Attacks by armed groups against security forces in the Central African Republic (CAR), combined with increased food and fuel prices and an influx of refugees from Sudan, have aggravated an already fragile humanitarian situation there UN officials said on Tuesday.
‘Not the time to forget’ Central African Republic
The Dance of Religion and Technology, Unveiling Scientology’s Unique Intersection at the 20th Annual EASR Conference
VILNIUS, LITHUANIA, September 7, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — In today’s ever-evolving landscape of religion and technology, the traditional notion of conflict between the two is being challenged by a more nuanced perspective, and Scientology, according to scholars, shows to be a definite example of this. How is the relationship between religion and technology?
Among the many conferences that are being held this week in Vilnius with over 400 presentations by experts from all over Europe and around the world, there was one panel with a focus on Scientology as an intriguing case study. This exploration took place within the context of the 20th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) which was hosted by both the Lithuanian Society for the Study of Religion and Vilnius University, where experts discussed and challenged each other about how religion, technology and society intersect.
The Framework of the EASR Conference
The EASR Conference held in 2023 played a role as a platform for scholars interested in aspects concerning religion and technology. Organized jointly by both the Lithuanian Society for the Study of Religion and Vilnius University this conference aimed to shed light on an overlooked theme – exploring how religion intersects with technology. It called for research not only into historical interactions but also, into our rapidly changing modern world where religions and religious movements have seamlessly integrated themselves into the technological and digital spaces.
“In this era, the beliefs and practices of religions have an impact, on public opinion and must therefore be properly understood, so that this impact is a positive one”, said Ivan Arjona, Scientology representative to the European institutions and the United Nations who that the opportunity to participate in this annual conference “and therefore this type conference deserves the attention and support of the authorities as well as all the academia”.
The Unique Intersection of Scientology
Among the circa 100 panels with around 400 presentations, there was a panel discussion specifically focused on “Religion as Technology and Technology as Religion; Scientology.” Experts came together to analyze the position that Scientology holds within this relationship.
This panel was convened by Prof Massimo Introvigne, founder of the renowned Center for Studies on New Religions, who plays a pivotal role in examining new religions and who has researched and written extensively on Scientology.
The first presenter was Attila Miklovicz, a PhD student specializing in philosophy of religion studies and the University of Pécs, Hungary, who provided insights into how Scientology’s connection to technology goes beyond academia and resonates with the public. He highlighted how Scientology has evolved from its initially not viewed as religious methodology, Dianetics, to growing into a recognized religion, with philosophical and technological aspects. Miklovicz explained and demonstrated how Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, through the application of scientific and engineering approaches to life and philosophy, the Dianetics methodology transformed into what experts, including the late Frank Flinn, call a technological religion.
The panel featured a diverse group of experts, each offering a unique perspective on the intersection of Scientology, religion, and technology, and among them was Prof Donald Westbrook, who has taught at prestigious institutions like UT Austin and UCLA, and who holds a PhD from Claremont Graduate University and MLIS from San Jose State University. And another expert who provided an approach was Rosita Soryte, the co-founder and President of ORLIR (the International Observatory of Religious Liberty of Refugees), who brought a unique perspective to the panel from her background in international relations.
In conclusion, the 20th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions provided a platform for scholars to delve into the relationship, between religion and technology. “As we navigate through the changing landscape of religion and technology it becomes clear that the line separating these two realms is not fixed but rather flexible. The example of Scientology provides a captivating demonstration of it. The EASR conferences have always been extremely useful in bringing knowledge about religion to all through its members all over the continent “we congratulate them for this”, concluded Arjona.
UNICEF urges support for children, as wildfires rage across Greece
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday called for urgent assistance for children caught up in wildfires in Greece, considered to be the worst Europe has seen since the turn of the century.
Accountability key to Sri Lanka’s future: UN rights chief
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stressed the urgency of addressing these challenges if the country is to move forward, recalling the 2022 anti-Government protests demanding a fairer and more inclusive society.
“But the potential for a historic transformation that would address long-standing challenges is far from being realized.”
The UN rights chief’s message coincides with the launch of a new report documenting the country’s human rights situation. It outlines the challenges and opportunities to address them, in the wake of the 2022 economic crisis.
Families search for truth
Although the brutal decades-long civil war ended more than 14 years ago, tens of thousands of victims and their families in Sri Lanka still seek truth and justice.
While the Government proposed a new truth-seeking mechanism, meaningful and transparent consultations with victims and civil society are essential for the success of any transitional justice process, OHCHR said.
This includes putting an end to all forms of harassment and unlawful surveillance, and supporting initiatives to acknowledge and memorialize victims’ experiences.
“Truth-seeking alone will not suffice. It must also be accompanied by a clear commitment to accountability and the political will to implement far-reaching change,” Mr. Türk said.
Concerns over proposed laws
The report raises concerns over proposed new laws, such as the Anti-Terrorism Bill before parliament and legislation to regulate broadcasting.
It also highlights the need for comprehensive security sector reform, including reduced military spending and a cut in military personnel in areas affected by armed conflict.
The report also calls on the authorities to accelerate investigations and prosecutions into emblematic cases of human rights violations, as well as the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which claimed 269 lives and injured over 500.
In July 2022, autorickshaws wait in a long queue at a Sri Lankan fuel station, amidst a severe economic crisis.
Economic crisis
The report summarizes the impact of the 2022 economic crisis on the human rights and well-being of Sri Lankans.
The crisis resulted in severe shortages in fuel, electricity, food, medicines, and other essential items. While some stabilization occurred in 2023, many experienced a sharp decline in living standards, and the country still grapples with a heavy debt burden.
Poverty has almost doubled – from 13 per cent in 2021 to 25 per cent in 2022, according to World Bank estimates, and it is projected to further rise to 27.4 per cent this year, and remain over 25 per cent for the next few years.
Women have borne a “distinct impact” post-crisis, as many are primarily engaged in informal sectors of the economy and face limited access to social protection, said OHCHR.
Food and education
Food insecurity and access to health and education also remain major concerns.
Across the country, about 37 per cent of households faced acute food insecurity in November 2022, leading to a significant number of families buying cheaper less nutritious food and sometimes skipping meals altogether, leading to fears of rising malnutrition among children.
Mental health has also been affected as people face multiple stresses due to price increases, scarcity and loss of income.
Access to education is also at risk, amid rising truancy due to competing economic needs, and higher transport and food costs.
Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and girls are particularly vulnerable, OHCHR noted.
Recommendations
The report outlines a series of recommendations, including a call on the Government to guarantee people’s economic and social rights, tackle corruption and create an enabling environment for a successful and sustainable transitional justice process.
It also urges increased women’s participation in political life and decision-making, as well as ensuring free and fair elections at all levels of government.
The report also calls on the international community to support effective and meaningful transitional justice processes, in compliance with international norms, and targeted sanctions against those credibly alleged to have perpetrated gross human rights violations.
Explore Tournai: between majestic cathedral and picturesque streets
Explore Tournai: between majestic cathedral and picturesque streets
Located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium, Tournai is a city full of charm which is full of historical and architectural treasures. With its majestic cathedral and picturesque streets, Tournai is an ideal destination for history and culture lovers.
The Notre-Dame de Tournai cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly one of the city’s jewels. Built in the 12th century, this magnificent Gothic cathedral is famous for its five towers and richly ornate façade. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning stained glass windows, detailed carvings, and ancient frescoes that tell the story of the area. The cathedral is also known for housing the famous Processional Carpet, an exceptional medieval tapestry that depicts the life of Christ.
Walking through the picturesque streets of Tournai, you discover a real treasure of architecture and history. The Grand-Place, with its colorful houses and lively cafés, is a great place to relax and observe the daily life of the locals. Not far from there, the rue des Jésuites is a real journey through time with its 17th century houses and stone facades. Architecture enthusiasts should not fail to visit the Maison Tournaisienne, a fine example of Renaissance architecture, which now houses the town’s archeology museum.
The city of Tournai is also known for its world-famous museums. The Museum of Fine Arts, located in a former 18th century hospice, houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and works of art ranging from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era. History buffs can visit the Natural History and Archeology Museum, which features local artifacts dating back to Roman times.
For those who wish to discover the surrounding nature, Tournai offers many green spaces and parks. The Esplanade Park, located near the cathedral, is an ideal place for a walk or a picnic with the family. The gardens of the Palais des Beaux-Arts, with their fountains and sculptures, are a real haven of peace in the heart of the city.
Tournai is also famous for its gastronomy. Fans of Belgian cuisine will not fail to taste the famous mussels and fries, accompanied by a local beer. The town’s restaurants also offer refined cuisine based on local products, such as Tournai cheese and farm snails.
The city of Tournai is easily accessible by train from Brussels and Lille, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Once there, it is possible to get around easily on foot or by bike, thanks to the many cycle paths in the city.
In conclusion, Tournai is a city that will seduce lovers of history, architecture and culture. Between its majestic cathedral and its picturesque streets, Tournai offers a unique blend of heritage and charm. Whether for a cultural visit or a nature getaway, Tournai will seduce you with its beauty and authenticity.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
200,000 children at risk of starvation in Mali, warn UN agencies
A nexus of protracted armed conflict, internal displacement and limited humanitarian access threatens to plunge nearly one million children under the age of five into acute malnutrition by the end of this year – with at least 200,000 at risk of dying of hunger if life-saving aid fails to reach them, UN agencies said on Friday.
OECD Survey – EU needs a deeper Single Market and to accelerate emissions reduction to growth
OECD Survey – The latest survey looks at how European economies are reacting to the negative external shocks as well as the challenges facing Europe moving forward.
The European economic recovery has been disrupted by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which has driven energy and food prices higher and curbed the post-pandemic rebound. While co-ordinated and timely policy action helped avoid a severe downturn, the near-term outlook remains clouded by uncertainty, according to a new OECD report.
The latest OECD Economic Survey of the European Union and the euro area looks at how European economies are reacting to the negative external shocks as well as the challenges facing Europe moving forward. The Survey projects growth will pick up gradually, from 0.9% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024, with inflation expected to decrease to 5.8% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024, but to remain above the European Central Bank’s 2% target.
Financial Vulnerabilities
Given broad-based and persistent inflation, monetary and fiscal policy need to act in synergy to durably reduce inflationary pressures, according to the Survey. Driving down inflation will require a continuation of restrictive monetary policy, as well as greater efforts to ensure that fiscal policy becomes better targeted and more sustainable.
The Survey recognises that financial vulnerabilities are significant, especially in countries with high levels of private debt and a high share of variable mortgages. The authorities should use macroprudential policies and other targeted instruments to address financial sector risks, as needed. Fiscal sustainability should be grounded in well-prioritised, more efficient public spending and underpinned by improved economic governance, notably stronger compliance with fiscal rules. These should refocus on debt sustainability and multiannual expenditure plans to ensure a more countercyclical fiscal policy and a downward path to more prudent debt levels.
Stronger Single Market
The OECD Survey says that a stronger and deeper Single Market can help Europe boost growth and innovation while fostering structural change. Priorities should include renewed efforts to ensure a level playing field, through a consistent and evenly applied state aid framework, as well as a re-direction of EU resources towards support for green R&D, innovation and early-stage support. Further harmonisation of national regulations and their alignment with EU rules for digital services, the circular economy and building codes is needed, alongside continued co-ordination of national efforts to fight corruption and fraud.
Accelerating the Climate Transition
Achieving climate change objectives – notably the net-zero target by 2050 – will require an acceleration of emission reductions. More action is needed across all sectors, but particularly in sectors not covered by emission trading, notably agriculture, buildings and transport. Reducing emissions in these sectors will rely on regulatory measures and a gradual alignment and raising of carbon prices.
An important element of the green transition is affordable and secure energy, which requires more integrated electricity markets. Deeper capital markets could support the development of new clean technologies, while improving labour mobility and skills will help to reduce transition costs.
See an Overview of the OECD Survey with key findings and charts (this link can be included in media articles).
The OECD, working with over 100 countries, is a global policy forum that promotes policies to preserve individual liberty and improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.
People of African descent facing ‘immense challenges’ in public square
It details how systemic racism, marginalization and exclusion, rooted in the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, continue to have a negative effect on all aspects of life.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged States to “accelerate action towards meaningful, inclusive and safe participation for people of African descent in every aspect of public affairs”.
Tackling systemic racism
The UN rights chief emphasized that efforts to address systemic racism must be grounded in evidence, with data analysed in terms of race and ethnic origin.
But he warned that many countries still do not collect, publish, or use such data to inform policymaking.
While the report includes examples where participation has been facilitated, it cautions that there are persistent challenges and the lack of “a safe and enabling environment” in many countries.
“Racial abuse and discrimination, surveillance, harassment, intimidation, arrests and violence against people of African descent and civil society actors of African descent, hinder meaningful, inclusive and safe participation for people of African descent in public affairs in many countries,” Mr. Türk said.
Targeted action
The High Commissioner urged States to take targeted action to change the status quo.
This includes evidence-based legal, policy and institutional approaches to dismantle systemic racism, including in law enforcement, as described in a new guidance note on transformative change for racial justice and equality.
Deaths continue
According to the OHCHR report, the deaths of people of African descent during or after interactions with law enforcement continue.
It found that little progress has been made to address impunity – despite attempts by families seeking justice.
“Deaths during or after interactions with law enforcement continue to be reported, with insufficient progress towards accountability and redress,” Mr. Türk said.
“States need to take firm action to ensure justice and redress in these cases, and to put in place strengthened and independent oversight mechanisms. It is essential that they examine what role racial discrimination, stereotypes and biases play in law enforcement and accountability processes,” he added.
The case of Adama Traoré
Speaking in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, pointed out that the death of 24-year-old Adama Traoré in police custody in 2016 was “one of seven illustrative cases” in the report, demonstrating the “challenges that families of African descent face in seeking truth and justice promptly”.
Last week judges concluded that the gendarmes responsible for his arrest in Beaumont-sur-Oise, north of Paris, had not committed “illegitimate intentional violence” and could not be charged for failing in their duties.
Ms. Shamdasani emphasized that OHCHR is watching the case closely following the family’s decision to appeal the ruling.
She noted that: “Seven years after his death the family are still waiting for the full truth to be formally established, for corresponding responsibilities and for appropriate measures to be taken to ensure that justice and effective remedies are put in place so such an incident cannot occur again”.
She added that the report highlights allegations of an online smear campaign and threats against Adama Traoré’s sister.
These include posts from accounts on social media site X of two professional police unions, following her cooperation with the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) last year.
“We will continue to follow this closely,” she said.
Reparations
Regarding questions of reparations for people of African descent, Ms. Shamdasani pointed out that the High Commissioner has insisted on several pillars of the response to systemic racism.
These include “confronting the legacies of the past, accountability and redress”. She stressed that Mr. Turk believes “States need to recognise that behind contemporary forms of racism, dehumanization and exclusion, is a failure to acknowledge responsibilities for enslavement”.
He believes there is a need to “comprehensively repair the harms”.
She emphasized again that the process of redress needed to be “informed by people of African descent,” with “wide-ranging initiatives, including formal acknowledgement, apologies, truth-telling processes and reparations in various forms. This should be structured through “the effective participation of people of African descent and their communities,” she added.
Urgent call for $1 billion to support millions fleeing Sudan conflict
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and 64 humanitarian and national civil society organisations on Monday appealed for $1 billion to provide essential aid and protection to more than 1.8 million people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan who are expected to arrive in five neighbouring countries by the end of 2023.
Since the crisis began when rival military groups clashed in mid-April, projections of growing numbers of people trying to escape fighting have sharply spiked upwards.
“The crisis has triggered an urgent demand for humanitarian assistance, as those arriving in remote border areas find themselves in desperate circumstances due to inadequate services, poor infrastructure and limited access,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Bureau Director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, and Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan Situation.
“Partners active in this response are making every effort to support those who are arriving and their hosts, but without enough donor resources, these efforts will be severely curtailed.”
The current appeal is based on expectations reflecting a two-fold increase of what was initially estimated in May to respond to the crisis.
Displacement, needs continue to soar
More than one million refugees, returnees, and third-country nationals have already fled the country, the agency reported.
Critical necessities include water, food, shelter, health services, cash aid, core relief items, and protection services. Urgent attention is also required for an increasingly dire health situation among new arrivals. High malnutrition rates, disease outbreaks, such as cholera and measles, and related deaths are occurring in several receiving countries.
‘Action can no longer be delayed’
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“It is deeply distressing to receive reports of children dying from diseases that are entirely preventable, should partners have had sufficient resources,” Mr. Balde said. “Action can no longer be delayed.”
The countries receiving people fleeing Sudan – Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan – were hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced people even before this crisis.
“Countries in the region are facing major challenges of their own and yet they continue to show remarkable generosity, but we cannot take their hospitality for granted,” he said.
“The international community needs to stand in solidarity with host governments and communities and address the persistent underfunding of humanitarian operations; this is crucial to support individuals and communities in need, pending much needed peace.”
The 2023 Sudan Emergency Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) was launched in May 2023, revised in June 2023, and again in August 2023. The revisions reflected dramatic and ongoing increases in external displacement from Sudan and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
While needs have grown exponentially, donor resources have not kept pace. Currently, only 19 per cent of the increased requirements has been received.
Learn more about the Sudan Emergency Regional Refugee Response Plan here.
Record civilian cluster munitions victims as experts urge global ban
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of civilians killed by cluster munitions, according to new data released on Tuesday by the UN-partnered Cluster Munition Monitor (CMC) civil society group.
The CMC 2023 report indicates that 1,172 people were killed or injured in 2022, which is the highest number since regular reporting started in 2010.
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Human Rights Arms Advocacy Director Mary Wareham, emphasised that 95 per cent of casualties reported were civilians.
“It is unconscionable that civilians are still dying and being wounded from cluster munitions 15 years after these weapons were prohibited,” she said.
Cluster bombs are weapons designed to be scattered over large areas, containing several hundred “mini-bombs” called sub-munitions. As they make no distinction between civilians, civilian property and military targets, cluster bombs violate the rules of international humanitarian law.
Convention milestone
The treaty banning the weapons was first agreed in May 2008 and entered into force on 1 August 2010. The Convention prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions, primarily because of the indiscriminate harm they cause civilians.
Global support for the convention is in “good standing”, Human Rights Arms Advocacy Director Mary Wareham noted, as 112 countries are now bound by its provision and 12 others are signatories.
Other positive developments include South Sudan’s accession to the convention on 3 August, while Nigeria ratified it on 28 February, the report authors noted.
Since the convention’s adoption in 2008, there have been no confirmed reports or allegations of new use, production, or transfers of cluster munitions by any state party to the international treaty.
Ms. Wareham emphasised that the greatest obstacle to eradication “are the governments that are unwilling to join this Convention and that undermine its principles by using and transferring these weapons”.
She also highlighted civil society’s efforts to prevent the transfer of United States cluster munitions stocks to Ukraine.
“We were appalled by that decision, we fought it behind the scenes for the year leading up to this decision,” said Ms. Wareham. “The cluster munitions have been transferred now…There can be no responsible use of cluster munitions.”
Facts and Figures
According to the UN-partnered report, 987 people were killed or wounded directly in cluster munition attacks in 2022. This is compared to the previous year, where no casualties were attributed to cluster munition attacks anywhere in the world.
The vast majority of these casualties were in Ukraine, where at least 890 people, primarily civilians, were killed or wounded in attacks. The report highlights that Russia has repeatedly used cluster munitions in Ukraine since the invasion in February 2022 and that Ukraine itself has also employed the weapons – although to a lesser extent.
Furthermore, government forces in Syria and Myanmar were found to have used cluster munitions in 2022. This is the first year use of the deadly weapons have been reported in Myanmar. None of these countries has signed or ratified the 2008 treaty banning cluster munitions.
Long-term impacts
Cluster munitions pose severe long-term risks to communities. It is reported that up to 40 per cent do not explode on impact, allowing for decades of intermittent detonations.
The report authors warned of the dangers of when war ends and communities go back to “normal”, often triggering any unexploded remnants.
According to the Paul Holtom, Head of the conventional arms and ammunition programme at UN Institute for Disarmament Research at least 185 people were killed or wounded by cluster munition remnants across Ukraine, Syria, Myanmar, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon and Yemen in 2022.
Devastating for children
Loren Persi, the report’s editor, said that “these remnants are particularly devastating for children”, who made up 71 per cent of remnant casualties in 2022.
Youngsters are often drawn to the weaponry which often land “in areas where children play or work taking animals out of the field”, said Mr. Persi, who emphasised the importance of education and awareness around the ammunition’s dangers.
The report’s authors also insisted that governments should unite to condemn any use of cluster munitions and join the global ban on these weapons.
To date, “124 countries are managing to live without cluster munitions in their arsenals, without using them and they are using alternative weapons, means and methods of war fighting,” said Ms. Wareham.
The Cluster Munition Monitor is a civil society group, of which the UN Institute for Disarmament Research is a partner. It is the official monitoring regime for the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
