Users of Antidepressants may suffer due to Doctors not knowing new Research and Guidelines

Withdrawing from antidepressants — Research show withdrawing from antidepressants is a problem from half the users. Image: Nastya Dulhiier (Unsplash)

Research show people using antidepressants have problems withdrawing from the drugs due to doctors not knowing how to do it correctly, and that it can take months and years due to severe withdrawal effects. Adverse withdrawal effects often are not recognized or misdiagnosed as relapse.

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Millions affected

When the SSRI antidepressants first appeared on the market they were presented as drugs that could solve life situations and with no problems related to them. In fact, manufacturers distributed numerous papers with description of withdrawal symptoms from the drugs as being “brief and mild”, based on studies conducted by the drug companies themselves which focused on people who had been on the antidepressants for only 8 to 12 weeks. The result has been that over the years both doctors and the general population have come to believe these drugs can not cause severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms on stopping them. And further that stopping the use of these drugs following a treatment would not be a problem.

What has not been the focus in research is that the longer people are on these antidepressants, the harder it is to stop and the more severe the withdrawal effects.

Research presented at this year’s European Psychiatric Congress show there are major problems related to this and research indicate that more than half will have problems stopping, amounting to millions in Europe being affected.

Antidepressants cause residual change to cell structure

The use of antidepressants causes changes to the body and its ability to regulate the use of its own neurotransmitters used to control numerous bodily functions. The result of this change of the cell structures is that once a user has stopped the antidepressants this can cause withdrawal effects and these can last months or years after the drug has left the system. The new research explain what many users have said they have felt for years.

Dr Mark Horowitz, an expert and Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry at the National Health Service (NHS) in England, presented extensive research findings that put a new light to the problem.

“When you stop the drug, let’s say months or years after the patient had been started on drug treatment following a stressful period in their life, the antidepressant is metabolized by the liver and kidneys in a few days or weeks. But what doesn’t change in a few days or weeks is the residual changes to the post-synaptic serotonin receptors and other systems downstream of this,” Dr. Horowitz told.

In studies on humans, there are changes to the serotonergic system that persists for up to four years after the antidepressants are stopped.

“In other words, you now have a system that is less sensitive to serotonin being exposed to normal levels of serotonin after the drug is removed. And overall, this could be seen as a low serotonin syndrome,” he clarified.

This of course is a very simplified version of what’s going on. There are many other neurotransmitters and downstream effects of these changes that may also persist for long periods after the drug is stopped. All of these changes also are likely to explain the wide-ranging and long-lasting symptoms that occur after stopping antidepressants.

Adaptation to the drug

Dr Horowitz presenting findings on antidepressant withdrawal. Image: THIX Photo.

The underlying problem that has often been neglected is that years of use has caused an adaptation to the antidepressant drug by the body and brain and this condition persists for longer than it takes the drug to be eliminated from the body, and that’s what causes withdrawal effects.

Dr Mark Horowitz explains why withdrawal effects last for more than a few days or weeks after the drug is out of the system, “it’s not the time taken for the drug to leave the system that determines the length of the effect. It’s the time taken for the system to readapt to the drug not being there that explains how long withdrawal symptoms can last for.”

Antidepressant withdrawal syndrome is a set of physiological symptoms that occur on stopping or reducing the dose of an antidepressant. They can manifest in either psychological or physical symptoms because these drugs affect so many bodily systems. They occur because adaptations to the brain caused by the drug take time to resolve.

Dr Mark Horowitz pointed out that it’s important to understand that withdrawal symptoms do not require addiction, all that is required is adaptation to the drug. This is often referred to as physical dependence. Physical dependence in pharmacological terms means the process of adaptation to appear to exposure to a drug that affects the brain, which is true for antidepressants (and, for example, to caffeine, which does not generally cause addiction but can cause physical dependence and therefore withdrawal effects).

As the SSRI antidepressants act on a neurotransmitter mechanism that influence not only mood but many bodily systems withdrawing from the drug after years of adaptation thus can cause strong reactions on many of these functions and their influence on one’s life.

Symptoms of withdrawal

There are dozens and dozens of possible effects that can be caused. Symptoms include dizziness, insomnia, impaired concentration, fatigue, headache, tremor, tachycardia, and nightmares. Withdrawal can even cause affective symptoms such as depressed mood, irritability, anxiety, and panic attacks.

“We know that these are symptoms of withdrawal and not just relapse (a return of someone’s underlying condition), because they have been found in studies of people who stopped antidepressants with no underlying mental health conditions,” Dr Mark Horowitz told. He mentioned examples such as people who are given these drugs for pain, for the menopause, and even in healthy volunteers.

There are other effects including an increase in suicide attempts in the two weeks after stopping antidepressants. It has been attributed to withdrawal effects itself because it’s too quick for relapse to explain this increase in symptoms. Dr Mark Horowitz further noted that they have also found in studies that while 30% of those who responded were suicidal before starting medication, 60% became suicidal after stopping so that this means for 30% of people they will experience being suicidal for the first time in their lives because of withdrawal effects.

The maybe most disturbing symptom from withdrawal of antidepressants, which often has been neglected, is a condition known as akathisia. Akathisia is a movement disorder usually caused by a psychoactive substance in which the individual generally will experience an intense sensation of unease or an inner restlessness that often prompts the patient to pace backwards and forwards and can be an intensely unpleasant experience. Dr Mark Horowitz noted that it is often recognised as a long-term consequence of antipsychotic exposure, but withdrawal from antidepressants and benzodiazepines and a variety of other psychiatric drugs can also cause the condition.

“It is the most horrible presentations that I see. People are pacing, they feel agitated, they feel terror. A lot of them are talking about suicide because it is a state in which you get no rest and no calm, often for weeks and sometimes longer,” Dr Mark Horowitz pointed out.

And it’s important as this condition is often misdiagnosed when people are presented to the emergency department as agitated depression, as mania, because many clinicians and others are unfamiliar with the fact that coming off these drugs can cause akathisia.

Withdrawal effects not recognized or misdiagnosed as relapse

Tens of thousands users of antidepressants from Europe every month are seeking information and advice from American peer support forums on how to come off their medications. Their stories are for many very similar.

The research group of Dr Mark Horowitz surveyed 1,300 of these. Three quarters of them said their doctor’s advice on withdrawing was unhelpful.

The major reasons where that the doctor had recommended a rate of reduction that was much too quick. And that the treating doctors weren’t familiar enough with withdrawal symptoms to have any advice, or they told the user that stopping with antidepressants would not cause withdrawal symptoms.

Dr Mark Horowitz indicated that doctors often still believe that withdrawal effects from antidepressants are “brief and mild”. And they do not know that withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depressed mood, and insomnia.

“It’s easy to confuse with a relapse of depression or anxiety, especially when it’s in the clinician’s minds that withdrawal effects are brief and mild. Someone turns up with severe symptoms that are long lasting, it’s very hard to put the connection together,” Dr Mark Horowitz added.

Another disturbing fact is that withdrawal effects is not only related to antidepressants. “The same is true for coming off of all psychiatric drugs. Often the changes produced on the brain by psychiatric drugs can persist for months or years after stopping, which is why withdrawal syndromes can last a lot longer if it takes the drug to be eliminated from the body,” Dr Mark Horowitz pointed out.

Mali: Results 5 Months After a Training on Human Rights and Good Governance

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EuropeanTimes

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11 May 2024

By Murielle Gemis and Mariam Traoré – May 11, 2024

63 young activists, aged 18 to 25, 28 women and 35 men, gathered for a training session on Human Rights and good governance from December in honor of the anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

An educational initiative, focused on Human Rights and good governance, took place from December 11th to 13th, 2023, at the AZALAI Grand Hôtel in Bamako, commemorating the anniversary of the 1948 Human Rights Charter. Organized for 63 participants aged 18 to 25, this three-day training session saw the presence of several key figures.

The results of this training, presented on Wednesday, May 1st, to Ms. Galatée Fouquet, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Luxembourg, highlight a deep understanding of the subject matter and increased involvement in various organizations, demonstrating these young people’s willingness to apply this knowledge in their daily lives and communities.

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Reflection on the Training: Gathering for Change

Among the partners and educational leaders of this event, Mr. Kabine DOUMBIA, president of the NGO ASRAD Mali, and Ms. Marie Anne MARX, representative of the Embassy of Luxembourg, played a key role as supporters and facilitators of this initiative. The training sessions were conducted by experts, including Ms. Murielle GEMIS, assistant professor in education sciences in Belgium, and Dr. Souleymane SACKO, university professor in Mali, specializing in International Strategy. Additionally, in this context, tools provided by the humanitarian partner Youth for Human Rights International were graciously utilized. Furthermore, several political figures supported this educational initiative focused on Human Rights and good governance by participating in its inaugural sessions.

This three-day session was structured around specific modules. These modules covered various aspects ranging from the dynamics of human rights (LRH), clarifying the terms and principles of Human Rights, to analyzing governance systems and the challenges to overcome. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, enriching the discussions and strengthening their commitment to these essential causes. Interactive sessions were complemented by practical exercises, including simulations and role-playing games, enabling participants to develop their advocacy and rights defense skills. Additionally, tools and resources were shared to facilitate the integration of Human Rights principles into their daily actions.

Participants Perspectives and Future Challenges

To assess the achievement of the set objectives, a follow-up survey was conducted. It revealed a deep understanding of the knowledge acquired and an increased involvement in various organizations such as “Secretary for the Relations of Graduated Disabled Collective” or “Advisor to the Secretary-General of the UNESCO Club of the IUG.” As another example, some participants testified to the impact of the training on their personal and professional behavior. One of them stated, “Initially, I applied this acquired knowledge through my own behavior conscientiously. It gave me the idea to always think before acting with the utmost respect for human rights so as not to penalize others.” Furthermore, some participants took concrete initiatives to raise awareness in their community. For instance, one mentioned, “I launched a digital campaign to raise awareness about respect for human rights.” Another mentioned speaking up for more vulnerable audiences: “Through advocacy with authorities. Participation in TV and radio programs, notably TV JOLIBA, to address issues facing disabled individuals in Mali.” These various testimonies highlight the positive impact of the training on the participants and their willingness to apply the knowledge acquired in their daily lives and community involvement. They also reflect the participants’ expressed need for additional support, particularly in terms of supplementary training and financial resources. “We must redouble efforts in the fields of education and social welfare, without forgetting financial resources, in order to expand training opportunities and clubs to advocate for human rights and good governance.” This underscores the ongoing importance of this educational initiative in enhancing citizens’ capacity for action in the realm of human rights and good governance.

Conclusion: Towards an Engaged Citizenship

The conclusion of this survey highlights the significant impact of a training on human rights and good governance on civic engagement. The results indicate a notable increase in participants involvement in organizations after the training, particularly in key positions related to the protection of human rights. This reflects a heightened sense of responsibility in promoting and defending human rights within society. Additionally, participants’ responses reveal a deep understanding of human rights and good governance concepts, as well as the ability to apply them in various contexts of their daily lives and community engagement. This knowledge appropriation translates into concrete actions of awareness-raising, education, and advocacy, demonstrating a genuine desire to contribute to social and political change towards a fairer and more respectful society. Furthermore, the expressed needs of participants for additional support underscore the importance of continuing to provide training opportunities and material and financial resources to enhance their capacity for action in the field of human rights and good governance. These conclusions highlight the crucial role of training in empowering citizens and promoting an active and engaged citizenship within society.

Therefore, this report bears witness to the positive impact of this training on the participants, 63 young individuals from various regions of Mali. By strengthening their knowledge and skills, this educational initiative contributes to shaping a new generation that is committed and responsible towards humanity and its differences, with a focus on peace and readiness to strive for a world where human rights are respected and protected.

UN expert raises alarm over unfair treatment of pro-Palestinian student protesters in US

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11 May 2024

UN expert raises alarm over unfair treatment of pro-Palestinian student protesters in US

“I am deeply troubled by the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, arrests, detentions, police violence, surveillance and disciplinary measures and sanctions against members of the educational community exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed said, in a statement at the end of an official visit to the US.

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed expert said she is particularly concerned by the way protesters are unfairly treated based on their political viewpoint – specifically pro-Palestinian protestors.

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Core constitutional commitment

While Ms. Shaheed was in the US, she visited Washington DC, Indiana and Colorado.

Her visit occurred simultaneously with US students setting up encampments on campus grounds to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, call for a ceasefire, and in many cases demand that university divest any assets linked to Israel.

She said, “These attacks signal a concerning erosion of intellectual freedom and democratic principles within educational settings.”

Ms. Shaheed is appealing to the US Government to reiterate its core commitment to freedom of speech by ensuring all students have unrestricted access to diverse ideas and perspectives.

Academic freedoms under threat

The Special Rapporteur also expressed concern about 307 policies and educational gag order bills introduced in the US since January 2021.

“These policies, manifested through book bans and restrictions on curricula, have instilled a pervasive ‘chilling effect’ that stifles the free exchange of ideas and silences marginalised voices,” she said.

Ms. Shaheed found that underfunding in the US educational system paved the way for other systemic issues including teacher shortages and student mental health support challenges.

These educational funding disparities are worsened by over reliance on local property taxes, harming marginalized and low-income neighbourhoods.

The rapporteur said, “Communities need to find a way to distribute funds more equitably between wealthier and poorer districts to end the cycle of deprivation and segregation.”

“I also urge the federal government to take decisive action to address disparities in educational funding,” she added.

Increased educational rights

The Special Rapporteur has called on federal and state authorities to acknowledge education as a human right while ensuring fair access for all students irrespective of background or identity, level of income, place of residence or any other personal circumstance.

Ms. Shaheed also mentioned that despite federal non-discrimination safeguards, school safety and police presence in schools in addition to standardised testing and students’ mental health, are all related but negatively affect people from marginalized and minority communities.

“It is crucial to remove police presence from schools and invest in qualified personnel such as counsellors and social workers to create a safe and nurturing learning environment,” Ms. Shaheed said.

“It is time to shift the narrative, prioritising holistic growth and social interaction skills over standardised testing results reducing students to mere numbers.”

Special Rapporteurs and other UN rights experts are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

New privacy-preserving robotic cameras obscure images beyond human recognition

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Newsdesk

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11 May 2024

Robot vacuum cleaner – illustrative photo. Image credit: Pixabay (Free Pixabay license)

Robotic researchers have developed a new approach to designing cameras, which they say could help protect the images and data collected by smart home devices and internet-of-things technology.

The researchers have been able to segment the processing that normally happens inside a computer within the optics and analogue electronics of the camera, which exists beyond the reach of attackers.

“This is the key distinguishing point from prior work which obfuscated the images inside the camera’s computer – leaving the images open to attack,” said Dr Don Dansereau, Taras’ supervisor at the Australian Centre for Robotics and Digital Sciences Initiative. ”We go one level beyond to the electronics themselves, enabling a greater level of protection.”

The researchers tried to hack their approach but were unable to reconstruct the images in any recognisable format. They have opened this task to the research community at large, challenging others to hack their method.

“If these images were to be accessed by a third party, they would not be able to make much of them, and privacy would be preserved,” said Taras.

Dr Dansereau said privacy was increasingly becoming a concern as more devices today come with built-in cameras, and with the possible increase in new technologies in the near future like parcel drones, which travel into residential areas to make deliveries.

“You wouldn’t want images taken inside your home by your robot vacuum cleaner leaked on the dark web, nor would you want a delivery drone to map out your backyard. It is too risky to allow services linked to the web to capture and hold onto this information,” said Dr Dansereau.

The approach could also be used to make devices that work in places where privacy and security are a concern, such as warehouses, hospitals, factories, schools and airports.

The researchers hope to next build physical camera prototypes to demonstrate the approach in practice.

“Current robotic vision technology tends to ignore the legitimate privacy concerns of end-users. This is a short-sighted strategy that slows down or even prevents the adoption of robotics in many applications of societal and economic importance. Our new sensor design takes privacy very seriously, and I hope to see it taken up by industry and used in many applications,” said Professor Niko Suenderhauf, Deputy Director of the QCR, who advised on the project.

Professor Peter Corke, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor at the QCR who also advised on the project said: “Cameras are the robot equivalent of a person’s eyes, invaluable for understanding the world, knowing what is what and where it is. What we don’t want is the pictures from those cameras to leave the robot’s body, to inadvertently reveal private or intimate details about people or things in the robot’s environment.”

RESEARCH

The research, Inherently privacy-preserving vision for trustworthy autonomous systems: Needs and solutions, was published by the Journal of Responsible technology.

DECLARATION

The authors declare no competing interests.

In Nairobi, Guterres reiterates appeal for end to Gaza war

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10 May 2024

In Nairobi, Guterres reiterates appeal for end to Gaza war

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, he warned that “the fate of Palestinians and the entire region hangs in the balance.”

More than a million Palestinians are crowded into Rafah Governorate in southern Gaza as Israeli military operations continue throughout the area. Roughly 100,000 people have left and are moving north.

“A massive ground attack in Rafah would lead to an epic humanitarian disaster and pull the plug on our efforts to support people as famine looms,” he said.

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UN engagement continues

The UN is actively engaging with all sides towards resuming the delivery of life-saving aid into the enclave, including desperately needed fuel, through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.

Meanwhile, key medical facilities in Rafah could soon become inaccessible or inoperable, including the only dialysis department still operating in Gaza. At the same time, humanitarians in the south have no more tents or food stocks.

Stressing that international humanitarian law in unequivocal, he said civilians must be protected, particularly vulnerable people unable to relocate from active fighting, such as pregnant women, children, the injured, the sick, and older people and those with disabilities.

‘West Bank ‘repercussions’

As “what happens in Gaza has profound repercussions in the occupied West Bank,” the UN chief also noted the “deeply disturbing spike in settler violence, excessive use of force by the Israeli Defense Force, demolitions and evictions” in the territory.

“All of this speaks to the need for the international community to speak with one voice for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive surge in life-saving aid,” he said.

IOM and Kenya Red Cross organization, with generous contribution from Japan are supporting displaced people in Tana River, Kenya with shelter & essential household items.

Solidarity with Kenya

The Secretary-General was speaking to reporters in the Kenyan capital ahead of the closing of the UN Civil Society Conference held there this week.

Expressing solidarity with the people, he extended deepest condolences to those who have been affected by the devastating floods in the country and elsewhere in East Africa.

He said the UN will continue to support relief efforts by the Government.

Concern for Sudan

Mr. Guterres also addressed conflicts in Africa that are “tearing lives and communities apart”.

He voiced particular concern over the ongoing war in Sudan, where nine million people have fled their homes and starvation looms in Darfur.

Violent clashes in El Fasher are preventing aid from getting through, he said, and an attack on the city would be devastating for civilians.

The UN chief was also very concerned by reports of escalating violence in North and South Kordofan and Al Jazirah States.

He urged all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and facilitate full and unrestricted humanitarian access.

‘Get Sudan back on track’

“Ultimately, we know that there is no military solution to this conflict. We need an urgent, coordinated international effort to deliver a political process that can get Sudan back on track,” he said.

In this regard, he welcomed steps taken to end the conflict, including efforts by the East African bloc IGAD, the African Union, the League of Arab States, and through talks held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Participants gathering at the opening of the UN Civil Society Conference, which is being held at the UN Office in Nairobi, Kenya, from 9-10 May 2024.

Salute to civil society

The Secretary-General participated in the UN Civil Society Conference, which was held over the past two days and attracted some 1,500 participants.

In remarks to the closing ceremony, he thanked representatives for their work, noting that he has witnessed the enormous impact of civil society in every corner of the globe.

He also acknowledged that many of them work at great personal risk.

“Climate activists are being criminalised and persecuted; human rights defenders are threatened; and humanitarians killed,” he said.

Call for reform

Mr. Guterres urged civil society to keep working with the UN to build a better world amid ongoing crises, including conflicts, climate chaos and threats to sustainable development.

While these challenges demand collective solutions, the current international system “is not up to the task”, he said, highlighting the need for reform, including of the “dysfunctional and unjust” international financial system.

“We need to reform and revitalise multilateralism so that it reflects the realities of today, and is fit to face the challenges ahead,” he said.

Summit of the Future

He pointed to the Summit of the Future, to be held at UN Headquarters in September, as “a key moment to drive forward our vision for a renewed multilateralism.”

Among the aims are “turbocharging” sustainable development, unlocking finance for climate action and development, and driving progress towards reforming the international financial architecture.

Other areas for action include considering future generations in decision-making today, closing digital divides, prioritizing conflict prevention, and working towards a nuclear-free world.

“The Summit of the Future is a chance to push progress on the issues that matter to you – and to us,” he said. “Together let’s seize this chance and make the Summit of the Future really count.”

World News in Brief: Vaccine ‘patches’ trial shows promise, lowering catheter infection risk, Guantanamo detainee facing revictimisation

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10 May 2024

World News in Brief: Vaccine ‘patches’ trial shows promise, lowering catheter infection risk, Guantanamo detainee facing revictimisation

But now, there could be an easier alternative in the form of patches that can be simply applied to the skin, much like a sticking plaster.

Early data from a vaccine patch trial in the Gambia has shown promising indications that it could be effective in protecting children from measles.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has been helping to develop these vaccine microarray patches – or MAPS – as they are known, for several years already.

Birgitte Giersing, team lead at WHO’s Vaccine Product and Delivery Research Unit, said that the patches could be a major breakthrough in protecting vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.

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Groundbreaking potential

“They are potentially groundbreaking vaccine delivery technology that could really contribute to increasing the coverage of life saving vaccines like measles and rubella…especially in low resource settings”, she told reporters in Geneva.

“And this is because they can be more easily delivered than vaccines that need to be injected, especially in outbreaks or in humanitarian emergency situations.”

Dr. Giersing explained that the patches could be especially useful in combating measles and rubella. Vaccines for both of these diseases have been available for decades but coverage levels dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic and now there are many millions of susceptible children in many countries.

“People may be more willing to be vaccinated by a patch than by a needle, so there’s really an acceptability advantage” to the patches, Dr Giersing said.

First ever guidelines to lower infection rates due to catheters published

In further health news, WHO on Thursday published the first global guidelines to prevent bloodstream and other infections caused by use of catheters placed in minor blood vessels while patients are undergoing minor procedures.

Poor practices in the routine use of catheters – how they are inserted and removed in the arm for example – can lead to a high risk of infections entering the system via the blood.

Serious consequences

This can lead to serious conditions such as sepsis, and difficult-to-treat complications in major organs like the brain and kidneys, WHO said.

Soft tissue infections at the insertion site of the catheter can also occur.

People who receive treatments through catheters are often particularly vulnerable to infections, as they might be seriously ill or have low immunity.

WHO estimates that from 2000 to 2018, average mortality among patients affected by healthcare-associated sepsis was 24.4 per cent, increasing to 52.3 per cent among patients treated in intensive care units.

“Infections associated with health care delivery represent a preventable tragedy and a serious threat to the quality and safety of health care,” said Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General.

“Implementing clean care and infection prevention and control recommendations is critical to saving lives and alleviating a great deal of avoidable suffering experienced by people around the world.”

The new guidelines include 14 good practice statements and 23 recommendations on key areas for health workers, including better education and training for health workers.

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee faces revictimisation in Algeria: Rights experts

A former Guantanamo Bay prisoner now facing terrorism charges in Algeria should have the case against him thrown out because he has no chance of a fair trial, independent rights experts said on Thursday.

Saeed Bakhouche was transferred from the US detention centre to Algeria in April 2023, under assurances that he would be humanely treated.

But he was immediately arrested in Algeria, “detained incommunicado…threatened in interrogation and denied legal representation”.

In the dock

He is due to be tried later this month, said the rights experts, who report to the Human Rights Council, receive no salary and are fully independent of any government or organization.

In a statement, the human rights experts who include Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on countering terrorism, said that Mr. Bakhouche spent more than 20 years at the notorious US military prison in Cuba which was opened to hold suspected terrorists after the 9/11 attacks.

Mr. Bakhouche was tortured at Guantanamo and suffers post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, noted the experts, who warned that he “could not receive a fair and public trial in a national security case” in Algeria.

Among their other concerns, the rights experts highlighted the “overly broad definition of terrorism offences” in Algeria and the threat that Mr. Bakhouche would be detained in prisons “with documented risks of torture”.

Weekly Election Highlights – 10 May 2024 | News

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Newsdesk

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10 May 2024

Mark your calendars

On 23 May, the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the job of European Commission President will take place in the Brussels plenary chamber. On 16 May, EBU representatives will determine, in a draw, the position of the candidates on the stage, the first speaker on each topic, and the order of the ‘spotlight’ interview.
From 6 to 9 June around 373 million Europeans will be called to the polls to elect the 720 members of the next European Parliament. The results will be available in real time on the European elections results website. Journalists can also follow the results live in Brussels where the plenary chamber will be converted into one large pressroom.

Europe Day – 9 May

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Grand Place in Brussels, the Presidential Palace in Slovakia and Fort St Angelo in Valetta, Malta are among many landmark buildings across the EU that were illuminated to mark Europe Day and one month to go to the European elections (6-9 June). Images of the illuminations are available here.
Across the EU, countries have been gearing up to celebrate Europe Day and the anniversary of what is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union, the Schuman declaration. A trinational bike race is taking place in the Czech/Polish/German border triangle. A variety of events are happening in Helsinki, Finland. In Madrid, Spain, there will be a solemn flag raising ceremony. These are just a few examples; a full list of events is available

Volunteers

Creating the largest European flag in the world, a Europe Day basketball tournament, cultural events or policy talks, this, and much more is happening in the together.eu community. 55,000 volunteers have registered on the platform so far and are contributing to inform about the upcoming European elections. A full list of together.eu events is available here.

Creativity meets democracy

Over 100 social media content creators came together in the European Parliament in Brussels on 2 and 3 May, to explore how to create interest and spread the word about the elections to young voters in particular.
Talbot Runhof and the Munich upcycling atelier Bellevue Couture joined forces to create a special European gown. This unique design made of fabric remnants incorporates European flags and the bold call to “vote”.
Building on the series Parlement (a French/Belgian/German co-production) and its characters, the #Parlement2024 campaign has been launched to mobilise voters across the EU through 8 short videos to be released by June. The videos are available

Other news

The European Charlemagne Youth Prize promotes projects by young people to strengthen democracy and support active participation. The 2024 winners were announced on 7 May. Lithuania’s “Sisterhood Pathways” which aims at raising awareness and combat violence against women in the Baltic region came first. The French platform “Think, act and advocate together to leave no young people behind” and Germany’s online Europe magazine came second and third respectively.

Tools for the Press

What does the transition from the ninth to the tenth parliamentary term look like in the European Parliament? The Press Tool Kit contains information on this and much more.

Urgent Appeal: Religious Persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia

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Newsroom

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10 May 2024

a close up of a flag with a star on it — Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

On April 30, 2024, a global coalition from the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, comprising 70 concerned organizations and advocates, hand-delivered a multi-faith letter regarding the escalating persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia to Senator Cory Booker, Senator Tim Scott, Representative John James and Representative Sara Jacobs.

This letter urges the U.S. Congress to take action by collaborating with the IRF Roundtables Africa Working Group to draft a House Resolution calling for an inquiry into the atrocities and demanding accountability through proceedings and sanctions. The letter stresses the importance of holding a hearing on human rights violations in Ethiopia.

They express concern over targeted attacks and violence against this community underscoring the need for intervention to protect their religious freedom, peace and protection in the country. The letter sheds light on disturbing incidents targeting those belonging to Orthodox beliefs, including attacks on churches, clergy members and worshippers that have resulted in casualties and desecration of sacred sites. “Christian religious leaders face mistreatment and violence while their families endure horrors. Churches are being set on fire treasures destroyed and cultural heritage vandalized” reads a segment from the letter.

The October 2019 and Burayu Massacre are cited as examples of the hardships endured by Orthodox Christians. Perpetrators reportedly select victims based on religious symbols such as the Christian cross. The letter also highlights the discrimination and exclusion experienced by Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia; producing restrictions on their practices and denial of rights.

Recent government actions, such as interference in church affairs have led to heightened tensions resulting in violence, arrests and job losses for dissenters against opposing bishops. The letter highlighted that government constraints on Orthodox celebrations and efforts to seize control of places of worship are undermining unity. The government’s conduct is viewed as a threat to peace by exacerbating division rather than promoting mutual respect for human dignity. In response various groups have appealed to the U.S. Congress for backing the rights of Orthodox believers in Ethiopia.

The letter concludes by emphasizing the urgency of addressing this matter; “We look forward eagerly to working with you as you take action to rectify these wrongs and move towards a future where all Ethiopians can live together harmoniously.” As next steps, the coalition leaders will be scheduling follow-up meetings with the recipient congressional offices.

Read the full letter

President Metsola in Ukraine on Europe Day

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Newsdesk

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9 May 2024

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Volodymyr ZELENSKY — Roberta METSOLA, EP President in Kyiv ( Ukraine ) - Meeting with Volodymyr ZELENSKY, President of Ukraine

In Kyiv on 9 May 2024, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, addressed the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and met its Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk.

President Zelenskyy

Presidents Metsola and Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland and the European Parliament’s support for President Zelenskyy’s 10 point peace plan, air defence, sanctions against Russia and the use of profits from Russian frozen assets for Ukraine’s defence and recovery.

President Metsola was decorated with an Order of Merit, First Class by President Zelenskyy.

Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola spoke to the press after their meeting. President Metsola said:

“The European Parliament will help Ukraine in any way possible to advance on all the necessary steps on its European path. We will remain as vocal as ever on Ukraine, as my visit today also demonstrates.”

“This year marks 20 years of the accession of my home country, Malta, and along with it, nine other Member States, to the European Union. I have seen the transformative effect of the European Union enlargement. The opportunities and security that come with it. As today the people of Ukraine are looking to Europe, with the same sense of hope and belief in our common future that we had then, Europe cannot be the one to look away.

We will stand with you. You will win and our future will be a common one. Slava Ukraini!”

You can watch the recording of the press conference here.

Verkhovna Rada

During the afternoon, President Metsola met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and addressed the plenary session of the Rada.

In her address to the Rada, President Metsola said:

On Ukraine and Europe:

“Ukraine has made its European choice and Europe has made its Ukrainian choice. That is the true victory we will celebrate together every 9th of May. Today.

On this day, we celebrate Europe. And there is no better or more significant place to do that than here – where the spirit of Europe is present in your cities, in your villages and etched in the bravery of your people.

The defiance of Ukraine, your courage, your strength – epitomise what it means to be European.”

On three promises to Ukraine:

“The last time I was in this Chamber I made three promises to you, promises that I am proud to say the European Union, the European Parliament, has delivered on.

In the past two years, we stood resolute and firm against Putin’s intimidation tactics, and cut our dependencies from Russia. We have adopted 13 packages of hard-hitting sanctions against Putin and his allies, …. which means that hundreds of billions of euros worth of Russian assets are now frozen in the EU.

I promised that Europe would open up its borders, its homes and hearts to your families, your children, your loved ones, who were forced to flee. … We said we would help you to rebuild your cities, your towns, your villages. The adoption of the 50 billion euro Ukraine Facility is our most recent tangible support for that.

I also told you that you could count on me, on the European Parliament, to recognise Ukraine’s European aspirations and to support you as you make headway on your country’s integration into the EU. … The European Parliament was the first EU institution to push for Ukraine to receive candidate status and for accession negotiations to start last year. …This is just as much about stability for Ukraine as it is about strengthening the entire EU. … Ukraine’s place is in the European Union.”

On peace:

“Europe will always stand for peace. A real peace with dignity, with integrity, with liberty, with territorial sovereignty. And we know that there can never be anything about Ukraine, without Ukraine. I mentioned the return of Ukrainian children earlier, with that we also need an urgent focus on food security and the safety of nuclear plants. These are the building blocks of humanity.”

You can read the full speech here and watch it here.

Chairman Stefanchuk unveiled President Metsola’s plaque on the Walk of the Brave at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Programme in Kyiv

In Kyiv, President Metsola visited a school and a power plant, both destroyed by Russia’s ruthless air strikes. The indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure demonstrates the urgent need for more efficient air defence systems and funding for reconstruction. In her remarks to the press with President Zelenskyy, President Metsola said:

“We are painfully aware, that Ukraine urgently needs more equipment and air defence systems to defend itself against the aggressor. We Europeans need to deliver. We need to take responsibility, intensify our support and deliver on our financial support.

This is why our decision on the EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility was so important. And I also welcome the more recent American decision to provide vital and significant financial and military support to Ukraine. Together, this provides a predictable and secured financing to meet the State’s needs and the demands of its reconstruction efforts.”

President Metsola also addressed the International Summit of Cities & Regions, along with President Zelenskyy, Chairman Stefanchuk and Prime Minister Shmyhal, underlining the role of cooperation between regions and cities in Ukraine’s reconstruction. In her speech she thanked European cities and regions for having made significant contributions to the Generators of Hope campaign, initiated by the European Parliament, as well as the importance of cities and regions in welcoming Ukrainians who had to flee the war.

You can watch her address here.

President Metsola also visited the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University where she delivered a keynote speech and held a discussion with students. The University awarded her with a Honorary Doctorate degree.

Later in the day, the President visited the Centre for the Protection of Children’s Rights. One of its many aims is the return of the more than 19,500 Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. In her speech to the Rada, President Metsola said: “We need to deepen our resolve to bring every single Ukrainian child back to their families, back to their own homes.”

All audiovisual material of the visit will be available on the European Parliament’s multimedia centre.

Background:

From the first moment of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the European Parliament has been the staunchest supporter of Ukraine by being the first EU institution to call for granting Ukraine EU candidate status and later to open the accession negotiations.

The European Parliament organised an extraordinary plenary session on 1 March 2022, in which President Zelenskyy spoke to the world via videolink. President Zelenskyy addressed the Parliament in person on 9 February 2023.

President Metsola was the first leader of EU institutions to visit Kyiv after the Russian attack, on 1 April 2022, addressing the Verkhovna Rada. She also visited Lviv on 4 March 2023 to address the United for Justice Conference.

Stories from the UN Archive: Stevie Wonder sounds a note against apartheid

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9 May 2024

Stories from the UN Archive: Stevie Wonder sounds a note against apartheid

UN Photo/Allan Tannenbaum

A segregated beach at Stranofontein near Cape Town, South Africa, in 1985. (file)

The music legend held a press conference following an epic performance at a meeting of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid to honour him on his 35th birthday.

“All people are created equal, not created to take care of another race of people,” he told the committee.

“The resettlement camps are wrong. If they are so great, why don’t the whites want to live there?”

Watch Mr. Wonder’s full appearance in the General Assembly Hall here, and listen to his birthday press conference here.

In 1985, South Africa’s Government banned his songs, including It’s Wrong (Apartheid), after the musician dedicated his Oscar award to Nelson Mandela, a political prisoner since 1962 who fought against the concept of legal race-based segregation.

Five years later, in 1990, Mr. Mandela addressed the UN Special Committee against Apartheid himself, four months after his prison release and four years before he was elected President of South Africa. Listen to Mr. Mandela’s full address here.

The UN General Assembly has taken a range of actions against apartheid, including adopting resolution 32/105 B proclaiming 1978 as the International Anti-Apartheid Year and another in 2009 recognising 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day.

On #ThrowbackThursday, UN News is showcasing pivotal moments across the UN’s past. From the infamous and nearly-forgotten to world leaders and global superstars, stay tuned for a taste of the UN Audiovisual Library’s 49,400 hours of video recordings and 18,000 hours of audio chronicling.

Visit UN Video’s Stories from the UN Archive playlist here and our accompanying series here. Join us next Thursday for another dive into history.