Life and Drugs, Part 1, An Overview

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7 June 2023

How is the level of air pollution where you live? Now you can use the European Air Quality Index App on your mobile phone in any of the EU’s 24 official languages. The significant update, which the European Environment Agency released today, also introduces new features, allowing users to better compare air pollution data levels and trends from more than 3500 monitoring stations across Europe.

The European Air Quality Index App, first launched in 2021, provides instant access to up-to-date air quality monitoring data from monitoring stations located in European cities and towns and includes air quality forecasts and health recommendations. The app, which is free of charge, allows users to understand more about air quality where they live, work or travel. Users can gain insights into the air quality in individual countries, regions and cities.

The updated version is available in 24 European languages, making reliable and comparable air quality information easier to access for every EU citizen.

Advanced air quality statistics allows users to dive into data from the last days, weeks and years and also allows you to compare selected stations and learn when the best air quality is to be expected.

New features also include the ability to create personal user profiles, a colour-blind scheme and a newsfeed from the EEA’s Twitter account.

About the European Air Quality Index

The European Air Quality Index is based on hourly information from more than 3500 air quality monitoring stations in Europe. The index offers users insights into the air quality in individual countries, regions and cities. It is calculated using a combination of up-to-date data reported by EEA member countries and forecast data of the air quality level as provided by Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS).

Data from the application is linked to the EEA’s air quality monitoring platforms. The European Air Quality Index is based on concentration values for up to five key pollutants, including:

particulate matter (PM₁₀);
fine particulate matter (PM_2.5);
ozone (O₃);
nitrogen dioxide (NO₂);
sulphur dioxide (SO₂).

15 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance

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7 June 2023

Event on Syria hosted by MEP György Hölvényi ( Holvenyi )

15 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance – MEP György Hölvényi together with AVSI Foundation held a conference, titled “What kind of help are Syrians asking for?” on Tuesday at the European Parliament.

During the event ahead of the Brussels VII Donor Conference Supporting the future of country and the region, the Christian Democrat politician said:

“if we fail to remove the barriers to providing assistance, we will face another wave of migration”.

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2 million children have never went to school

Event on Syria hosted by MEP György Hölvényi.

At the conference organized by MEP György Hölvényi and attended by local experts from Syria and EU politicians, the MEP stated that 15 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, simply to ensure their day-to-day existence. 12 million are starving, 16 million have no access to clean drinking water and 2 million children have never went to school.

All this in a country of 22 million, the MEP pointed out to the dramatic situation in the country, as he has visited the disaster-stricken areas of Aleppo and Lattakia just before Easter.

In this situation, the Syrian people have lost all hope. They must now be given a chance to stay in their homeland. The work of the local Churches, which are already playing a major role in providing healthcare and education, is indispensable, said the Christian Democrat MEP.

Civil society from Syria shared their experiences

At the conference, Mario Zenari, the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Fadi Salim Azar Franciscan priest and the Director of the hospital in Lattakia, and Roy Moussalli, the Executive Director of the St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee have also shared their experiences.

Based on their testimonies and his own personal experience, MEP György Hölvényi emphasised that it is clear that the sanctions against the country’s regime are making humanitarian assistance and reconstruction much more difficult. Therefore, with the participation of ministers, EU representatives and like-minded partners, the Donor Conference is opening the door to explore the possibilities to address the crisis in the region and reconsider the sanctions without giving up the political objectives. This is what local humanitarian organisations are unanimously asking from us, the EPP Group politician concluded.

Hungary: MEPs denounce deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values

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European Parliament

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7 June 2023

Hungary: MEPs denounce deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values — Press conference by Gwendoline DELBOS-CORFIELD, rapporteur Isabel WISELER-LIMA, Thijs REUTEN, Sophie IN 'T VELD and Malin BJÖRK, shadow rapporteurs on the rule of law situation in Hungary

In its latest resolution, Parliament raises serious concerns over developments in Hungary, in light of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Following a plenary debate on Wednesday on the situation of rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary and frozen EU funds, the text was adopted on Thursday (442 for, 144 against, 33 abstentions).

Further backsliding for EU values

MEPs have repeatedly expressed concerns over the state of EU values in Hungary, which have further deteriorated due to the “deliberate and systematic efforts of the government” and despite Parliament’s activation of the Article 7 mechanism. Their latest concerns relate to laws being adopted without sufficient parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation, as well as the abusive invocation of the ‘state of danger’, the misuse of whistleblower protection to undermine LGBTIQ+ rights and freedom of expression, and the infringement of teachers’ social and labour rights.

The resolution condemns the Hungarian government’s anti-EU campaigns, which aim to divert attention away from a lack of compliance with European values and systemic corruption. MEPs urge the government to bring elections in line with international standards, especially in light of the upcoming European elections in 2024. They also sound the alarm on reports of intimidation, such as visits by the secret police to some companies’ offices, of “strategic” parts of industry, with the aim of bringing them under the control of the Prime Minister’s close circle. The 2022 annual budget was modified 95 times by government decree, they stress, which precluded proper scrutiny and points to lack of sound financial management.

Parliament also raises an array of concerns in relation to the “frozen” recovery funds and corresponding reforms.

Concerns about the rotating Presidency of the EU

Parliament underlines the important role the Presidency of the Council has in driving forward legislation, ensuring the continuity of the EU agenda and representing the Council in relations with the other institutions. It questions how Hungary will be able to fulfil this task credibly in 2024, given its lack of compliance with EU law and values, and the principle of sincere cooperation. Therefore, it asks the Council to find a proper solution and recalls that Parliament could take appropriate measures if such a solution is not found.

In adopting this resolution, Parliament is responding to citizens’ expectations to systematically uphold the rule of law across all EU countries, especially by protecting European values and the EU budget, as set out in Proposals 25(1), 25(4), 16(6), and 38(1) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

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Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Hungary Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield (Greens/EFA, FR), commented: “Once again, the European Parliament is united in expressing its deep concern over the deterioration of the rule of law situation in Hungary. Unlocking the frozen funds at this stage would give Fidesz a carte blanche to continue their attacks on fundamental rights. It is time for the Council to question whether a member state under Article 7 procedure can credibly hold the Presidency of the EU.”

Watch the press conference with MEPs co-signing the draft resolution.

Popcorn Power: The Nutritional Benefits of Everyone’s Favorite Movie Snack

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7 June 2023

Although they are an indispensable part of the cinema, popcorn is also considered a healthy snack between main meals. But is popcorn really that healthy? The short answer is, yes, they can be healthy. Popcorn does have potential health benefits by providing you with some vitamins and minerals. There are other ingredients that can add nutrients to the food, such as the butter used for the crackling or any other added seasonings.

Health benefits of popcorn

Corn (even popcorn) is a whole grain. Whole grains are an important source of key vitamins, minerals and fiber. Corn, in particular, contains nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, and E. Whole grains are filling because they include the whole grain, unlike refined grains, which are stripped of fiber and nutrients. People who eat popcorn consume more whole grains and fiber than people who don’t. Popcorn consumers may also have a 12% total intake of polyphenols, compounds that may have antioxidant properties. In addition, research shows that eating whole grains is associated with less inflammation and a lower risk of several health conditions such as: coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Eating whole grains is even associated with a lower body mass index and less fat around the belly. Is popcorn really healthy?

Popcorn, in its basic form, can be healthy on its own. One thing to note is the quantity. A serving size of popcorn is usually three to three and a half cups, but it’s easy to gobble up a whole bag while at the movies or at home in front of the TV. Also, extra sodium can cause fluid retention, which causes bloating and overall bloating.

Pay attention to the spices

Various spices and toppings are used to flavor popcorn. In packaged popcorn, seasonings may be simpler such as sea salt and pepper. However, other ingredients may include conventional dairy products such as butter and cheese. Most popcorn options are also laced with sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners. However, if you’re making your own popcorn, you can get creative and add interesting toppings like: preservative-free dried fruit, nuts or seeds, turmeric and black pepper, cinnamon and cocoa powder, or nutritional yeast. Using these supplements can potentially increase the amount of certain nutrients you consume. For example, nuts or spices can add to the popcorn’s antioxidant content. Also, with homemade popcorn, you can control the amount of salt.

In other words, popcorn can be a healthy snack. They are whole grains, so they may provide you with benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. However, the nutritional quality of popcorn can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used to make it.

Photo by Megha Mangal: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-popcorn-806880/

WHO launches a global health pass inspired by the European Covid digital certificate

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officialinstitutions

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6 June 2023

WHO launches a global health pass — © 2023 WHO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission have announced the launch of a landmark digital health partnership with a global health pass.

In June 2023, WHO will take up the European Union (EU) system of digital COVID-19 certification to establish a global health pass that will help facilitate global mobility and protect citizens across the world from on-going and future health threats, including pandemics. This is the first building block of the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) that will develop a wide range of digital products to deliver better health for all.

“Building on the EU’s highly successful digital certification network, WHO aims to offer all WHO Member States access to an open-source digital health tool, which is based on the principles of equity, innovation, transparency and data protection and privacy,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “New digital health products in development aim to help people everywhere receive quality health services quickly and more effectively”.

Based on the EU Global Health Strategy and WHO Global strategy on digital health, the initiative follows the 30 November 2022 agreement between Commissioner Kyriakides and Dr Tedros to enhance strategic cooperation on global health issues. This further bolsters a robust multilateral system with WHO at its core, powered by a strong EU.

“This partnership is an important step for the digital action plan of the EU Global Health Strategy. By using European best practices we contribute to digital health standards and interoperability globally—to the benefit of those most in need. It is also a powerful example of how alignment between the EU and the WHO can deliver better health for all, in the EU and across the world. As the directing and coordinating authority on international health work, there is no better partner than the WHO to advance the work we started at the EU and further develop global digital health solutions,” said Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

This partnership will include close collaboration in the development, management and implementation of the WHO GDHCN system, benefitting from the European Commission’s ample technical expertise in the field. A first step is to ensure that the current EU digital certificates continue to function effectively.

“With 80 countries and territories connected to the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate, the EU has set a global standard. The EU certificate has not only been an important tool in our fight against the pandemic, but has also facilitated international travel and tourism. I am pleased that the WHO will build on the privacy-preserving principles and cutting-edge technology of the EU certificate to create a global tool against future pandemics,” added Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market.

A global WHO system building on EU legacy

One of the key elements in the European Union’s work against the COVID-19 pandemic has been digital COVID-19 certificates. To facilitate free movement within its borders, the EU swiftly established interoperable COVID-19 certificates (entitled ‘EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate’ or ‘EU DCC’). Based on open-source technologies and standards it allowed also for the connection of non-EU countries that issue certificates according to EU DCC specifications, becoming the most widely used solution around the world.

From the onset of the pandemic, WHO engaged with all WHO Regions to define overall guidelines for such certificates. To help strengthen global health preparedness in the face of growing health threats, WHO is establishing a global digital health certification network which builds upon the solid foundations of the EU DCC framework, principles and open technologies. With this collaboration, WHO will facilitate this process globally under its own structure with the aim to allow the world to benefit from convergence of digital certificates. This includes standard-setting and validation of digital signatures to prevent fraud. In doing so, WHO will not have access to any underlying personal data, which would continue to be the exclusive domain of governments.

The first building block of the global WHO system becomes operational in June 2023 and aims to be progressively developed in the coming months.

A long-term digital partnership to deliver better health for all

To facilitate the uptake of the EU DCC by WHO and contribute to its operation and further development, WHO and the European Commission have agreed to partner in digital health.

This partnership will work to technically develop the WHO system with a staged approach to cover additional use cases, which may include, for example, the digitisation of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. Expanding such digital solutions will be essential to deliver better health for citizens across the globe.

This cooperation is based on the shared values and principles of transparency and openness, inclusiveness, accountability, data protection and privacy, security, scalability at a global level, and equity. The WHO and the European Commission will work together to encourage maximum global uptake and participation. Particular attention will be paid to equitable opportunities for the participation by those most in need: low and middle-income countries.

Ukraine refugees in the EU need more support

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6 June 2023

Ukraine refugees — Photo credit: Philipp Spalek/Caritas

Today, Caritas Europa launches its new analysis on the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), based on a survey carried out in 21 countries. A vast majority of refugees struggle to access affordable accommodation and other rights. We call for continued support to all people in need of protection.

Since the start of the war, over 8 million people have fled Ukraine to seek refuge in Europe. Caritas welcomes the unprecedented triggering of the TPD and similar temporary protection statuses in Europe that grant immediate access to a series of rights, such as residence permit, health, education, accommodation, access to the labour market and welfare support. However, important barriers to accessing these rights remain, as we reveal in our new publication “Europe’s welcome of refugees from Ukraine and lessons learnt”.

One of the key challenges from our findings relates to the difficulties for the refugees to transition from hosting families to independent living. This is due to an acute housing crisis across Europe. Many refugees are also in difficult financial situations with limited access to welfare state support. Those with disabilities often face additional administrative challenges and struggle to receive the allowances they are entitled to.

Furthermore, public healthcare services are often restricted and emergency services are the only option in many cases to receive care in several countries.

Difficult access to education and school also raises concerns about the continuity of education. Direct access to the labour market is one of the key benefits of the TPD; yet, in practice, refugees from Ukraine are often forced to take on low-skilled and low-paid jobs, typically below their level of qualifications. The lack of childcare facilities and kindergarten places also prevents women from working.

These challenges hinder social inclusion, which is further exacerbated by uncertainty about the future, including what legal status people will receive when temporary protection ends and when return to Ukraine will be possible.

Challenges for the future

Limited funding and solidarity fatigue make us doubt the future support to refugees from Ukraine, let alone the needed effort to overcome the challenges highlighted above. In addition, as asylum and reception systems in many countries are already strained, we are concerned that political will to support all refugees in the EU is decreasing and that governments will not commit to ambitious pledges to resettle people in need of protection.

While our analysis identifies some cases of differentiated treatment based on a refugee’s country of origin, the strong welcome of refugees from Ukraine shows that where there is a will there is a way. Thus, we urge European governments to leverage the good practices we have identified, such as involving local communities and diaspora, having efficient registration processes, wide provision of information and support, wider access to the labour market and more flexible reunification procedures.

Maria Nyman, Caritas Europa Secretary General, stated:

“Caritas provides support to all people in need, regardless of their origin, and we will continue to do so in line with our mission. We urge countries to build upon the solidarity shown to the people fleeing the war in Ukraine and to duplicate the good practices put in place to ensure a dignified welcome and protection to all refugees.”

Haiti: UN deeply saddened as latest earthquake kills three, in wake of floods

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United Nations News

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6 June 2023

Haiti: UN deeply saddened as latest earthquake kills three, in wake of floods

The 5.5 magnitude quake struck in the department of Grand’Anse, following torrential rains which have displaced more than 13,000 people.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life, destruction of property and suffering of the Haitian people caused by the earthquake”, said UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. “The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured.”

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More aid en route

He said the UN stood ready to work with the Haitian authorities and other partners, to help ease the suffering of those impacted by this latest natural disaster.

On Monday, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that it was already providing immediate assistance to those affected by the massive rainfall over the weekend, providing hot meals to those displaced, and mobilizing ready-to-eat rations and dry food.

Mr. Dujarric said that Grand’ Anse was among the areas impacted by the rains, prior to the earthquake.

According to news reports, Tuesday’s quake was the second to strike the area in just two days, with a 4.4 magnitude tremor registered on Sunday morning.

In August 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the same southern peninsula region, leaving hundreds dead.

Urban areas of Haiti have been flooded following torrential rains.

Resources for flood victims

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, is working with UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, WFP and the International Organization for Migration, IOM, to support communities around the capital Port-au-Prince that were hardest hit by the floods and landslides, he added.

WFP is ready to distribute some 350,000 hot meals and other food assistance overall, to those who need it the most, he confirmed.

“Our colleagues say that ongoing insecurity and damage to roads are obviously hampering any relief efforts.”

According to UN humanitarians, the floods and landslides affected seven of Haiti’s 10 departments, and authorities say at least 51 people have been killed, 140 others injured and 18 are still missing. In the affected areas, nearly 32,000 homes were flooded.

Human rights for all, still ‘work in progress’ warns Türk

By

United Nations News

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6 June 2023

Human rights for all, still ‘work in progress’ warns Türk

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, and its mandate has become a powerful vehicle for change, progress, dignity, and justice, yet “this is far from enough to meet today’s challenges”, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in his keynote address at the +30 Symposium, Vienna World Conference: 30 Years On: Our Rights – Our Future.

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Common language

Convened to mark the third decade of the adoption of the landmark Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the symposium aims at highlighting achievements and outlining challenges ahead.

“While there have been massive gains in human rights since the Vienna Declaration, today, all around the world, we are seeing dramatic rollbacks”, he said. “The common language of human rights is our compass to guide us towards progress.”

The global agreement remains a “living document that can guide us today in our ambitions”, the High Commissioner said.

Rolling back rights

From Afghanistan to Ukraine, he said, the world is witnessing pushbacks on rights, a rise in hate speech, shrinking civic space, and a changing geopolitical landscape that has revealed a disturbing trend of deepened divisions within and across countries threatening national cohesion, he warned.

The 21st century has also seen the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution alongside digital shifts, including artificial intelligence developments, that are rapidly transforming the world, “moving faster than the regulators who should be setting up careful human rights guardrails to protect us from their dangers”, he said.

Rights foundations

“Today’s emerging human rights challenges will continue to test us,” he said. “It would be naïve to say we can pass all these tests, but it would be dangerous and counter-productive to stop trying.”

Recalling his youth in post-Second World War Austria, he said the “echoes of trauma and of grave human rights violations were palpable”.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which turns 75 this year, was “a powerful unifying force for equality, social progress, justice, and respect” in an era of profound social transformations amid dynamic movements for social justice, feminism, LGBTI rights, anti-apartheid, decolonization, and environmental protection, he said.

When UN Member States adopted the Vienna Declaration in 1993, the agreement had shattered the long-held fallacy that social, economic, and cultural rights have less value than civil and political rights, he said.

The landmark agreement also confirmed the conviction that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated, and boldly rejected the view that certain human rights could be considered optional while paving the path for numerous other breakthroughs, from establishing the International Criminal Court, to historical advances on the rights of women, children, and indigenous peoples.

Learning from mistakes

“Anniversaries are arbitrary unless we seize them as meaningful opportunities to reflect on our achievements, learn from our mistakes, and take fearless steps towards progress and transformation,” he said.

“The task before all of us today, this year, and in the future is to apply the Universal Declaration’s visionary words to our current global challenges,” he said, urging all participants to constructively join the symposium with pledges and positive impact stories.

“Restoring faith and certainty in human rights at a time of profound global turmoil is the focus of this symposium, and it must be the focus of our future,” he added.

Ukraine: Dam destruction ‘monumental humanitarian, economic and ecological catastrophe’: Guterres

By

United Nations News

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6 June 2023

Ukraine: Dam destruction ‘monumental humanitarian, economic and ecological catastrophe’: Guterres

Water from the reservoir of the Kakhovka dam is also used to cool the nearby Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest, which has been under constant threat since being occupied by Russian forces early in the conflict.

The UN Office in Ukraine tweeted that “thousands of people in Ukraine are in peril” following the major breach in the Soviet-era Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric plant, on the country’s largest river, the Dnipro, in the southeast, with video showing torrents of water cascading through.

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‘Devastating consequence’

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, told reporters in New York outside the Security Council that the UN had no access to independent information to verify how the catastrophe had occurred.

“But one thing is clear: this is another devastating consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine”, he said, whose effects are being seen in dozens of towns and cities along the Dnipro River.

At least 16,000 have already lost their homes he said, assuring that the UN and partners were rushing support to the affected areas, including drinking water, purification tablets, “and other critical assistance.”

He said the tragedy “was yet another example of the horrific price of war on people. The floodgates of suffering have been overflowing for more than a year, and that must stop”, along with all attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

“Above all, I appeal for a just peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law, and the resolutions of the General Assembly”, he concluded.

The Ukrainian and Russian governments blamed each other for launching an attack on the facility – according to news reports – which is under Russian control, on the southern and eastern side of the river, while Ukrainian forces control territory along the opposite bank.

Thousands of people have already been reportedly evacuated, with towns downstream inundated with water.

Misery compounded

Long-term, “many risk being left homeless and in desperate need, compounding the misery Ukrainians face amid Russia’s full-scale invasion”, said the UN Office.

In a tweet, the President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, said he stood in solidarity with those suffering the effects of the disaster in the Kherson region, adding that “intentional attacks to cause long-term and severe damage to the natural environment, are war crimes.”

Ukraine.” title=”Secretary-General António Guterres (at podium) briefs reporters about the destruction in the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in Ukraine.” loading=”lazy” width=”1024″ height=”768″/>

Secretary-General António Guterres (at podium) briefs reporters about the destruction in the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in Ukraine.

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, said that civilians’ rights to housing, health and livelihoods, along with access to clean water and a health environment, were all at risk, calling for a full investigation into the disaster, and accountability.

Nuclear plant concerns

According to the UN’s nuclear watchdog, IAEA, the damage to the dam has already led to a “significant” reduction in the level of the reservoir that supplies the ZNPP.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that the “absence of cooling water in the essential cooling water systems for an extended period of time would cause fuel melt and inoperability of the plant’s emergency diesel generators”.

‘No immediate risk’

While there was no “immediate risk” to the plant’s safety, as the supply of cooling water from the reservoir “should last for a few days”, the agency’s monitors present at Zaporizhzhya, which is occupied by Russia but operated by Ukrainian civilians, continue to monitor closely the rate at which the reservoir level is falling.

Mr. Grossi also said that a “large cooling pond” next to the ZNPP could potentially provide an alternative source of water, which Ukrainian authorities confirmed later, according to news reports. But he insisted that it was “vital” that this cooling pond remains intact.