it.

“One of the things I am struck by is how incredibly challenging it is to respond to this form of trafficking in human beings. And yet I am also optimistic because we have been jointly developing some of the tools we need like new technologies and improved financial investigations,” said OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey. He also added that the OSCE looks forward to working with a wide range of partners on a list of concrete recommendations.  

Many participants pointed out the inadequacy of the legal instruments currently in use, and the crucial necessity to enhance co-operation between countries to make perpetrators accountable.

Participants stressed that particular attention needs to be devoted to situations with patients travelling abroad to get a transplant or coming from abroad with a donor. The crimes often cross borders which makes it much harder for investigators and prosecutors to track perpetrators and exercise jurisdiction over cases that can span numerous countries. Without international judicial co-operation, these crimes – even when detected – are rarely prosecuted successfully, noted the participants. They also said that the role of financial investigations in detecting and countering flows of money alimenting and paying for these illegal services is vital. 

A crucial point in the discussions was the critical role that can be played by the medical personnel, both in preventing these crimes but also in reporting dubious situations, including when the origins of the organ to be transplanted are not clear.

Participants also proposed improving the capacity of anti-trafficking practitioners and medical personnel to identify victims. Better identification could also lead to enhanced assistance to survivors, which today is mostly lacking.

Borrell : decision on Hagia Sophia is regrettable

By
Robert Johnson
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Hagia Sophia
Photo by Raimond Klavins

Turkey: Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the decision regarding Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia has a strong symbolic, historical and universal value. Turkey has developed a well-established tradition of cultural conservation as well as a recognised tradition of intellectual and cultural openness.

The ruling by the Turkish Council of State to overturn one of modern Turkey‘s landmark decisions and President Erdoğan‘s decision to place the monument under the management of the Religious Affairs Presidency, is regrettable. As a founding member of the Alliance of Civilisations, Turkey has committed to the promotion of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue and to fostering of tolerance and co-existence.

Guadalajara Fair Offers Proposals for 2020

By
Juan Sanchez Gil
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Guadalajara Fair Offers Proposals for 2020

The organizers of the Guadalajara International Book Fair said they are considering a variety of scenarios for this year’s fair, which is scheduled to run from November 28 to December 6.

The main proposal is to divide the fair between the Expo Guadalajara, where the fair is traditionally held, and a second pavillion at the Cultural Center at the University of Guadalajara, which is approximately a 10 to 15 minute drive away. The intention is to minimize the density of people at the fair at any one time to meet limits that will be approved by Mexico’s health authorities.

Should the threat of the pandemic be too acute to hold a face-to-face fair, the organizers say they are considering holding a virtual fair or canceling the event altogether.

Last year, the fair hosted 2,417 publishing houses from 48 countries and 828,266 visitors. The United Arab Emirate of Sharjah is the 2020 guest of honor, and the fair will have a special focus on Arabic language and culture.

Manchester City back in Champions League as European ban overturned on appeal

By
News desk
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EURONEWS – A ban stopping Manchester City playing in European competitions (Champions League) for the next two seasons has been overturned.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delivered its verdict after hearing the club’s appeal against the UEFA sanctions, issued in February for “serious breaches” of Financial Fair Play rules.

CAS announced City were cleared of “disguising equity funds as sponsorship contributions”.

The club’s fine for failing to cooperate with independent investigators has been slashed from €30 million to €10 million.

Pep Guardiola’s side secured second place in the Premier League after a 5-0 drubbing of Brighton and Hove Albion. Therefore the blue half of Manchester will play in next season’s Champions League.

City said in a statement on its website that “while its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling” the club “welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the Club’s position and the body of evidence that it was able to present.”

“The Club wishes to thank the panel members for their diligence and the due process that they administered,” it added.

Fans expressed their delight at the ruling on social media.

UEFA said it had taken note of the decision, adding: “Over the last few years, Financial Fair Play has played a significant role in protecting clubs and helping them become financially sustainable and UEFA and European Club Association remain committed to its principles.”

City’s win will raise doubts about the future of the UEFAs Financial Fair Play program, created in 2009.

They join Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in defeating UEFA at CAS in the past two years.

The urgent ruling came one month after a three-day hearing held by video link between Switzerland and England. A full verdict detailing the evidence, expert witness testimony and the judges’ reasons is unlikely to be published for several weeks.

UEFA could choose to challenge the CAS ruling at Switzerland’s supreme court. Federal appeals in CAS cases rarely succeed and only consider narrow grounds of legal procedure.

UEFA decided to create the FFP system 11 years ago, following the global financial crisis, to monitor finances of 200-plus clubs which qualify each year for its competitions. Clubs must approach break-even on commercial income and spending on transfers and salaries. Sponsor deals linked to wealthy owners must be set at fair market rates.

South Korea Shincheonji Church of Jesus says members to give plasma for COVID19 research

By
Juan Sanchez Gil
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0

The agency Reuters has reported that circa 4,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from the religious group Shincheonji Church of Jesus at the center of South Korea’s largest outbreak will donate plasma for research, an official said on Tuesday.

In February and March, a massive outbreak among members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus made South Korea the scene of the first large outbreak outside of China.

Church founder Lee Man-hee had internally advised recovered members to donate their plasma, which is badly needed for coronavirus research, Shincheonji media coordinator Kim Young-eun told Reuters.

Many of recovered church members wanted to donate to express thanks to the government and medical staff, she said.

Daegu authorities had previously filed a complaint against the church apparently “falsely accusing” it of not submitting a full list of members and facilities, and not cooperating with city health efforts. Such a request in Europe would be completely illegal.

Shincheonji says have fully complied with government efforts of prevention.

Over 200 people have so far come forward to donate plasma as of the end of June, said the National Institute of Health, and also said they were in talks with Shincheonji for donations.

South Korea health officials have said that in the absence of other treatments or vaccines, plasma therapy may be a way to lower the death rate, especially in critical patients.

At least 17 South Koreans have received the experimental therapy, which involves using plasma from recovered patients with antibodies to the virus, enabling the body to defend against the disease.

Californian Superior Court scheduled to dismiss all the charges against Apostle Naasón Joaquín García

By
Juan Sanchez Gil
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0

The Public Affairs Office of The Church of The Light of the World (La Luz del Mundo), has issued a statement vindicating the innocence and dignity of their leader Naasón Joaquín García. In their press release published on facebook, they said:

“The Ministry of Public Relations of the Light of the World Church reports that today’s hearing, in which the Superior Court was scheduled to dismiss all the charges against the Apostle of Jesus Christ Naasón Joaquín García pursuant to the ruling of the Court of Appeals, has been continued to August 6th, at which time the Court announced it will dismiss all the charges. The charges were scheduled to be dismissed in May, but the delays have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important to note that the decision issued by the Court of Appeals determining that the Apostle Naasón Joaquín García’s constitutional rights had been violated, causing him significant harm and damage and noting various procedural violations to the detriment of his human rights, was issued in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the United States of America and laws of the State of California.

The Court of Appeal’s decision strengthens the confidence of the members of the Church in the judicial institutions tasked with imparting justice. We continue to publicly express our confidence in the integrity, innocence and honorability of the Apostle of Jesus Christ.

We thank God for his favorable response, as well as all those who have accompanied us with their solidarity and understanding throughout this process. May God bless you.”

The Church of the Light of the World has been working with local authorities to help their members and population at large, to cope better in these times of Covid19.

Ursula von der Leyen on Srebrenica genocide: “we failed to protect those who were most in need of our protection”

By
Juan Sanchez Gil
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0

Message from Ursula Von Derleyen

On the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, the entire world realises that we failed to protect those who were most in need of our protection. It is our duty to remember, speak up and act: No more blood in the name of race or religion. No more genocides, never again.

Message of Charles Michel to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

By
Newsdesk
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Today we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. We pay tribute to all the victims and their families. And to those who still have no confirmation of the fate of their loved ones. I am with you. Europe is with you. We will not rest until justice is served.

25 years ago, horrendous acts were committed in Srebrenica. Thousands of men and boys were brutally killed and buried in mass graves. Women, children and elderly were forced away, raped and abused. We remember and we honour the memory of all those who perished and who suffered in these atrocities.

All Europeans should be humbled, and furious, at what was allowed to happen in Srebrenica. It is one of the darkest chapters of modern European history. By remembering, we renew our commitment to never let such atrocities happen again.

Such despicable acts go against our deepest European values. A quarter of a century later, they are still shocking, still almost inconceivable. Yet even today, we continue to hear similar language that led to these shameful acts. Revisionists minimise, or even deny the genocide. Others glorify war criminals.

We have a unique responsibility to lead by example. Only when all leaders recognise the crimes that took place can the peoples of your country finally heal and come together. Both the European Union and the Western Balkans have shown enormous solidarity, consideration, and care for one another. That gives us reason for hope. Today, we condemn the genocide at Srebrenica. We must remain vigilant and challenge hatred and intolerance, in Europe, and in your country.

Now is the time to overcome the dark legacy of the past. The EU is the greatest peace and reconciliation project ever. From the ashes of World War Two, the Union has shown what can be achieved when peoples reconcile, and come together. We hope and trust to see you advance on your European path. Only when we learn from the past, can we build a better future for the generations to come. They deserve peace, justice and true reconciliation. In our common house – Europe.

Jack Charlton: England World Cup winner and ex-Ireland manager dies at 85

By
News desk
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0

EURONEWS – The football world is paying tribute to Jack Charlton, England World Cup winner in 1966 and later manager of Ireland’s national team, who has died at the age of 85.

The news of his death was announced on Saturday by Leeds United, the club with whom he spent his entire playing career. Charlton’s family said he died at home on Friday in Northumberland, northern England.

A robust, uncompromising central defender, Jack Charlton played alongside his brother Bobby in England’s triumphant side that beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

This was undoubtedly his greatest achievement as a player, but he also won every domestic honour, including the league title with Leeds in 1969. He played a record number of 773 times for the club in a career that spanned over 20 years, from the early 1950s until his retirement in 1973.

Charlton then went into management, where he was easily the most successful of England’s World Cup winners. In his first season he took Second Division Middlesbrough to a runaway league title and promotion to the top flight, where the club established itself throughout his four-year tenure.

Further impressive management spells followed with Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United until he was hired by Ireland in 1986 as the country’s first foreign coach.

In charge of the national side, Charlton took Ireland to three major tournaments, notably the World Cup in Italy in 1990 where the team reached the quarter-finals though without winning a match in open play.

With a direct, physical style, Charlton got the best out of Ireland’s hard-working players. The country also played in the finals at the 1988 European Championship, achieving a notable 1-0 win over England — and at the 1994 World Cup in the United States where they achieved their first victory at a finals, also 1-0 against pre-tournament favourites Italy.

Jack Charlton resigned in 1995 and was awarded honorary Irish citizenship a year later.

ECR MEPs criticised new EU rules in transport sector as “harmful and double-dealing”

By
Juan Sanchez Gil
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0

As reported by the European Conservatives and Reformists, after the adoption of the EU Mobility package by the European Parliament without any amendments, ECR Transport coordinator Roberts Zīle MEP said:

“What is seemingly symbolically ironic, is that on the day when chancellor Merkel takes over the reigns of Council presidency, singing a rhapsody of solidarity, the newly approved road freight transport rules – originated from then French minister Macron – demonstrate a stark protectionism that will not only erode the integrity of the EU Single Market but furthermore exemplify division against higher and lower income Member States.

Zīle has continued saying: “Moreover, these rules, namely the compulsory return of the trucks to the Member State of establishment, will generate an enormous ecological burden crippling the whole Green Deal idea in its core. Sadly enough, even the coronavirus disturbances and health and safety risks had not stemmed the rules disbarring drivers to rest in their truck cabins, that would often provide much better health safety than poorly maintained ‘multi bed per room’ hostels.

Kosma Zlotowski, ECR´s co-shadow rapporteur, also criticised the new regulation as being “incompatible” with the spirit of “economic integration” and the single market’s principles:

“The Mobility Package is a clear example of economic protectionism. It discriminates against transport companies from countries such as Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Baltic States. These rules go against the very freedoms, which includes services, on which the values and success of the European Union have been built. Sadly, the Mobility Package is a sign that this process is being abandoned. Of course, the fight is not over. Certainly, Member States will bring their complaints concerning these regulations to the European Court of Justice. Contrary to the intentions of the initiators of these changes, the costs of the Mobility Package will affect consumers across Europe and have a negative impact on the prices of all goods. In times of crisis brought about by the coronavirus epidemic, this could be a barrier to the swift recovery of the EU economy.”

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