About 70 dissidents who left the Russian Federation for Germany due to Russian aggression against Ukraine on a 90-day visa will be able to obtain a residence permit from the German authorities. Spiegel reports.
The Federal Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs of Germany have developed a program for Russian citizens entering German territory on temporary visas and not wanting to return to Russia because of the danger.
The document prepared by the departments notes that Germany has “a special political obligation … towards people who in recent years have defended human rights, democracy and the rule of law contrary to the political course of the Russian leadership.”
The program provides for the possibility of granting a residence permit for Russians who:
• have been or are employees of German institutions and organizations abroad;
• work in the human rights field;
• are members of organizations recognized in Russia as “foreign agents” or “undesirable organizations”;
• journalists whose media were closed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Their temporary 90-day visas will be replaced with long-term ones, which, in particular, will give them the right to work. In addition, it is assumed that during the first year of their stay in Germany, Russian dissidents will receive financial assistance through grants.
Spiegel does not name the Russians who are planned to be granted permanent residence in Germany, but quotes Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar, who stated problems with living on German territory.
Earlier, German media reported that the German federal government wants to make it easier for Kremlin critics from Russia to enter the country.
In addition, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will present a report on the defense of the constitution, which will focus on the threat of Russian espionage.
The German government was urged not to give Ukraine heavy weapons.
This proposal was made by the leader of the faction of the Left Party in the Bundestag, Dietmar Bartsch, according to Welt.
“I am categorically against Germany exporting more and heavier weapons to Ukraine,” he said.
“I am convinced that there will be no military solution,” he said, adding that “in the end, Russia should sit down at the negotiating table.”
According to the publication, Bartsch also wondered “what does it mean when they say that Ukraine must win the war.”
Bartsch is a German “leftist”, served in the army of the GDR, called for the lifting of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Help for Ukraine:
On June 1, US President Joe Biden announced a new weapons package for Ukraine, including HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile systems, precision weapons that can hit targets up to 80 kilometers away.
In addition, the aid package will include: highly mobile artillery rocket systems and ammunition; anti-artillery radars; air surveillance radars; Javelin and command and launch modules for them; anti-tank weapons; artillery shells of 155 mm caliber; Mi-17 helicopters; tactical vehicles; spare parts and equipment.
Also on June 1, information appeared that Germany intends to supply Ukraine with four multiple rocket launcher systems (MLRS) from the Bundeswehr stocks.
On the same day, June 1, Germany clarified that the delivery of air defense to Ukraine would take months.
On June 2, the British Ministry of Defense officially announced the transfer to Ukraine of American M270 multiple launch rocket systems capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 80 kilometers.
In Ukraine, a large-scale write-off of loans from citizens may begin. Debts, of course, will not be written off for everyone. However, the government wants to release some borrowers from the obligation to pay on loans that were issued by banks for the purchase of real estate and movable property. In other words, for the purchase of apartments and cars. Loans will be written off only from those who lost this property due to the war.
Such news, encouraging for many unlucky borrowers, was published in his Telegram channel by the head of the tax committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Daniil Getmantsev.
“On behalf of the President, we agreed with the Head of the National Bank and the Prime Minister on the development of a draft law on writing off debt on consumer loans for the purchase of movable and immovable property that was destroyed during the hostilities,” the people’s deputy said.
He also writes that the draft law developed by them will be submitted to the parliament next week.
Graphologists study people’s handwriting, revealing the relationship between their writing style and character. It is believed that handwriting can be used to make a psychological portrait of a person and determine his main personality traits.
UNIAN will tell you what handwriting to the left means and other nuances of the epistolary manifestation of oneself.
What handwriting can tell – 4 main nuances
Character by handwriting with examples
The researchers say that before starting to study handwriting, it is important to meet the necessary conditions. Firstly, it is better to write with a pen or pencil – this way you can find out the pressure force. Secondly, for the purity of the experiment, ask a person to write something at different times, under different conditions and in his different states – this will allow you to find out his alternative sides of his personality.
The slope of the handwriting
If a person writes, tilting the letters to the left, then he is an individualist who does not care about the opinion of society. He will always put his own interests above anyone else’s. If the slope to the left is strong, then this indicates self-sufficiency and independence of the individual.
Tilt to the right – a sign of creativity, poise and sociability. There may be mood swings. A noticeable angle of inclination to the right warns of irascibility and jealousy, this handwriting is a clear sign of a leader.
Handwriting without an inclination reveals a person who thinks rationally. She is in harmony with herself and practically does not suffer from internal conflicts. Such people always make informed decisions, but their main drawback is stubbornness.
Pushing the handle
Scientists believe that a person who presses the pen or pencil too hard while writing is energetic and self-confident in life. He is sociable, independent and always has his own point of view.
Light pressure is a sign of a romantic and creative nature, incapable of excessive purposefulness. Such people do everything slowly, measuredly, carefully. Often a person with light pressure has a weak willpower and character.
handwriting size
This indicator can help to find out how sociable a person is. Large letters (more than 3 mm) indicate openness, increased emotionality and sensitivity. They can lead the crowd, convince and lead.
The medium and small size of the letters hints that you have a responsible and hardworking person. Such people can be trusted with important matters. The smaller the letters, the more prudence, secrecy and isolation in a person.
Wide letters, in turn, are a sign of good nature, sincerity and kindness, and narrow letters are pettiness and greed.
Roundness of letters
Angular and sharp letters give out a person who is selfish, narcissistic and independent. Such a person will always strive for independence and refuse situations where she is told what to do.
Round letters, on the contrary, are a sign of belonging to the company, responsiveness and friendliness. The owners of rounded letters come to the rescue more often than others, they know how to find compromises and become true friends.
European Parliament to discuss the resumption of hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh TheEuropeanTimes INFO
The agreed legislation aims to ensure that minimum wages in all EU countries guarantee decent living standards for workers.
With a deal struck on Monday night, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on EU rules to set adequate minimum wages, as provided by national law and/or collective agreements. The new legislation will apply to all EU workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship. The EU countries in which the minimum wage is protected exclusively via collective agreements will not be obliged to introduce it nor to make these agreements universally applicable.
Adequate wages
According to the agreement, member states will have to assess whether their existing statutory minimum wages (i.e. the lowest wage permitted by law) are adequate to ensure a decent standard of living, taking into account their own socio-economic conditions, purchasing power or the long-term national productivity levels and developments.
For the adequacy assessment, EU countries may establish a basket of goods and services at real prices. Member states may also apply indicative reference values commonly used internationally, such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage.
Deductions from or variations to the minimum wage will have to be non-discriminatory, proportionate and have a legitimate objective, such as the recovery of overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial or administrative authority.
Collective bargaining
EU negotiators agreed that EU countries will have to strengthen sectoral and cross-industry collective bargaining as an essential factor for protecting workers by providing them with a minimum wage. Member states in which less than 80% of the workforce is protected by a collective agreement will have to create an action plan to progressively increase this coverage. To design the best strategy for this purpose, they should involve social partners and inform the Commission of the adopted measures and make the plan public.
Monitoring and right to redress
The agreed text introduces the obligation for EU countries to set up an enforcement system, including reliable monitoring, controls and field inspections, to ensure compliance and address abusive sub-contracting, bogus self-employment, non-recorded overtime or increased work intensity.
National authorities will have to ensure the right to redress for workers whose rights have been infringed. Authorities must also take the necessary measures to protect workers and trade union representatives.
Next steps
The provisional political agreement reached by the EP negotiating team will now have to be approved first by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, followed by a plenary vote. The Council also has to approve the deal.
Quotes
After the deal was struck, co-rapporteur Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE) said: “With the agreement on minimum wages, we are writing socio-political history in Europe. For the first time, EU legislation will contribute directly to ensuring that workers are getting fairer, better pay checks”.
Co-rapporteur Agnes Jongerius (S&D, NL) added : With this European law, we reduce wage inequalities, and push for higher wages for Europe’s lowest paid workers. They should be able to buy new clothes, join a sports team, or go on a well-deserved holiday. In short, they should have a decent standard of living”.
Dragos PÎSLARU, (Renew, RO), Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee concluded: “The directive opens new opportunities for European citizens to avoid in-work poverty and gain access to social dialogue. It creates transparent and appropriate procedures as well as common enforcement measures at EU level while also balancing national particularities”.
Background
In the EU, 21 out of 27 countries have a statutory minimum wage, while in the other six (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Italy and Sweden) wage levels are determined through collective bargaining. Expressed in euro, monthly minimum wages vary widely across the EU, ranging from €332 in Bulgaria to €2 202 in Luxembourg (2021 data from Eurostat).
By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed today.
The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. This law is a part of a broader EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.
The charging speed is also harmonised for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Better information and choice for consumers
Consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charging device.
These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Encouraging technological innovation
As wireless charging technology becomes more prevalent, the European Commission will be empowered to develop so-called delegated acts, on the interoperability of charging solutions.
Quote
Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers”.
Press conference
On Tuesday, 7 June, from 12.30 CEST, Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) and Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton will give a joint press conference in the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg.
More details on how to follow are available in this media advisory.
After the summer recess, Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the agreement before it is published in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force 20 days after publication and its provisions will start to apply after 24 months. The new rules would not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application.
Background
In the past decade, Parliament has been continuously calling on the Commission to table a proposal on a common charger solution. The legislative proposal was tabled on 23 September 2021.
By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed today.
The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. This law is a part of a broader EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.
The charging speed is also harmonised for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Better information and choice for consumers
Consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charging device.
These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Encouraging technological innovation
As wireless charging technology becomes more prevalent, the European Commission will be empowered to develop so-called delegated acts, on the interoperability of charging solutions.
Quote
Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers”.
Press conference
On Tuesday, 7 June, from 12.30 CEST, Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) and Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton will give a joint press conference in the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg.
More details on how to follow are available in this media advisory.
After the summer recess, Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the agreement before it is published in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force 20 days after publication and its provisions will start to apply after 24 months. The new rules would not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application.
Background
In the past decade, Parliament has been continuously calling on the Commission to table a proposal on a common charger solution. The legislative proposal was tabled on 23 September 2021.
Without clear and significant progress on reforms to EU Values and Standards, Parliament cannot envisage resuming accession negotiations with Turkey, warned MEPs on Tuesday.
In a report adopted on Tuesday by 448 votes in favour, 67 against and 107 abstentions, MEPs warn that in spite of Turkey’s repeated statements that it aims to become an EU member, over the past two years the country has consistently gone back on its commitments in relation to the accession process.
Parliament welcomes the recent slight improvement in overall EU-Turkey relations, in particular, the high-level dialogues. This enhanced cooperation has unfortunately coexisted alongside regular conflicts, as relations with neighbouring EU member states remain challenging, stress MEPs.
The report points to the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Turkey. MEPs regret the sustained legal and administrative pressure on civil society and human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists. They call on the Commission to provide sufficient funding for pro-democracy efforts in Turkey.
Importance of close EU-Turkey cooperation in foreign and security policy
Welcoming Turkey’s willingness to act as a mediator in the Russian war against Ukraine, MEPs stress the vital importance of good EU-Turkey cooperation in foreign and security policy in the current challenging times and thank the country for its firm alignment with NATO and the EU.
The report commends Turkey’s efforts in continuing to host the largest refugee population in the world, and notes the sustained provision of EU funding for this purpose, which MEPs commit to maintain in the future. They also support the Commission’s proposal to start negotiations to update a mutually beneficial Customs Union, but warn that Parliament would only support a final agreement if necessary democratic conditions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect of international law and good neighbourly relations are met.
To sum-up, Parliament cannot at this stage justify modifying its position concerning the formal suspension of the accession negotiations with Turkey, which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018, MEPs say. By openly defying the binding rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the case of Osman Kavala and others, the current Turkish Government has deliberately demolished any aspirations of reopening the EU accession process at this time, they add.
Turkish objections to Sweden and Finland’s NATO applications
MEPs call on the Turkish government to handle Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership applications in good faith, to engage constructively in efforts to solve possible outstanding issues and to refrain from exerting any undue pressure in this process. In the current serious circumstances, it is important that all NATO allies act with foresight and swiftly ratify the accession protocols of the two countries, they stress.
Quote
“In the current challenging times, values and principles, which are at the core of any EU accession process, cannot come second to any geopolitical contingency. That is why the Parliament – and I hope all EU institutions – will not remain silent when faced with the current authoritarian spiral in the country. Instead of regaining trust – a much-needed asset in EU-Turkey relations – we are now losing it; the irresponsible veto in NATO and the rising tensions with EU member states are worrying signs for the future, marked by a pre-electoral situation in the country. If there is no change, I can hardly see the accession process surviving another five years”, said rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spain).
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime launches third phase of Country Programme for Pakistan 2022-2025
Islamabad (Pakistan), 7 June 2022 – “Given the complexity and international nature of illicit drug trafficking, no country can win this war alone,” said Mr. Sabino Sikandar. He could have been referring to any country, but Sikandar works in Pakistan’s Ministry of Narcotics Control and was speaking at the launch of the third phase of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s work programme in the country. This event, held last Friday in Islamabad, also celebrated the successes of its second phase.
Under the previous phase (2016-2021), achievements included: training more than 40,000 law enforcement personnel; developing, enacting, and approving bills and acts, and creating digital platforms such as a prison management information system rolled out in 65 prisons of Sindh and Punjab.
Speaking to the impacts of the latter, Imtiaz Abbas from Punjab’s Inspectorate-General of Prisons said: “The primary goal of prison automation was to make life easier for the public, prisoners, and prison staff. It has reduced staff workload and increased transparency. It has streamlined prison production, medical, interview, factory, housing, finance, inventory, store, and management functions since its introduction.”
Building on these results, UNODC Pakistan designed the third phase with more than 60 stakeholders from the government, United Nations, private sector, and civil society. The new programme seeks to build strong, accountable criminal justice systems in-country, to address threats from illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, corruption and economic crime, and terrorism.
“The new UNODC Country Programme for 2022-2025 will support Pakistan in tackling these challenges through integrated, scalable, and sustainable responses to all forms of crime, with an emphasis on gender-responsive programming, for achieving the rule of law and promoting human rights,” stated UNODC Executive Director Ms. Ghada Waly at the launch via video message.
UNODC’s Representative Dr Jeremy Milsom emphasized that the new programme would focus on innovation and partnerships, aiming to integrate all thematic areas at national, regional, and global levels. “I look forward to forging new partnerships to support Pakistan become a role model in successfully fighting drugs and crime,” he said.
The Goodwill Ambassador for UNODC Pakistan Shehzad Roy also attended the launch. He commended UNODC’s work, “especially under its peace and security mandate linking to Sustainable Development Goal 16, which it is well-known for prioritizing. All the work UNODC is doing contributes to making Pakistan a more secure place,” he added, before thanking the Government of Pakistan and all donors for providing the support that makes it possible to affect change.
Further information
The Country Programme for Pakistan 2022-2025 will work in synergy and close coordination with other UNODC regional vehicles, such as the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, the Strategy Stability Grid, along with numerous global programmes.
CEC General Secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen has expressed deep sorrow on the passing of Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima. “Several of us have memories of His Eminence’s time on the Central Committee of the Conference of European Churches, as well as the planning Committee of the Third European Ecumenical Assembly in 2007, and his leadership for the Churches in Dialogue Commission,” said Sørensen in his condolence letter to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“We will remember His Eminence’s commitment to ecumenical dialogue, Christian unity and Orthodox witness in the diverse ecclesial landscape in Europe and beyond,” he added.
Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima passed away last week. He served as a member of the CEC Central Committee from 2003 to 2013. A professor of Orthodox theology and canon law in various universities, he served in many ecumenical positions.
Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. (Photo credit: THIX Photo)
Following strong and persistent criticism of a possible new legal instrument related to use of coercive measures in psychiatry, the decision-making body of the Council of Europe decided it needed further information on the use of voluntary measures to be able to finalize its stand on the drafted text. The request for additional deliverables from subordinate bodies within the Council of Europe is adding two and a half years to the process before the final review is to be done.
The main point of criticism of the drafted possible new legal instrument (which technically is an additional protocol to a Council of Europe convention known as the Oviedo Convention) refer to the paradigm shift in viewpoint away from former times authoritative, non-inclusive and paternalistic viewpoints towards a broad view of human diversity and human dignity. The shift in viewpoint took strength with the 2006 adoption of the International Human Rights treaty: the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Conventions main message is that persons with disabilities are entitled to the full spectrum of human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination.
The drafted possible new legal instrument of the Council of Europe is stated to have an intend of protecting victims of coercive measures in psychiatry which are known to be degrading and potentially amount to torture. The approach is through regulating the use of and preventing as much as possible such harmful practices. The critics which include the United Nations Human Rights mechanism, the Council of Europe’s own Commissioner on Human Rights and numerous other experts, groups and bodies point out that allowing such practices under regulation is in opposition to the requirements of modern human rights, that simply ban them.
“After many years advocating for a change in the way the Council of Europe address mental healthcare and the rights of persons with disabilities, the decision to freeze the adoption of the draft additional protocol to the Oviedo Convention comes as a big relief for the disability and human rights community,” John Patrick Clarke, Vice President of the European Disability Forum told The European Times. The European Disability Forum is an umbrella organization of persons with disabilities defending the interest of more than 100 million persons with disabilities in Europe.
Joint statement.
The words of John Patrick Clarke was further backed by a joint statement of multiple organisations stating: “We, organisations of persons with disabilities, non-governmental organisations, international and human rights bodies, including national human rights institutions and equality bodies, welcome the decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe that suspends the adoption of the draft additional protocol to the Oviedo Convention, provides new instructions to the Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO) and foresees the participation of organisations of persons with disabilities and other relevant stakeholders in the further discussions to come.”
The joint statement however also makes it clear that while this is a step in the right direction, more is to be done. The recent decisions “do not meet our full expectations,” the statement noted, but “they could provide the basis for greater efforts to align Council of Europe standards concerning persons with disabilities to ensure no contradiction with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).”
The work within the Committee of Ministers level on the additional protocol has been controversial since it was started more than a decade ago. Most recently the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in a February 2022 report, recommended States and all other relevant stakeholders, including health professionals in view of the UN CRPD:
All States parties to the Convention should undertake a review of their obligations before adopting legislation or instruments that may contradict their obligations to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, as called for in the Convention. In particular, States are urged to re-examine from this perspective the draft additional protocol to the Oviedo Convention currently under consideration by the Council of Europe and to consider opposing its adoption and requesting its withdrawal.
The joint statement by disability and human rights groups released today further note in regards to the decisions of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted on 11th of May that:
“Although these decisions do not constitute an outright withdrawal of the draft Additional Protocol, they give clear instructions to halt the current process and to work further towards respecting autonomy and the consensual nature of mental healthcare. We further welcome the fact that the Committee of Ministers recognises the importance of involving civil society organisations in the CDBIO meetings related to mental healthcare.”
In concluding, John Patrick Clarke, Vice President of the European Disability Forum, told The European Times, “We need to be vigilant and make sure that States not only commit to, but in practice reform their mental healthcare systems to respect the human rights of all.”
Benefits of safe food for well-being include improved nutrition and reduced absenteeism in schools and in the workplace.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), only when food is safe can we fully benefit from its nutritional value and from the mental and social benefits of sharing a safe meal.
“Unsafe foods are the cause of many diseases and contribute to other poor health conditions, such as impaired growth and development, micronutrient deficiencies, noncommunicable or communicable diseases and mental illness,” said FAO.
Foodborne diseases affect one in 10 people worldwide each year, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. Fortunately, most are preventable.
The way we build food systems and supply chains can prevent infectious and toxic hazards, as well as microbial pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites), chemical residues, and biotoxins, from reaching our plates.
“We need to transform food systems to deliver better health, and we need to do so in a sustainable manner,” said FAO. “Food systems policy makers, practitioners and investors should reorient their activities to increase the sustainable production and consumption of safe foods.”
The UN agency also reminded that systemic changes for better health will lead to safer food – a critical enabler of long-term development and a prerequisite to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Did you know?
Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases.
Recent estimates indicate that the impact of unsafe food costs low and middle-income economies around $95 billion in lost productivity each year.
Good hygiene practices in the food and agricultural sectors help to reduce the emergence and spread of foodborne diseases.
Steps to health
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a set of specific actions across multiple sectors to make food safer, beginning with policy measures to strengthen national food safety systems and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
This requires collaboration at local, national, regional and global levels.
Food businesses must comply with international food standards and engage employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to grow and develop a food safety culture.
At the same time, educational institutions and workplaces need to promote safe food handling and support food safety.
And consumers have to practice safe handling at home and stay informed, FAO added.
Partners in wellness
Since 2018 when the General Assembly established the day, FAO and WHO have jointly facilitated its observance, in collaboration with Member States and others.
FAO addresses food safety issues along the food chain during production and processing, while WHO typically oversees relationships within the public health sector.
World Food Safety Day 2022 comes ten days after the adoption of the updated WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety, a milestone in the work to promote health, keep the world safe and protect the vulnerable.
