An escalation of Russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine has brought more death and injuries to southern regions while hampering aid operations, the UN’s top humanitarian official in the country said on Monday.
Top UN aid official in Ukraine condemns latest wave of indiscriminate attacks
Central African Republic: ‘Tensions and divisions’ eroding human rights
“Given the tensions and divisions arising from the constitutional referendum, the Central African authorities urgently need to engage all actors in a genuine political dialogue aimed at de-escalating the situation”, said Yao Agbetse, the UN Independent Expert on the Central African Republic, at the end of a 10-day visit to the country.
Inclusive talks
“Only an inclusive political dialogue can provide a framework to (re)build consensus. The military approach has shown its limits and there is an urgent need for a coherent and predictable political offer,” he added.
CAR has been grappling with conflict since 2012, as fighting between the mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia and the mainly Muslim Séléka rebel coalition killed thousands and left two out of three civilians dependent on humanitarian aid.
In 2013, armed groups seized the capital and then President François Bozizé was forced to flee. After a brief period of reduced violence in 2015, and elections held in 2016, fighting intensified again.
Peace talks got underway in early 2019 under the auspices of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR, led by the African Union (AU) with UN support. The deal was agreed in Khartoum, but formally signed in CAR’s capital, Bangui.
Elections postponed
Mr. Agbetse stressed that a calmer political environment needed to be created so that local elections, which have been indefinitely postponed, could be rescheduled immediately.
“The Government must do everything in its power to create the conditions for an inclusive, transparent, fair and democratic election, with the effective participation of women and young people,” the UN expert said.
He urged the authorities to relaunch the process of implementing the 2019 Khartoum Agreement and the 2021 Luanda Joint Roadmap and to commit to the 217 recommendations of last year’s Republican Dialogue by taking concrete political measures to encourage armed groups to honour their commitments.
He also stressed that Sub-regional diplomacy was “essential” for the Government to address “issues of border security, particularly with Sudan”.
Attacks intensifying
Increasing attacks by armed groups, particularly the Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement (CPC) and the rise of the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé group in the South-East, are creating a climate of insecurity, he noted.
Direct attacks by armed groups, including attacks on villages, mining sites, fields and on roads, hurt the economy and lead to serious human rights violations.
“Insecurity is a major obstacle to the restoration of State authority,” he said, noting that it also increases dependence on humanitarian aid.
Outlining the movement of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers in border regions due to the Sudan conflict, and rising tensions in Chad which have pushed families into the Paoua region, the Human Rights Council-appointed expert said severe social repercussions were being felt along with a sharp rise in the price of basic foodstuffs.
Humanitarian support
More than 72 per cent of refugees are reportedly hosted by host families, who require psychological, material, and financial support. “I call on the international community to step-up support for humanitarian operations by funding the Humanitarian Response Plan,” he said.
The expert said the situation in the North-West was also very worrying due to the presence of explosive devices, which are killing and maiming mainly civilians who are “deprived of basic humanitarian assistance”.
“The situation in CAR requires a combination of efforts on the humanitarian and development fronts,” said Mr. Agbetse.
“Humanitarian responses dictated by the emergency must be combined with development actions that are part of a national development plan.”
Experts’ mandate
Special Rapporteurs and other independent human rights experts are appointed to monitor and report on specific country situations or thematic issues.
They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.
Yemen: Warring parties must take concrete steps towards an inclusive peace
In briefings to the Security Council on Wednesday, two senior UN officials highlighted the need for progress towards peace in war-torn Yemen amid ongoing political, economic and humanitarian challenges.
Six years on, still no justice for Myanmar’s Rohingya
Friday, 25 August, marks the sixth anniversary of the start of a massive offensive by Myanmar’s military against the mainly Muslim minority in Rakhine state.
Some 10,000 Rohingya men, women, children and newborns were killed, more than 300 villages burnt to the ground, and over 700,000 forced to flee to Bangladesh in search of safety, joining tens of thousands who fled earlier persecutions.
The then High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra‘ad al-Hussein called the brutal campaign to drive the community from their homes a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”
In all, over a million Rohingya fled persecution and systematic discrimination to seek international refugee protection in Bangladesh, and approximately 600,000 remain within Rakhine state, where they continue to suffer severe rights restrictions and the threat of further violence.
In a sign of their desperation, thousands more continue to attempt dangerous sea crossings from Myanmar and Bangladesh, too often ending in tragedy.
A ‘most fervent wish’
In a statement Mr. Türk expressed his “most fervent wish” for the Rohingya to be able to return to their homes to live in safety, dignity, and freedom, as recognized citizens of Myanmar, with their human rights fully respected.
“This is currently not the case given the precarious conditions in Rakhine State. Furthermore, the military has shown no willingness to address systematic discrimination against the Rohingya.”
Renewing his call for accountability, the UN rights chief urged the international community to continue supporting Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh, amid dwindling funds for humanitarian assistance programmes.
“More must be done to hold the military to account for their repeated campaigns of persecution against the Rohingya, and for driving the country into its current human rights and humanitarian crisis.
“In the face of the impunity enjoyed by the Myanmar military for past and present crimes against the Rohingya as well as other groups, I call on States fully to support the ongoing international accountability efforts.”
End ‘deadly paralysis of indifference’
Also on Thursday, Tom Andrews, the Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, appealed to world leaders to end a “deadly paralysis of indifference” and take action to hold accountable the architects and perpetrators of the violence.
“Responsibility for the immense suffering of the Rohingya starts at the top. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the genocidal campaign, is now at the head of an illegal and illegitimate military junta that is attacking civilian populations throughout Myanmar. He must be brought to justice and be made to answer for his crimes,” Mr. Andrews said.
The independent rights expert also chided the international community for failing its responsibilities to the Rohingya, noting that after six years, the Security Council has not referred the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite overwhelming evidence of atrocity crimes.
A mother and daughter at their makeshift hut in a refugee camp, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. (file)
Rohingya tired of ‘empty promises’
Mr. Andrews underscored the need for tangible action.
“The Rohingya are tired of empty promises. Their children cannot eat political rhetoric or UN resolutions that go nowhere. They need and deserve the world to end the deadly paralysis of indifference.”
“We cannot let another year go by without principled and decisive action to support justice and accountability for the Rohingya.”
Independent human rights experts
Special Rapporteurs are independent human rights experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council as part of its Special Procedures.
They are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations and work on a voluntary basis. They serve in their individual capacity; are not UN staff and do not receive a salary.
Morocco earthquake: UN stands ready to support relief efforts
The UN chief expressed his profound sadness over the deadly earthquake that struck central Morocco late on Friday night reportedly leaving over 1,000 dead, assuring of his solidarity with the Government and people of the country.
Explore the cultural richness of Mechelen
Explore the cultural richness of Mechelen
Located in Belgium, the charming town of Mechelen is full of cultural and historical wealth that is worth exploring. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture or history, Mechelen will seduce you with its many hidden treasures.
The first stop on your cultural exploration should be a visit to St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. This imposing Gothic church is a true architectural masterpiece. Don’t forget to climb the 538 steps of its tower to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city. Inside the cathedral, you can admire valuable works of art, such as the famous Last Judgment triptych by Dieric Bouts.
As you continue your discovery of Mechelen, you cannot miss visiting the palace of Margaret of Austria. This magnificent flamboyant Gothic style building now houses a museum dedicated to the art and history of the city. There you can admire collections of medieval art, goldwork and exceptional tapestries. Don’t miss a visit to the palace gardens, which offer an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
For lovers of contemporary art, the Hof van Busleyden Museum is a must. This museum, housed in a superb Renaissance building, houses a collection of modern and contemporary works of art. There you can discover renowned Belgian artists, as well as temporary exhibitions that highlight creativity and artistic innovation.
Mechelen is also known for its rich history linked to music. Be sure to visit the carillon of the Saint-Rombaut tower, which has no less than 49 bells. Attend a carillon concert for a unique musical experience and discover this traditional Belgian instrument. You can also visit the Carillonnerie and Bells Museum, which traces the history and evolution of this musical art.
As you stroll through the picturesque streets of Mechelen, you will discover many Renaissance and Baroque style houses. Don’t miss the Maison de la Renaissance, which is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Belgium. This historic house now houses the Schepenhuis Museum, which presents exhibitions on the history of the city and its inhabitants.
For an even more immersive cultural experience, visit the Kazerne Dossin Museum. This museum is dedicated to the dark history of World War II and the Holocaust in Belgium. You will be able to discover moving exhibitions and discover the testimonies of the victims of this tragic period of history.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Mechelen’s Grand Place. Surrounded by magnificent historic buildings, this square is the heart of the city’s social life. You can relax while sipping a coffee on the terrace, or sample Belgian culinary specialties in one of the many restaurants and cafés.
In conclusion, Mechelen is a city full of cultural and historical treasures. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture or history, you will find what you are looking for in Mechelen. Explore its majestic cathedrals, fascinating museums and picturesque streets to discover the cultural richness of this charming Belgian city.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Plans to protect consumers from energy market manipulation
The law aims to tackle increased energy market manipulation by strengthening transparency, oversight mechanisms, and the role of the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators.
The legislation adopted by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee on Thursday introduces new measures to better protect the EU’s wholesale energy market, making the energy bills of European households and businesses more secure from potential short-term market price fluctuations.
The law introduces a closer alignment to EU rules on financial markets’ transparency, covers also new trading practices, such as algorithmic trading, and strengthens provisions on reporting and monitoring to protect consumers from market abuses.
Timely and transparent information dissemination
In their amendments, MEPs reinforce the EU dimension and the supervisory role of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). In cross border cases, if the Agency detects a breach of certain prohibitions and obligations, it would be able to take various actions, e.g. to demand the end to the breach, issue public warnings and impose fines.
Upon request from a national regulatory authority, ACER can provide operational assistance pertaining to investigations. MEPs also decided to integrate in the updated legislation the mechanisms that oversee how the price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is determined.
Quote
“In our work, we were guided by three main principles: legal coherence and transparency, a strengthened European dimension and a reinforced market”, said lead MEP Maria da Graça Carvalho (EPP, PT). “In our report, we have also introduced improvements in transparency and monitoring practices, paying attention not to overburden smaller companies, and we have underlined the need to strengthen the collaboration between financial and energy authorities to prevent market abuses and speculation”, she added.
Next steps
The draft negotiating mandate was backed by 53 MEPs, 6 voted against and 2 abstained. MEPs also voted to open negotiations with Council by 50 votes to 10 against, and one abstention – a decision which will have to be greenlighted by the full House during the 11-14 September plenary session.
Background
In response to the energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission introduced the legislative proposal along with a reform of the Electricity Market Design on 14 March 2023. The proposal updates the Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT), established in 2011 to combat insider trading and market manipulation, ensuring transparency and stability in the EU Energy markets.
Niger: WFP calls for free flow of aid amid ongoing crisis
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday issued a call for continued “humanitarian and resilience efforts” for Niger’s most vulnerable, in the face of the military power grab.
Russia hits ‘new low’ with ban against discrediting army: Rights experts
The law was adopted shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Special Rapporteurs said they had already raised serious concerns over the law with the Russian Government and through public statements.
“The decision to deny constitutional protection of the right to freedom of expression constitutes a new low in Russia’s clampdown on the freedom of expression and the free flow of information,” the UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said.
“The interpretation of the Constitutional Court and the rejection of complaints challenging these legislative provisions will silence all those expressing critical views regarding Russia’s so-called ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine,” they continued.
‘A drastic step’
Russia has arrested nearly 20,000 people for protesting the war in Ukraine, while an additional 7,000 people have been arrested for actions that allegedly “discredited” the military, the Special Rapporteurs said.
“The law has no other objective than silencing critical expression in relation to the war in Ukraine. The legislation is a drastic step in a long string of measures over the years restricting freedom of expression and media freedom, and further shrinking civic space in the Russian Federation,” the experts said.
The Russian Constitutional Court has rendered decisions in 24 cases over discrediting the armed forces and rejected all legal challenges to the law. The Court based its decisions on the grounds that the use of the armed forces and the exercise of power by State bodies were prerogatives of the national Government.
‘Severe crackdown’
The Court also referred to the citizen’s duty to defend the fatherland, vague principles of trust between society and the State, and political and social solidarity.
The Special Rapporteurs warned that scores of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders face harsh punishments ranging from five to 15 years imprisonment.
“The Constitutional Court decisions will exacerbate an already severe crackdown on civil society, independent media, and critical voices,” the Special Rapporteurs said
“We respectfully urge the Constitutional Court to change course and guarantee freedom of expression in Russia, and urge Russian authorities to repeal the legislation,” they added.
Special Rapporteurs
Special Rapporteurs are part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, work on a voluntary and unpaid basis, are not UN staff, and work independently from any government or organisation.
Despite growing risks, humanitarians uphold commitment to serve #NoMatterWhat
Conflict and insecurity in countries such as South Sudan and its neighbour to the north are set to make 2023 another year of high death tolls and and injuries for aid workers in the field, the UN warned on Thursday.
