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European elections 2024: publication of results and other information for media | News

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European elections 2024: publication of results and other information for media | News

Provisional European election results can only be published after 23.00 CEST, when the last voting polls in Italy have closed. Before, Parliament will publish a first set of available national estimates around 18.15 CEST, and a first projection of the new Parliament is expected around 20.15-20.30 CEST (indicative time), based on national estimates, exit polls and pre-electoral voting intentions.

A second seat projection, at around 23.15-23.45 CEST (indicative time), will include the first provisional results from some EU member states, and estimates for the rest.

Updated projections will follow, as Parliament’s services receive information from national authorities. The last updated projection is expected at around 01.00 CEST.

Find here a detailed schedule of estimates and provisional results. All data will be available on the official election results website.

Media briefings at 11.00 and 17.00

Parliament’s press service will brief media at 11.00 and 17.00 from the Parliament’s hemicycle, turned into a pressroom, on the latest information about the election night, as well as on useful data about the Parliament and the organisation of the European elections. Both briefings can be followed in person and via webstreaming.

EbS will run a special programme on the elections starting at 17.30.

On Monday 10 June at 11.00, there will be another briefing on provisional election results and next steps, followed by a press conference by spokespersons of the political groups.

Statements by lead candidates and political groups’ leaders

Representatives of the EP political groups and European parties’ lead candidates for the position of Commission President will speak to the media during the evening. Political groups will also have their press teams available to respond to media requests and facilitate contacts. Find their contact details here.

Political group leaders or representatives are scheduled to address the media around 21.30 (indicative timing, to be confirmed) in reverse order according to their size in the current parliament:

  • The Left: Marc Botenga
  • ID: not confirmed
  • ECR: Assita Kanko
  • Greens/EFA: Philippe Lamberts
  • Renew Europe: Iskra Mihaylova
  • S&D: Pedro Marques
  • EPP: Manfred Weber

Lead candidates for the European Commission Presidency will take the floor following the announcement of provisional results, from around 23.45, in the following order:

  • EPP: Ursula von der Leyen
  • PES: Nicolas Schmit
  • Renew Europe Now: Valérie Hayer (tentative)
  • European Greens: Bas Eickhout
  • European Left: Walter Baier

Audiovisual material on voting from all EU member states is available on EBS and the EP’s Multimedia Centre, including statements from the lead candidates and group leaders voting in their constituencies.

Country-by-country information on the European elections

You can find individual pages on each of the EU member states with details on how the European elections are organised, lists, candidates, including MEPs who are running again for election and previous elections results, via this link.

Media access to the Parliament on election night

Only accredited journalists (holding an EU inter-institutional pass or accreditation to Parliament) will have access to Parliament’s premises on election night. Journalists may collect EP media passes on Sunday 9 June at the Accreditation Centre in front of Parliament (Esplanade Solidarność, office 01F035) from 8.00 and until 23.00.

The Simone Veil entrance (SPINELLI building) will be open from 10.00 to 02.00, while the entrance at rue Wiertz (SPINELLI building) will stay open all day and night.

Only those journalists who were assigned a place in the hemicycle will be able to work from there. The meeting room in front of the plenary chamber (3C050 in the SPAAK building) will also be set up as a press working area, and journalists may also work from the press room in the SPAAK building, on the ground floor.

More than 1 000 media representatives from all over the world will follow election night from the EP in Brussels. Regarding languages, around 148 interpreters will ensure there is interpretation of the event to and into all EU languages, as well as international sign language.

New EP Events mobile app

All journalists covering the European elections on site are encouraged to download the new “EP events” app (available in Google Play and App Store) to get timely information on their phones about everything happening in the Parliament before, during and after the elections, as well as practical information, including passcodes for Wi-Fi connection, opening hours, maps, contacts, links and technical information for audio-visual media.

Parking facilities

Parliament’s carpark will be free for media to use on election night – on presentation of valid media accreditation at the entrance. There will be no need to use the IZIX App that is used during normal parliamentary weeks. It will close at 02.00.

Catering services

The cafeteria next to the hemicycle (SPAAK building, third floor) will be open from 11.00 until the closure of the EP premises (kitchen closes at 22.00).

The press bar on SPAAK’s ground floor will be open from 17.00 to 23.00.

Parliament’s self-service restaurant in the SPAAK building, twelfth floor, will also be open between 12.00 and 23.00, offering sandwiches, salads and warm meals.

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Sudan: ‘Noose of war’ tightens on civilians in El Fasher, UN official warns

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UN’s rights chief horrified by Sudan escalation as famine draws nearer

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the rival military Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been battling for more than year, recently intensified in the North Darfur city. 

Civilians are under attack from all sides, and the news of reported casualties and human rights abuses are appalling, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami said in a statement. 

‘Deeply worrying reports’ 

“Families, including children and elderly people, are being prevented from leaving the city as they search for safety,” she said.

“We are receiving deeply worrying reports that medical facilities, displacement camps and critical civilian infrastructure have been targeted by parties to the conflict.” 

Ms. Nkweta-Salami added that many parts of El Fasher have been left without electricity or water and a growing proportion of the population has limited access to food, healthcare and other basic necessities and essential services. 

Appeal to the parties 

“After more than a year of brutal conflict, families have exhausted their scarce resources and their resilience is being eroded with each day of violence,” she said. 

The top UN aid official in the country stressed that all parties must avoid using explosive weapons in populated areas and take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

“Wars have rules that must be respected by all, no matter what,” she said.  

Conflict displaces millions 

Meanwhile, the war has displaced more than seven million people inside Sudan, more than half of them children, according to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, citing data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This is in addition to the estimated two million who have fled to neighbouring countries since the conflict erupted in April 2023. 

The UN and partners continue to step up efforts to respond to rising hunger and food insecurity in Sudan. Some 18 million people across the country are going hungry, and five million are on the brink of famine. 

Food on the move 

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that 1,200 metric tonnes of food supplies for some 116,000 people are being transported across the Darfur region and nearing final destinations in Central Darfur and 12 locations across South Darfur, including displacement camps in Nyala.  

The supplies are from a WFP convoy that crossed into Sudan from Chad last week. 

Food distributions are also ongoing for 135,000 people in South Kordofan state as WFP reiterated that aid must safely reach vulnerable communities. 

“No bullets. One rose for each child.”These were the powerful words of 10-year-old Majd during a psychosocial session delivered by UNICEF and partners.

‘Catastrophic consequences’ for children and mothers

Separately, WFP alongside the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), issued a stark warning of the significant deterioration in the nutrition status of children and mothers due to the war.

“Sudan is facing an ever-increasing risk of conflict-induced famine that will have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of life, especially among young children,” they said on Thursday.

Recent analysis conducted by the agencies highlights how the conflict is worsening the drivers of child malnutrition, which include lack of access to nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation as well as increased risk of disease.

The situation is further compounded by the massive displacement of people fleeing to safety. Furthermore, humanitarian access has been severely impacted by the fighting.

Childhood malnutrition crisis

The UN agencies said child malnutrition is at emergency levels. In Central Darfur, acute malnutrition is estimated to be at 15.6 per cent among under-fives and close to 30 per cent at the ZamZam camp in North Darfur, home to thousands of internally displaced people.

Acute malnutrition is life-threatening, they explained, as malnourished children are up to 11 times more likely to die than their well-nourished counterparts. 

Levels of malnutrition are particularly worrying among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, they added, pointing to a screening carried out last month by medical charity Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, in the ZamZam camp.

Over 33 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women there are malnourished, indicating that they are likely sacrificing their own needs to feed their children. 

Next generation at risk

“This situation poses an incredible risk not only for the health of mothers, but also for the next generation of Sudan’s children,” they said. “As much as 30 per cent of child malnutrition begins in utero, so children born to malnourished mothers are likely to be already malnourished themselves.”

The agencies fear that the situation for children and mothers will only worsen over the coming months, noting that the rainy season, which starts in June, will cut off communities and raise disease rates.

“Sudan is also entering the lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” they added.  “This is particularly pertinent this year as reports are already indicating that agricultural production in 2023 was below normal due to insecurity and displacement.”

The agencies called for immediate, unimpeded and consistent access to communities who are suffering the worst effects of the conflict, through all possible crossline and cross-border routes.

They also appealed for a de-escalation of the situation in El Fasher, a nationwide ceasefire and  a scale-up in donor support, warning that “the window to avert the worst is rapidly closing”. 

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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: 5 fast facts

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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: 5 fast facts

The landmark legally binding treaty entered into force on 3 May 2008, marking a major milestone in the effort to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights for all.

Ahead of the 17th Conference of States Parties (COSP17) that starts on 11 June, here are five fast facts about the Convention and how it continues to impact the lives of 1.3 billion men, women and children living with disabilities around the world:

A four-year-old boy plays in a learning centre in Bratislava, Ukraine.

1. Why the world needs the Convention

People with disabilities face discrimination and the denial of their human rights around the world. Society’s barriers are the problem, not individual impairments.

That’s why the Convention exists.

The Convention is a human rights treaty that sets out how to make a world disability inclusive.

The goal is to create an enabling environment so that people living with disabilities can enjoy real equality in society.

A nine-year-old child plays seesaw with her friends in an inclusive playground at her school in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.

A nine-year-old child plays seesaw with her friends in an inclusive playground at her school in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.

2. Protected rights

The Convention emphasises that people living with disabilities must have their dignity respected and their voices heard and should be involved in making decisions that affect their lives. That includes all rights, from freedom of speech and education to healthcare and employment.

The treaty tells countries to remove obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in all fields, from technology to politics.

It addresses those barriers, including discrimination and accessibility, and also calls for equality for women and girls. In addition, the treaty maps out ways countries around the world can remove barriers preventing people with disabilities from fully enjoying all their rights.

Despite all technical difficulties of leaving home, Dmitry Kuzuk does his own shopping and leads independent life in Moldova. (file)

Despite all technical difficulties of leaving home, Dmitry Kuzuk does his own shopping and leads independent life in Moldova. (file)

3. How the treaty is enforced

There are several ways the Convention is enforced, respected and implemented.

Individuals can bring petitions to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to report breaches of their rights.

“The mere existence of the Convention gives persons with disabilities and their organisations the ability to say to their governments ‘you have accepted these obligations’ and insist that they be met.” said Don MacKay, chair of the committee that drafted the treaty.

The 18-member Geneva-based committee can also undertake inquires of grave or systematic violations of the Convention and monitors whether rights are being properly applied, online and off in times of peace and of war and other crises.

A young boy attends a panel discussion on health and wellbeing at an event held on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day at UN Headquarters. (file)

UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

A young boy attends a panel discussion on health and wellbeing at an event held on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day at UN Headquarters. (file)

4. A seat at the table

A key to progress is bringing people whose rights are affected to the table.

This year, hundreds of delegates from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are coming to New York to take part in the latest Conference of State Parties, COSP17, to be held in June 2024, one of the largest global meetings on disability rights.

Since the time the treaty was negotiated, the perspectives and input of people living with disabilities are being heard at meetings at the UN and in countries around the world.

The bigger table at UN Headquarters now accommodates accessibility requirements, including wheelchair access, hearing loops usage, documentation in Braille, large print or sign language usage.

Music legend and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder addresses the General Assembly's high-level meeting on disability and development in 2013. (file)

Music legend and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder addresses the General Assembly’s high-level meeting on disability and development in 2013. (file)

5. In the spotlight

Global celebrities like the singer-songwriter and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder, who is visually impaired, have also added their voice.

“Someone being sighted doesn’t mean that they should be blind to those things in the world that we need to fix,” Mr. Wonder said, noting that there are 300 million visually impaired people around the world.

“We really are abled persons with different abilities. We have to have inclusion.”

Watch UN Video’s Stories from the UN Archive on how the music icon challenged assumptions about Braille: here.

“I think there are certain sort of stereotypes that we hear about autism, and I’ve learned very quickly through meeting people who either were parents of autistic children or meeting people with autism that those sort of stereotypes don’t really exist,” actor Dakota Fanning told UN News in a conversation about her role as Wendy, who is autistic, in the film Please Stand By.

“So, I felt that I didn’t I want to further the stereotypes and that I wanted to really portray her as I would portray any other young woman,” she said.

Nick Herd in the UN General Assembly Hall for COSP16. (file)

Nick Herd in the UN General Assembly Hall for COSP16. (file)

“I have lived with discrimination for part of my life,” said Canadian activist, actor and talk show host Nick Herd, who was born with Down syndrome.

“When I was young, and growing up, I was bullied because of my disability, but now I can use that voice, from the child that I was, to be heard, louder and louder. I can shout it on the top of a building or off a mountain, bigger than the UN so that persons with disabilities are included at the table.”

Giles Duley has dedicated his work as a photographer to document the impacts of war. He himself was severely wounded in Afghanistan and continues to fight on all fronts to heal his own wounds and those of others.

© Giles Duley/Legacy of War Foundation

Giles Duley has dedicated his work as a photographer to document the impacts of war. He himself was severely wounded in Afghanistan and continues to fight on all fronts to heal his own wounds and those of others.

“In war, those with disabilities are often represented as victims, denied equality in humanitarian support and excluded from peace processes,” said renowned photographer Giles Duley, the first UN Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations.

“It is time for change, and if we work together, we have the strength and opportunity to create that change.”

Who’s on board?

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was opened for signature in 2006. Here’s who is on board:

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, waiting to be signed by representatives of Member States in 2006. (file)

UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, waiting to be signed by representatives of Member States in 2006. (file)

  • As of today, 191 nations and UN observers have ratified the treaty, and 106 have ratified its Optional Protocol
  • Since the Convention entered into force in 2008, the UN and its agencies have worked towards amplifying its provisions
  • The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to leave no one behind in its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • The Summit of the Future intends to realign international cooperation to be inclusive across the board
  • Check out the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy
  • The Convention and its Optional Protocol established annual meetings of treaty signatories – the “Conference of States Parties” (COSP) – to monitor implementation and discuss current themes and trends, with this year’s COSP17 focusing on jobs, tech and humanitarian emergencies at a meeting at UN Headquarters from 11 to 13 June 2024
  • Learn about the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities here
  • Follow past and present annual Conferences of States Parties (COSP) here

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World Oceans Day event highlights immediate protection measures needed

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Milos Prelevic prelevicm - unsplash

UN World Oceans Day, celebrated on Friday at UN Headquarters in New York, focused on “opening minds, igniting senses, and inspiring possibilities” to protect marine life worldwide. 

A powerful video was shown echoing the theme, awaken new depths, warning of immediate protection needs and cautioning that there is no time for an “out of sight out of mind” sense of complacency.

In a statement marking the Day – which falls officially on Saturday – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the ocean sustains life on Earth and the problems are essentially man-made.

“Climate change is triggering rising seas and threatening the very existence of small island developing states and coastal populations”, he said.

Mr. Guterres also mentioned that ocean acidification is destroying coral reefs, with sea temperatures reaching record levels leading to extreme weather events. Overfishing and other factors are contributing to the destruction of the world’s marine ecosystems.

The President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, attended the event and voiced similar concerns about the current state of the ocean.

“There is so much still to learn about oceans – and, importantly, to reverse the damage being caused to our precious lifeline resource.”

Mr. Francis said that the ocean is our strongest ally against climate change and therefore “it is our joint responsibility to course correct – and recommit to sustainably manage the ocean’s precious resources – so as to ensure their availability intergenerationally.”

The Secretary-General and General Assembly President said they are expecting reflections on and actions toward ways to restore and protect our oceans as the Summit of the Future in September 2024 and next year’s UN Oceans Conference approach.

State of the Ocean Report

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released a State of the Ocean report earlier in the week pushing policymakers to think about “the ocean we need for the future we want.”

The report detailed threats to the ocean and trends that could help identify drivers of change.

It warned that the rate of ocean warming has doubled in 20 years and that coastal species are suffocating due to decreased oxygen levels in the ocean, among other things.

One of its conclusions is that “ocean literacy practice and research is a strategic ally to optimize resources, accelerate behavioural change and improve the implementation of ocean conservation programmes and sustainability practices.”

Soundcloud

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Calls to action

Speakers at UN Headquarters on Friday included marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle, who said finding ways to share the importance of protecting our ocean with the world can lead to vital action to also preserve coastal wildlife.

“Now is the time for governments, businesses, investors, scientists and communities to come together in defence of our ocean,” UN Secretary-General Guterres said.

In a similar call to action, General Assembly President Francis said we should “redouble our efforts to support and advance ocean action, build much-needed capacity in [small island developing states]and other developing countries – and promote innovative financing solutions that drive transformation and scale up resilience.”

Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries

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Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries


A battery made from zinc and lignin that can be used over 8000 times. This has been developed by researchers at Linköping University with a vision to provide a cheap and sustainable battery solution for countries where access to electricity is limited. The study has been published in the journal Energy & Environmental Materials.

Reverant Crispin and Ziyauddin Khan, researchers at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics. Image credit:

Reverant Crispin and Ziyauddin Khan, researchers at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics. Image credit: Thor Balkhed/Linköping University

“Solar panels have become relatively inexpensive, and many people in low-income countries have adopted them. However, near the equator, the sun sets at around 6 PM, leaving households and businesses without electricity. The hope is that this battery technology, even with lower performance than the expensive Li-ion batteries, will eventually offer a solution for these situations,” says Reverant Crispin, professor of organic electronics at Linköping University.

His research group at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, together with researchers at Karlstad University and Chalmers, has developed a battery that is based on zinc and lignin, two cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. In terms of energy density, it is comparable to lead-acid batteries but without the lead, which is toxic.

Stable battery

The battery is stable, as it can be used over 8000 cycles while maintaining about 80% of its performance. Additionally, the battery retains its charge for approximately one week, significantly longer than other similar zinc-based batteries that discharge in just a few hours.

Although zinc-based batteries are already on the market, primarily as non-rechargeable batteries, they are predicted to complement and, in some cases, replace lithium-ion batteries in the long run when the feature of rechargeability is properly introduced.

“While lithium-ion batteries are useful when handled correctly, they can be explosive, challenging to recycle, and problematic in terms of environmental and human rights issues when specific elements like cobalt are extracted. Therefore, our sustainable battery offers a promising alternative where energy density is not critical,” says Ziyauddin Khan, a researcher at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at LiU.

Cheap and recyclable

The issue with zinc batteries has primarily been poor durability due to zinc reacting with the water in the battery’s electrolyte solution. This reaction leads to the generation of hydrogen gas and dendritic growth of the zinc, rendering the battery essentially unusable.

To stabilise the zinc, a substance called potassium polyacrylate based water-in-polymer salt electrolyte (WiPSE) is used. What the researchers at Linköping have now demonstrated is that when WiPSE is used in a battery containing zinc and lignin, stability is very high.

“Both zinc and lignin are super cheap, and the battery is easily recyclable. And if you calculate the cost per usage cycle, it becomes an extremely cheap battery compared to lithium-ion batteries,” says Ziyauddin Khan.

Scalable

Currently, the batteries developed in the lab are small. However, the researchers believe that they can create large batteries, roughly the size of a car battery, thanks to the abundance of both lignin and zinc at low cost. However, mass production would require the involvement of a company.

Reverant Crispin asserts that Sweden’s position as an innovative country enables it to assist other nations in adopting more sustainable alternatives.

“We can view it as our duty to help low-income countries avoid making the same mistakes we did. When they build their infrastructure, they need to start with green technology right away. If unsustainable technology is introduced, it will be used by billions of people, leading to a climate catastrophe,” says Reverant Crispin.

The research was primarily funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through the Wallenberg Wood Science Centre, the Swedish Research Council, Åforsk, the Swedish government’s strategic research area on advanced functional materials (AFM) at Linköping University, and Vinnova through Fun-Mat II. The long-term collaboration with Ligna Energy AB within the SESBC center is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency.

Article: Water-in-Polymer Salt Electrolyte for Long-Life Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Lignin Battery, Divyaratan Kumar, Leandro R. Franco, Nicole Abdou, Rui Shu, Anna Martinelli, C. Moyses Araujo, Johannes Gladisch, Viktor Gueskine, Reverant Crispin & Ziyauddin Khan; Energy & Environmental Materials 2024, published online 7 May 2024. DOI: 10.1002/eem2.12752

Written by Anders Törneholm 

Source: Linköping University



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Top UN officials urge comprehensive approach to Syria’s protracted crisis

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Top UN officials urge comprehensive approach to Syria’s protracted crisis

Martin Griffiths, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis, noting that 16.7 million people now require humanitarian assistance, the highest number since the conflict began 13 years ago.  

He stressed that the situation is deteriorating year by year, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing protection crisis as children continue to be killed and women and girls face increasing levels of sexual and gender-based violence.

Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths briefing the Security on the humanitarian situation in Syria.

In addition, an unstable economic situation is compounding suffering and perpetuating instability. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the cost of living has more than doubled over the past year, and there are no signs of improvement in the near future.

“More than seven million people remain displaced within Syria, with millions more living as refugees in neighbouring countries,” Mr. Griffiths said.

He underscored the need for sustained humanitarian access through both cross-border and crossline operations.

Welcoming the recent extension granted by the Syrian Government for use of the Bab al-Salam border crossing, the UN relief chief highlighted the need for more long-term commitments based on needs rather than set time periods

Security concerns

Geir O. Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, described the political impasse as deeply entrenched, with no clear political path to implement UN Security Council resolution 2254, which outlined a roadmap for Syria’s political transition.  

He warned of the risks of prolonged division and despair, which threaten not only Syrians but the broader international community.

“A dizzying array of local and international actors and listed terrorist groups remain engaged in conflict, inside and over Syrian territory, across multiple theatres,” Mr. Pedersen said.

He detailed ongoing clashes across the north of the country and security tensions within areas of control, complicated by the fallout of the war in Gaza, including Israeli airstrikes inside Syria and rocket and drone attacks from Syrian territory towards the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan and Israel.

Special Envoy Geir Pedersen briefing the Security Council on the political and security dynamics.

“If these dynamics simply continue, we will inevitably see even more civilian suffering. And we could also see major escalations and further instability radiating across the region,” he warned, also reiterating the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Regional de-escalation efforts starting with a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is absolutely essential,” he stressed.

Piecemeal approach will not work

Mr. Pedersen further emphasised the need for a comprehensive political solution involving the Syrian Government, opposition, civil society and key international actors such as Iran, Russia, Türkiye, the United States, Arab and European nations and the Security Council.

“No actor on its own can solve the crisis, and none of the existing diplomatic groupings can either. Constructive international diplomacy with the contribution of all is the only way forwards,” he stressed.

At the same time, Constitutional Committee meetings must be resumed and concrete confidence-building measures undertaken to stabilise the situation.

“Many understand that the situation in Syria is dangerous, that the current piecemeal approach will not suffice to stem the tide and that a strategy of containment and alleviation will not stabilise the dangerous and unpredictable situation in Syria, just as it hasn’t elsewhere in the region,” he said.

A wide view of the UN Security Council chamber as members meet to discuss the situation in Syria.

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Amid Gaza war, children now work so families can survive: ILO

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Amid Gaza war, children now work so families can survive: ILO

Details of that development and the “unprecedented devastation” to the Palestinian jobs market and the wider economy beyond Gaza and the West Bank are outlined in a new report from the ILO.

Ahead of its publication, the UN agency’s Director-General Gilbert Houngbo told the 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva on Thursday that the labour market in Gaza had “literally collapsed” since “horrific” Hamas-led terror attacks against Israel last October, that sparked Israel’s “relentless war”. 

“Today Gaza is in ruins. Livelihoods are shattered and work is scarce. Labour rights have been decimated,” he said. “This has been the hardest year for Palestinian workers since 1967. Never before has the situation been this bleak.”

Hard data 

According to data crunched by the ILO and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, unemployment in the Gaza Strip has reached 79.1 per cent. 

Although not directly impacted by the war, the occupied West Bank has also been severely impacted by the crisis, with almost one in three unemployed.

“These figures bring the average rate of unemployment to 50.8 per cent across the two areas of the OPT,” said the authors of The situation of Workers in the Occupied Arab Territories, before noting the true figure was likely even higher as it did not include individuals who had left the labour force altogether because of a lack of opportunities.

Unsurprisingly, overall economic output in Gaza has contracted by 83.5 per cent and by 22.7 in the West Bank over the past eight months, while the entire OPT economy has shrunk by nearly 33 per cent.

Health relief breakthrough

In related developments in Gaza on Friday, the UN health agency announced despite “significant constraints”, one fully-laden truck and a partially stacked trailer carrying medical relief had reached Gaza via the southern crossing of Kerem Shalom.

“The supplies will be distributed to health facilities to support the treatment of up to 44,000 people,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a post on X. 

The assistance comprises treatments for noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and cardiac conditions, type 2 diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases but much more relief is needed urgently via the still-closed Rafah crossing, the UN health agency insisted.

In a separate update, the WHO reported that 464 attacks on healthcare in the Gaza Strip have been documented since 7 October.

“Attacks have resulted in 727 fatalities, 933 injuries, affected 101 health facilities and 113 ambulances,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in another post on X. 

“Two-fifths (37 per cent) of attacks were in Gaza City, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) in north Gaza, and over a quarter (28 per cent) in Khan Younis. WHO calls for the respect of international law and active protection of civilians and health care,” the UN agency insisted.

Rafah

In Rafah, fewer than 100,000 people now remain across the southern governorate, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported late Thursday.

This follows the forced evacuation “of about a million people – who were again on the run” and moving toward Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, OCHA said, adding that the ongoing hostilities had massively disrupted the delivery of lifesaving relief.

The halt to fuel deliveries via Rafah crossing from Egypt had multiple negative ramifications, the UN aid office explained, as it affected “trucks, hospitals, sewage systems, desalination operations and bakeries”.

“As things stand, aid convoys still need to navigate active hostilities, barely passable roads, unexploded ordnance, and recurrent delays,” OCHA said.

 

Israel-Lebanon border clashes a grave concern: Guterres

The continuing exchange of fire between Israeli forces and militants in southern Lebanon along the UN-patrolled Blue Line frontier are a source of grave concern, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday.

In a statement issued in the evening from his Spokesperson’s Office in New York, the UN chief called for an urgent ceasefire.

He remains gravely concerned that the exchanges of fire have not only ravaged communities close to the Blue Line but have also impacted deeper into the territories of both Lebanon and Israel, with the use of increasingly destructive weapons”, the statement continued.

“These exchanges of fire could trigger a broader conflict with devastating consequences for the region.”

 

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Weekly Election Highlights

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Weekly Election Highlights

Europe is voting!

European elections have officially started! Several countries offer the possibility for early voting – in Estonia, you can vote online since Monday 3. It was Election Day in the Netherlands on Thursday 6. Today on 7 June, the Irish and the Czech are heading to the polls with the rest of Europe following suit over the weekend.

In total, around 360 million Europeans are called to the polls to elect the 720 members of the next European Parliament.

2 million 16 and 17 year olds will be eligible to vote for the first time – the voting age is set at 16 in Belgium, Germany, Malta and Austria and at 17 in Greece. In all remaining countries, you must be 18 to vote.

Information on how and when to vote is available on the elections website.

Estimates (from 20.15-20.30 CEST) and provisional results (from 23.15-23.30 CEST) of the elections will be updated in real time on the European elections results website.

Covering the European Elections live

Media can use footage of the Elections taking place in all the EU Member States from EbS or the Multimedia Centre. Footage of a Dutch polling station set in a windmill is available here. EU citizens have already voted on the island of Svartsö in Sweden, or on a ferry in Kemiönsaari (Finland). EU citizens from fourteen countries also had the opportunity to vote by mail, like the Greek. Footage of the elections will be uploaded throughout the weekend – including recordings of lead candidates and group leaders casting their vote.

Election days and night in Brussels

The European Parliament in Brussels has been completely transformed to accommodate over 1000 media representatives coming from over 90 countries. The Hemicycle is turned into one giant press room. 700 working spaces are foreseen for journalists, 125 stand-up positions have been prepared, among which 66 in the hemicycle on three levels covering 420m2 and 185 broadband lines for transmission are foreseen.

Practical details for journalists and a rundown of elections days and night are available here.

Good to know

  • EU countries’ Ombudsmen and the chairs of national petitions committees have issued a joint statement calling for all eligible citizens to go to vote, emphasising the need for strong civic engagement to bolster democratic institutions.

Lab-Grown vs Mined: An Analysis of the Diamond Debate

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Lab-Grown vs Mined: An Analysis of the Diamond Debate


Image credit: Unsplash, free license

In the sparkling world of diamonds, a riveting debate unfolds: Should you choose the timeless allure of mined diamonds or the modern marvels of lab-grown gems? This decision goes beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing factors such as ethics, sustainability, and innovation. 

As you stand at this crossroads of tradition and technology, let’s delve into an analysis of both choices. Join us as we navigate the nuances that could guide your next luminous investment.

What is a Mined Diamond?

Mined diamonds are the naturally occurring treasures that have been forming beneath the Earth’s surface for billions of years. These gems come to light through an extensive and careful deep mining process, where they’re extracted from deep within the Earth’s upper mantle. 

The allure of mined diamonds lies in their rarity and the romantic notion of timelessness, often connected with nature’s own way of crafting such wonders. However, concerns over ethical sourcing and environmental impact have made consumers consider their other options.

What is a Lab-Grown Diamond? 

When you’re in the market for jewelry, you might have come across unique lab-created diamond rings. These sparklers are fascinating. Created in controlled laboratory environments, lab-grown diamonds are made by replicating the natural growing process of earth-mined diamonds. 

The result? You get a stone identical in chemical, physical, and optical properties to those mined from deep within the Earth. The beauty of these diamonds isn’t just skin-deep. They’re also known for being a more sustainable and ethical choice compared to traditional mining practices.

What are the Benefits of Mined Diamonds?

Mined diamonds are what are often referred to as “real” diamonds because they’re mined from the Earth. Let’s look at why someone would choose a mined diamond for their jewelry.

Traditional

These natural gems have adorned crowns, engagement rings, and statement pieces for generations. They carry an old-world charm that’s deeply rooted in our history, symbolizing a timeless connection to the Earth’s treasures and the human stories interwoven with them.

Rarity

Each diamond’s unique journey from deep below the surface bestows it with irreplaceable characteristics and idiosyncrasies. This scarcity fuels a sense of wonder and exclusivity, making the possession of a mined diamond feel like holding a piece of eternal, natural art.

More Job Creation

The process of extracting diamonds from the Earth is labor-intensive, creating substantial employment opportunities in mining regions. Through every stage, from extraction to final sale, your choice of a mined diamond sustains jobs for workers (but typically in poor conditions). 

Potential Investment Value

Investing in mined diamonds might align with your interests due to their enduring market desirability. Over the years, these tangible assets can hold or increase in value, but it’s important to note that only rare diamonds will sell for more or for what you bought them for.

Better Resale Value

When you buy a mined diamond, you’re investing in a piece that could offer better resale value. These natural stones have a longer history in the market, which tends to make them more coveted by collectors and investors alike. Lab-grown diamonds never resell for much.

It should be noted that the benefits of mined diamonds are also the drawbacks of lab-grown diamonds and vice versa. Lab-grown diamonds aren’t rare or traditional, don’t lead to as much job growth, and aren’t as resellable as mined diamonds. With that said, there are many positives to buying lab-grown diamonds, which we’ll look more into in the next section.

What are the Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are basically identical to mined diamonds. The only major difference is how they’re made. Here’s why consumers may purchase a lab-grown diamond from a jeweler.

Sustainability

By replicating the Earth’s natural process above ground, these diamonds offer you an eco-friendly option with a reduced environmental footprint. Choosing them reflects a commitment to preserving natural resources and reducing the impact of mining on ecosystems.

Ethical Concerns

By selecting these gems, you sidestep issues associated with mining, such as labor practices and conflict funding. This choice shows that you’re standing up for human rights and ethical accountability in the jewelry industry, resonating with a broader ethos of social responsibility.

Transparency

Embracing lab-grown diamonds may resonate with your quest for transparency in your purchases. These stones come with clear supply chains, allowing you to trace their origin and production methods confidently. This transparency assures you of the brand’s ethical integrity.

Innovation

Lab-grown diamonds are a testament to human ingenuity, representing the cutting-edge technological progress in gemstone creation. By choosing these marvels, you’re not just buying a piece of jewelry. You’re embracing innovation and the forward march of science.

Price Tag

Choosing a lab-grown diamond can be much easier on your wallet. They typically come at a lower price compared to their mined counterparts, often saving you about 20-40%. In the end, you capitalize on the brilliance and clarity of a mined diamond without the steep price.

Once again, it should be noted that the benefits of lab-grown diamonds are also the drawbacks of mined diamonds and vice versa. Mined diamonds aren’t sustainable, often pose ethical concerns, and are more expensive and less innovative than lab-grown diamonds. With that said, there are many positives to buying mined diamonds, as was previously discussed.

In Conclusion… 

As you ponder the glistening paths of the diamond debate, remember that your choice reflects more than a style preference. It’s an expression of your values and vision for the future. Whether you’re drawn to the enduring legacy of mined diamonds or inclined toward the ethical elegance of lab-grown alternatives, each stone carries its own narrative and significance. 



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Civil society, business, and culture encourage citizens to vote in EU elections | News

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European elections 2024: publication of results and other information for media | News

Leading lights from across Europe’s business, cultural and non-profit communities have joined in the campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the elections, and to encourage citizens across the Union to vote.

More than 500 pan-European umbrella organisations and many others at national level have promoted the #UseYourVote campaign through their networks, with their own campaigns or on their social media channels. Save The Children’s “I Count, I Vote” campaign includes a LinkedIn video and visual assets to encourage voting. The European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) launched their “TALE – TAke the Lead in the EU Elections” campaign, to encourage electoral participation.

The European Council on Refugees and Exiles launched the #EUisU + Vote EP 24 campaign, featuring a song and motivational videos of citizens encouraging people to vote. Democracy International’s “eurVote eurFuture” project in ten countries is an effort to increase awareness about the European Parliament elections through events, informative leaflets, “I’m voting” stickers, and how-to-vote videos aimed at first-time voters. Inclusion Europe put forward a campaign for the voting rights of people with intellectual disabilities, sharing content on Instagram encouraging participation.

In the context of the European Parliament’s together.eu community, a diverse host of election-related activities have been organised by young volunteers across the EU, like dancing gatherings, tree planting, spring cleaning, pub quizzes, seminars, lectures, music festivals and other kind of events.

In Germany a basketball tournament was organised for more than 100 participants. In Spain, youth activist Pol Villaverde created Palumba, a pan-European mobile app to help people find out which party or candidate to vote for. In Portugal, community activists organised surfing events for people with disabilities and creative partnerships with local sports clubs. In Ireland, Daniel Long, a young farmer, joined other volunteers to run a number of election events in rural Ireland and at universities.

European success stories like music streaming platform Spotify and Swedish food manufacturer Oatly are encouraging their customers to vote and informing them about the elections on their platforms. As part of their #AllHandsForDemocracy campaign, Universal Music Group is giving concert-goers an election-related stamp on their hand to remind them to vote.

A total of 898 cinemas across the Union have pledged to show the EU’s #UseYourVote campaign video before screenings, and film festivals in France, Bulgaria, Germany, and The Netherlands encouraged festivalgoers and film industry professionals to use their vote by displaying banners and e-posters, sending newsletters, and posting on their social media channels.

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