$2.8 billion appeal for three million people in Gaza, West Bank

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19 April 2024

$2.8 billion appeal for three million people in Gaza, West Bank — © UNOCHA/Themba Linden A vehicle loaded with household possessions drives through Khan Younis.

UN and partner agencies insisted on Wednesday that “critical changes” are needed to improve aid access into Gaza, as they launched a $2.8 billion appeal to provide urgent assistance for millions of people in the devastated enclave, but also in the West Bank, where Palestinians have been targeted by increasing settler violence.

The development came amid reports of ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip including Gaza City in the north, Rafah in southern Gaza and central Gaza, where more than dozen people were believed to have died in an apparent missile attack on a refugee camp on Tuesday.

Video images reportedly from Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah showed injured and dead victims including children after the strike on Maghazi refugee camp in the centre of the enclave.

Hunger peril

Wednesday’s appeal covers assistance to 3.1 million people between now and the end of the year.

It envisages helping 2.3 million people in the Gaza Strip where food insecurity experts have warned that imminent famine looms in the north after more than six months of intense Israeli bombardment and a ground offensive, launched in response to Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel last October.

Street vendor kids

“Famine is imminent in the northern governates and projected to occur anytime between now and May 2024; more than half the population of Gaza is facing catastrophic levels of hunger,” OCHA said, adding that markets lack basic food items and rely on informal suppliers offering aid rations.

Life is draining out of #Gaza at terrifying speed.

Tragically, an unknown number of people lie under rubble.

Desperate people need urgent help, including those in the besieged north where @UNRWA has been denied access to deliver aid. pic.twitter.com/OQq0bUeB5A
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) April 16, 2024

“A concerning trend identified is the rise of reselling humanitarian aid in markets, particularly informal street vendors, many of whom are young children.”

Leading the appeal, OCHA noted that the funding request covered the requirements of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which continues to be “the backbone” of the humanitarian response in Gaza and the West Bank.

UNRWA’s key role

“Two thirds of the population of Gaza – 1.6 million people – are Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA,” OCHA said, adding that nearly one million of the 1.7 million displaced people now shelter across 450 UNRWA and public shelters, or in the vicinity of the UN agency.

OCHA added that UNRWA has more than 13,000 staff in Gaza, with more than 3,500 engaged in aid relief. “In times of emergency, (UNRWA’s) support is extended to the broader population,” it said, adding that the UN agency also serves 1.1 million Palestine refugees and other registered persons in the West Bank, of whom 890,000 are refugees.

Water plight

Lack of access to clean water continues to be a major humanitarian concern, OCHA noted, with only one of three water pipelines coming from Israel still operational at only at 47 per cent capacity.

There are also fewer than 20 groundwater wells which only work “when fuel is available” and no fully functional wastewater treatment systems, OCHA reported, adding that sewage overflow has happened “in many areas adding to the public health risk across Gaza”.

Rafah concerns

Citing a recent WASH assessment led by UNICEF, OCHA noted that it had found that within the 75 sites assessed in Rafah – covering a population of approximately 750,000 people – one third had water sources that were unsafe for drinking.

This included 68 per cent of the UNRWA collective centres, and average water availability was just three litres per person per day.

Following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Gaza earlier this month, humanitarians have voiced repeated concerns about a military operation against Hamas’s military wing by Israeli Defense Forces in the city of Rafah which borders Egypt and where more than a million people currently shelter.

Needs remain dire in northern Gaza amid ongoing aid obstacles including refusals from Israeli authorities to allow access for humanitarian missions.

Tedros concern

In a social media post on Wednesday, UN World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted how Monday’s mission to Gaza City had been “severely delayed, leaving less time” to assess damage and requirements at the devastated Al-Shifa Hospital and Indonesian Hospital.

“The removal of dead bodies at Al-Shifa is still ongoing,” Tedros said on X. “The emergency department is being cleaned by health workers and burnt beds have been removed. The safety of the remaining construction still needs a thorough engineering assessment.”

The Indonesian Hospital is now empty but efforts are underway to open it again, Tedros said.

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society medical point is admitting trauma patients but remains “in dire need of fuel and medical supplies”, which the UN health agency chief pledged to deliver.

“The level of destruction of Gaza’s hospitals is heartbreaking. We again call for hospitals to be protected, not attacked or militarized.”

Latest data from the enclave’s health authorities indicates that at least 33,800 Palestinians have been killed and over 76,500 wounded in Gaza since 7 October. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139 and dozens of people are still being held captive in Gaza.

Some 259 Israeli soldiers have been killed in ground operations in the enclave with more than 1,570 injured, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA.

Humanitarian action

Wednesday’s appeal replaces a previous call for funds in October 2023 that was updated in November and extended through March 2024.

The $2.8 billion figure represents only part of the nearly $4.1 billion that the UN and partners estimate is required to meet the needs of the most vulnerable but it reflects what aid teams believe is implementable over the coming nine months.

Later on Wednesday, the UN Security Council was due to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, with a briefing by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

Transform landmark Indigenous rights declaration into reality: UN General Assembly President

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18 April 2024

Transform landmark Indigenous rights declaration into reality: UN General Assembly President

“In these trying times – where peace is under severe threat, and dialogue and diplomacy are in dire need – let us be an example of constructive dialogue to honour our commitments to Indigenous Peoples,” Dennis Francis told world leaders and ambassadors meeting in the General Assembly Hall.

Member States convened to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, where countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous People.

The outcome document voiced support for implementing the landmark UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, which prescribed minimum standards for the recognition, protection and promotion of these rights.

Table of Contents

Poverty, inequality and abuse

Mr. Francis reflected on UN achievements over this period, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which promises to leave no one behind, and the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032),which aims to both preserve these languages and protect Indigenous cultures, traditions, wisdom and knowledge.

“Despite these strides, Indigenous Peoples still are more likely to live in extreme poverty – still more likely to suffer from the adverse impacts of climate change, and still more likely to face dispossession and eviction from ancestral lands, as well as having unequal access to health and education, compared to other groups,” he said.

Additionally, Indigenous women are still three times more likely to experience sexual violence in their lifetime compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.

“We must intensify our actions to translate the landmark 2007 UN Declaration into meaningful change on the ground,” he said.

Ensure intrinsic rights

Li Jinhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, noted that the lack of effective participation by Indigenous Peoples in development processes continues to be a major obstacle in advancing efforts at the national level.

However, with UN assistance, some governments have adopted national action plans and other measures to support the effective implementation of the landmark declaration on Indigenous rights.

He urged countries to establish concrete measures to recognize and ensure the intrinsic, collective rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the right of self-determination and autonomy, as well as their historical property and cultural rights.

“Member States must close the persistent gaps in implementation through targeted interventions that are consistent with Indigenous Peoples’ own laws, customs and traditions. More direct, long-term and predictable funding must also be part of the solution,” he added.

‘Mother Earth peoples’

The Vice-President of Bolivia, David Choquehuanca, highlighted challenges facing the world’s Indigenous Peoples, starting with this designation.

“To begin, we have to recognize that passively, we’ve allowed ourselves to be baptized with the name of Indigenous Peoples,” he said, opting instead for the terms “ancestral indigenous peoples” and “Mother Earth peoples”.

He said Indigenous Peoples participate in UN events “as disintegrated bodies, sapped of our energy and lacking structure” because “Eurocentric, anthropocentric and egocentric approaches” are favoured over the “cosmobiocentric approaches” they hold dear.

Towards full participation

With the Agenda 2030 deadline looming, the Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, stressed the importance of including Indigenous Peoples in voluntary national reviews on progress towards sustainable development.

“Special attention is needed for Indigenous women and girls, the custodians of our traditions and insights into sustainable living,” she added.

Ms. Ibrahim also called for recognizing Indigenous-led initiatives, including from the 2013 Alta Conference in Norway, which shaped the UN World Conference held the following year.

“We reiterate the Alta call for establishing mechanisms at the UN for our full participation and advocate for the urgent appointment of an Under-Secretary-General for Indigenous Peoples,” she said.

She added that in Indigenous communities, every voice is heard – from wise elders to those just starting to speak.

The oldest gorilla in the world turned 67 years old

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18 April 2024

Berlin Zoo is celebrating Fatou the gorilla’s 67th birthday. She is the oldest in the world, the zoo claims.

Fatou was born in 1957 and came to the zoo in what was then West Berlin in 1959. Before her official birthday on Saturday, keepers treated her to fruits and vegetables. Veterinarian Andre Schule said no other zoo has a gorilla older than Fatou. According to him, gorillas typically live up to 35 years in the wild and up to 50 years under human care. However, Fatou’s exact date of birth is unknown.

“After many years ago a drunken sailor used the little gorilla as a means of payment in a pub in Marseille, France, it finally ended up in the Berlin Zoo,” the zoo revealed. When it arrived in Berlin in 1959, veterinarians assessed the age She is two years old. For many years, the zoo has been celebrating her birthday on April 13th.

Fatou lives in his own enclosure and, in his old age, prefers to keep his distance from the other gorillas at the zoo.

Photo of Fatou’s birthday cake: “The base of the cake is made of rice, which we’ve decorated with quark, vegetables and fruit,” says division head Christian Aust.

Further information on this topic can be found at: www.zoo-berlin.de/en/species-conservation/at-the-zoo.

Wearing jeans once does as much damage as driving 6 km in a car

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Newsroom

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18 April 2024

Wearing one pair of jeans once does as much damage as driving 6 km in a gasoline-powered passenger vehicle

According to scientists, wearing a pair of fast fashion jeans just once creates 2.5 kg of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to driving 6.4 km in a non-gasoline car, writes “Daily Mail”.

Fast fashion is a term used to describe the process of quickly creating and selling cheap, fashionable clothing to satisfy demand.

Scientists from Guangdong University of Technology in China analyzed the life cycle of a pair of Levi’s jeans, from the cultivation of the cotton to its final disposal by incineration.

They found that some pairs were only worn seven times. This qualifies them as “fast fashion”. They emit 11 times more carbon dioxide than the more frequently worn jeans.

“As an everyday wardrobe staple, a pair of jeans has a significant impact on the environment,” said Dr Ya Zhou, lead author of the study.

Researchers found that the carbon footprint of fast fashion jeans is 95-99% greater than that of traditional jeans, which are worn an average of 120 times. The biggest difference between the two styles of consumption is that clothes sold for fast fashion are transported faster and worn less before being thrown away.

“Changing fashion trends prompt people to buy clothes frequently and wear them for a short time to keep up with the latest trends,” added Dr Zhou.

“Such overconsumption leads to a significant increase in the use of resources and energy in the garment industry by accelerating the entire clothing supply chain, including production, logistics, consumption and disposal processes, thus amplifying the impact of the garment industry on changing the climate”.

Scientists estimate that a pair of jeans produced for the traditional fashion market produces 0.22 kg of carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, researchers estimate that jeans sold in fast fashion stores emit 11 times more emissions.

Unlike traditional fashion, the majority of emissions in fast fashion come from the production of jeans and fibers, which account for 70% of total emissions.

The remaining emissions are mainly due to the transportation of the jeans from the factories to the consumers, which accounts for 21% of the total emissions.

Because fast fashion model transport is mostly by air, a staggering 59 times more carbon dioxide is emitted.

According to researchers, fast fashion brands launch new collections 25 times faster than traditional fashion brands, leading to shorter fashion cycles and hyperconsumption. This creates huge amounts of waste and huge levels of pollution.

It is estimated that the fashion industry produces 10% of all global greenhouse emissions and approximately 92 million tons of waste each year.

Much of this waste is transported to countries such as Guatemala, Chile and Ghana, where huge landfills are already causing an “ecological and social crisis”.

Fortunately, researchers say there are several ways to significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Buying clothes from offline second-hand clothing stores reduces the carbon footprint of a pair of jeans by 90%. And the jeans that pass through thrift stores have been worn 127 times in their lifetime.

The researchers also suggest that recycling jeans or using a clothing rental service can reduce the carbon footprint of a single wear by 85 and 89%, respectively.

The EU court excluded two Russian billionaires from the sanctions list

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Newsroom

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18 April 2024

On the 10th of April, the Court of the EU decided to exclude Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Pyotr Aven from the Union’s sanctions list, Reuters reported.

“The General Court of the EU considers that none of the reasons given in the initial rulings are sufficiently substantiated and the inclusion of Mr Aven and Mr Friedman in the (sanctions) list is therefore not justified,” the statement said .

The EU sanctioned the two Russian oligarchs, arguing that in their role as shareholders in Alfa Group, a conglomerate that includes one of Russia’s main banks, Alfa Bank, they provided financial support to Russian officials responsible for the attack on Ukraine.

The ruling by the Luxembourg-based court refers to sanctions imposed on Aven and Friedman between February 2022 and March 2023 over their ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo by freestocks.org: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-and-yellow-round-star-print-textile-113885/

Parliament adopts its position on EU pharmaceutical reform | News

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Newsdesk

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18 April 2024

Parliament adopts its position on EU pharmaceutical reform | News

The legislative package, covering medicinal products for human use, consists of a new directive (adopted with 495 votes in favour, 57 against and 45 abstentions) and regulation (adopted with 488 votes in favour, 67 against and 34 abstentions).

Incentives for innovation

MEPs want to introduce a minimum regulatory data protection period (during which other companies cannot access product data) of seven and a half years, in addition to two years of market protection (during which generic, hybrid or biosimilar products cannot be sold), following a marketing authorisation.

Pharmaceutical companies would be eligible for additional periods of data protection if their particular product addresses an unmet medical need (+12 months), if comparative clinical trials are being conducted on the product (+6 months), and if a significant share of the product’s research and development takes place in the EU and at least partly in collaboration with EU research entities (+6 months). MEPs also want a cap on the combined data protection period of eight and half years.

A one-time extension (+12 months) of the two-year market protection period could be granted if the company obtains marketing authorisation for an additional therapeutic indication which provides significant clinical benefits in comparison with existing therapies.

Orphan drugs (medicines developed to treat rare diseases) would benefit from up to 11 years of market exclusivity if they address a “high unmet medical need”.

Combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

To boost research and the development of novel antimicrobials, MEPs want to introduce market entry rewards and milestone payment reward schemes (e.g. early-stage financial support when certain R&D objectives are achieved prior to market approval). These would be complemented by a subscription model scheme through voluntary joint procurement agreements, to encourage investment in antimicrobials.

They support the introduction of a “transferable data exclusivity voucher” for priority antimicrobials, providing for a maximum of 12 additional months of data protection for an authorised product. The voucher could not be used for a product that has already benefited from maximum regulatory data protection and would be transferable only once to another marketing authorisation holder.

More details on MEPs’ specific proposals are available here.

Quotes

Rapporteur for the directive Pernille Weiss (EPP, DK) said: “The revision of the EU pharmaceutical legislation is vital for patients, industry and society. Today’s vote is a step towards delivering the tools to tackle present and future healthcare challenges, particularly for our market attractiveness and access to medicine across EU countries. We hope Council takes note of our ambition and commitment to create a robust legislative framework, setting the scene for effective negotiations.”

Rapporteur for the regulation Tiemo Wölken (S&D, DE) said: “This revision paves the way to addressing critical challenges such as medicines shortages and antimicrobial resistance. We are strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and boosting our collective resilience ahead of future health crises – a significant milestone in our pursuit of fairer, more accessible healthcare for all Europeans. Measures improving access to medicines, whilst incentivising areas of unmet medical needs, are crucial parts of this reform.”

Next steps

The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the 6 – 9 June European elections.

Background

On 26 April 2023, the Commission put forward a “pharmaceutical package” to revise the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation. It includes proposals for a new directive and a new regulation, which aim to make medicines more available, accessible and affordable, while supporting the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EU pharmaceutical industry, with higher environmental standards.

In adopting this report, Parliament is responding to citizens’ expectations to ensure the EU’s strategic autonomy for medicines and access to quality and affordable treatments across the EU, to address security of supply issues, invest in strategic sectors and reduce bureaucracy, as expressed in proposals 8(3), 10(2), 12(4), 12(6), 12(12), 12(17), 17(3) and 17(7) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

The Science of Referrals: Leveraging Customer Advocacy Software

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Newsdesk

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18 April 2024

The Science of Referrals: Leveraging Customer Advocacy Software

Imagine this: you’re swamped with choices, bombarded with ads, and unsure who to trust. Suddenly, a friend excitedly recommends a brand they love. Bingo! That’s the power of customer advocacy in action.

Customer advocacy, where happy customers sing your praises, has always been a goldmine for brands. But today, with competition fiercer than ever, brands need a smarter way to tap into this word-of-mouth magic. That’s where customer advocacy software steps in.

Working with a laptop computer – illustrative photo. Image credit: Cottonbro studio via Pexels, free license

Table of Contents

Role of Customer Advocacy Software

Forget boring surveys and generic testimonials. Customer advocacy software is all about turning your happy customers into brand champions! This software helps you build a community of loyal fans who rave about your brand to their friends and family, influencing buying decisions and driving new customers straight to your doorstep. It’s like having a personal army of cheerleaders, all thanks to the power of advocacy!

Customer advocacy software offers a comprehensive suite of tools that can help with:

No More Marketing Headaches: Ditch the spreadsheets and complex setup! This software makes it easy to create, launch, and manage your advocacy program, integrating seamlessly with your existing marketing tools.
Happy Customers, Happy You: Keep your customers feeling valued and engaged with personalized communication, tailored rewards (think exclusive discounts or early access!), and even fun gamification elements.
Referral Sharing Made Easy: Sharing referrals with friends and family shouldn’t be a hassle. This software makes it smooth sailing with options like email blasts, social media sharing buttons, and personalized referral links.
See What’s Working (and What’s Not): Track your program’s success with clear data and analytics. You’ll see who your top advocates are, how your efforts are impacting brand growth, and what areas might need a little tweaking.
Everything in One Place: No more juggling different platforms! This software integrates seamlessly with your existing marketing automation tools and CRM system.

Leveraging Customer Advocacy Software for Maximum Impact

Customer advocacy software is a valuable tool, but its effectiveness hinges on a well-defined strategy. Here’s how to leverage customer advocacy software for maximum impact:

Finding Your Fanatics: Not everyone is a cheerleader at heart. This software helps you identify your ideal advocates – the superfans who rave about your brand and have a history of positive interactions.
Rewards That Rock: Forget generic discounts! This software helps you personalize rewards for your advocates. Think tiered programs based on referral success, exclusive early access to new products, or even unique experiences.
Sharing Made Simple: No more clunky copying and pasting! Advocates can use software to share via social media, personalized links, or pre-written emails — all with a few clicks.
Keeping the Spark Alive: Building advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. This software helps you nurture relationships with your advocates. Send personalized thank-you notes for referrals, offer them exclusive content, or give them early peeks at brand updates.
Gamify Your Advocacy: Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? This software lets you incorporate gamification elements like leaderboards and badges. It’ll spark a fun rivalry among your advocates, motivating them to strive for higher referral goals and, ultimately, drive even more brand love.

By implementing these strategies, customer loyalty software empowers you to cultivate a loyal community of brand champions who actively promote your brand, fostering organic growth and sustainable brand loyalty.

H2: Data Analytics and Insights

Data is the lifeblood of any successful marketing strategy, and customer advocacy is no exception. Customer advocacy software provides comprehensive data analytics and insights to empower data-driven decision-making and optimize your program performance.

Track Your Wins: See how your program is doing with clear data on referrals, new customers, and acquisition costs. It’s like a report card for your advocacy efforts!
Celebrate Your Stars: Identify your top advocates and learn from their success to boost future campaigns.
Test and Optimize: Use data to tweak your messaging, incentives, and communication for maximum impact. Think A/B testing for your advocacy program!
Measure Value: Track the lifetime value of referral customers to see the real ROI of your program. Loyal customers from referrals means big wins!
Personalize the Love: Segment your advocates and tailor communication and incentives for a more impactful experience.

By leveraging the data and insights offered by customer advocacy software, you can continuously refine your program, identify areas for improvement, and ensure you are maximizing the value you derive from your loyal advocates.

H2: Integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

Customer advocacy software is most effective when it integrates seamlessly with your existing marketing ecosystem. A crucial integration is with your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

CRM systems consolidate customer data, track interactions, and provide valuable insights into customer behavior. Integrating your customer advocacy software with your CRM allows for a unified view of your customer journey:

Automated Workflows: Streamline workflows by automating tasks like adding new advocates to your CRM based on their referral activity within the customer advocacy software.
Targeted Communication: Utilize CRM data to personalize communication with advocates based on their purchase history, interests, and past interactions with the brand.
Unified Customer Experience: A seamless CRM integration ensures a consistent customer experience, regardless of whether they interact with your brand through the advocacy platform or any other touchpoint.
Improved Customer Retention: Utilize insights from both systems to identify potential churn risk and proactively engage at-risk customers with personalized offers or targeted communication through the advocacy program, potentially transforming them into brand advocates.

In conclusion, in today’s digital world, customer advocacy is no longer a fad; it’s a strategic imperative. Customer advocacy software empowers brands to cultivate a community of loyal advocates who become trusted voices, driving organic customer acquisition and brand growth.

By leveraging the functionalities offered by customer advocacy software, brands can:

simplify program creation and management.
nurture customer relationships and encourage advocacy.
facilitate effortless referral sharing.
gain data-driven insights to optimize program performance.
seamlessly integrate with CRM systems for a unified customer experience.

Customer advocacy software empowers brands to leverage loyalty marketing and unlock the science of referrals, transforming passive customers into vocal advocates and propelling them toward sustainable success in the competitive landscape. The power of word-of-mouth marketing, amplified by customer advocacy software, builds brand loyalty and paves the way for long-term growth.

President Metsola at EUCO: Single Market is Europe’s greatest economic driver

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Newsdesk

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17 April 2024

Metsola at the European Council: This election will be the test of our systems — Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council

Addressing the Special European Council today in Brussels, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted e.g. the following issues:

European Parliament elections

“In 50 days’ time, hundreds of millions of Europeans will start heading to the polls. I have been visiting Member States, where alongside MEPs we are listening to citizens. The people that we have met have mentioned the fight against poverty and social exclusion, security, the strengthening of the economy and the creation of new jobs among their top priorities. These are the issues that people expect us to deliver on, like we already delivered on migration.”

“This is the last European Council before the elections in June. Rest assured, the European Parliament will continue to work until the last moment of the mandate to deliver for all Europeans.”

Competitiveness and the Single Market

“I welcome our discussion on driving economic growth and boosting European competitiveness aided by the analysis of Enrico Letta in his High-Level Report on the Future of the Single Market. This comes at a critical time.”

“The Single Market is our Union’s unique growth model. It has been a powerful engine of convergence and our most valuable asset. Today, people are able to live, work, study and travel anywhere within our Union. It helps businesses, large and small, to set-up shop wherever they choose, giving them greater market access while fostering competitiveness. It also enables consumers to have wider choices, at cheaper prices and with stronger consumer protection that will account for their interests. In being the world’s largest single democratic market, it has even strengthened our place in the world.”

“The Single Market is an evolving project, inherently linked to the EU’s strategic priorities. I believe that our economic area still holds the potential to deliver even wider benefits for our people. The time is now for a renewed commitment to it. That means deepening our Single Market. Only by increasing productivity, speeding-up investments in own industrial capabilities, including in smart electricity grids, and integrating the Single Market for energy, finance and telecoms, can we reduce strategic dependencies while simultaneously supporting and sustaining economic growth. The Single Market is our greatest economic driver.”

“More effort to level the playing field is required. The adoptions of the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act and the AI act are key steps in the right direction. But an equal level of commitment is needed when it comes to energy and more broadly for the green transition. The reality is that while our targets here are world-leading, which is something that we should be proud of, excessive bureaucracy risks holding us back, and even presents a barrier to socio-economic inclusion.”

“For the green transition to work, it must incorporate every sector. It cannot leave anyone behind. It must provide real incentives and safety nets for industry. People must have confidence in the process and they must be able to afford it. Otherwise, it risks driving more and more people to the comfort of the fringes.”

“Another barrier that hinders economic progress is the fragmentation of our financial sector and more specifically obstacles to capital flows across our Union. Even though green investments have gained momentum in recent years, a gap of more than €400 billion remains to be filled annually – a gap that that simply cannot be filled by public financing alone. We need to create the right conditions and frameworks for our start-ups and SMEs to stay in Europe. Meaning that we need to complete our Banking Union and our Capital Markets Union.”

“That is how we can show our people that ours is a project that delivers, that addresses the real issues and cushions the challenges facing businesses and families across Europe. How we will ensure long-term competitiveness, prosperity and leadership on the global stage.”

Enlargement

“EU enlargement towards Ukraine, towards Moldova, Georgia and the Western Balkans must remain high on our strategic and political agenda. The approval of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans is a step in the right direction. It shows again that the Single Market does make us attractive. It is bringing our Western Balkans allies closer to us and in doing so, it is strengthening our continent, our Union, our European way – and us all.”

Security and defence

“Europeans also want us to reinforce our security and defence structures to defend peace and democracy over the next five years. What is happening at our borders must remain at the top of our agenda.”

Support to Ukraine

“We have already provided strong political, diplomatic, humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine. Our support with Ukraine cannot waver. We need to speed-up and intensify the delivery of equipment that they need, including on air defence. We cannot let up.”

Russian interference

“Russia’s attempts to skew narratives and strengthen pro-Kremlin sentiments ahead of upcoming European elections in June through disinformation are not anymore just a threat, but a possibility that we must be ready to counter. The European Parliament stands ready to support the Member States in pushing-back and addressing any malign interference with our democratic decision-making processes in every way that it can.”

Iran

“Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strikes on Israel risk igniting further tensions in the region. As a Union, we will keep working to de-escalate and stop the situation spiralling into more bloodshed.”

“Last year, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to have the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps listed as a terrorist organisation. We maintain that. And with these worrying developments, new sanctions against Iran for its drone and missile programs are needed and justified.”

Gaza

“In Gaza, the situation still remains desperate. The European Parliament will keep pushing for a ceasefire. We will keep demanding the return of the remaining hostages while maintaining that Hamas can no longer operate with impunity. That is how we get more aid into Gaza, how we save innocent lives and how we push forward the urgent need for a two-state solution that gives real perspective to Palestinians and security to Israel.”

President Metsola´s full speech is available here.

UPDATING LIVE: Head of Palestine relief agency due to brief Security Council on Gaza crisis

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17 April 2024

UPDATING LIVE: Head of Palestine relief agency due to brief Security Council on Gaza crisis

1:40 PM – Philippe Lazzarini has said the agency is facing a “deliberate and concerted campaign” to undermine its operations at a time when it’s crucial services – delivered by over 12,000 mostly local staff in Gaza – are most needed.

So far, some 178 UNRWA officials working in Gaza have been killed since Israel’s bombardment and military campaign began last October.

In January, the Israeli Government presented the UN with information accusing 12 UNRWA employees of taking part in the 7 October terror attacks but has yet to provide that evidence to the organisation. UNRWA nevertheless terminated their employment and began an internal investigation.

The UN chief also set up an independent review overseen by a former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, which is due to report at the end of this week.

Table of Contents

Funding crisis

Some 16 countries led by the United States announced a funding freeze for UNRWA – or suspension of future funding – in response to the allegations of collusion but some of those countries have since reversed course and resumed funding.

Mr. Lazzarini wrote to the General Assembly, which provides UNRWA its mandate, and later briefed Member States in March, saying the agency was at “breaking point” across the region and under serious threat of grinding to a halt.

Israel’s announcement in late March that they would no longer approve any UNRWA food convoys into northern Gaza meant that the clock is ticking “faster towards famine”, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Diplomacy continues in New York

Ambassadors last met on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on 5 April when they heard top UN aid officials make an appeal for the Security Council to help end the carnage there six months on from the start of the conflict.

The Maltese mission which holds the presidency for the month of April said in a post on X, that there will be a vote on a draft resolution put forward by Algeria this coming Friday.

The draft is focused on the diplomatic push by some countries to admit Palestine as a full Member State of the UN, in the wake of the crisis in the Middle East.

Although a special committee on UN membership did not come up with a conclusive recommendation this week, the Algeria draft recommends to the General Assembly that the State of Palestine “be admitted to membership in the United Nations.”

Here’s a reminder of the HIGHLIGHTS from the Council meeting on 25 March which passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan:

The UN Security Council adopts a resolution tabled by its 10 non-permanent members (E-10) demanding a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (United States)
Resolution 2728 also calls for the immediate release of hostages and for ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza
The Council rejected a Russia-proposed amendment that would have called for a permanent ceasefire
The US ambassador said her delegation “fully supports” the critical objectives of the draft
Algeria’s ambassador says the ceasefire will end “the bloodbath”
“This must be a turning point,” says the ambassador for the observer State of Palestine
The draft’s lack of condemnation of Hamas is “a disgrace”, says Israel’s ambassador

For summaries of UN meetings, visit our colleagues at the UN Meetings Coverage in English and French

UN leaders call for more action to end racism and discrimination

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17 April 2024

UN leaders call for more action to end racism and discrimination

UN Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated the achievements and contributions of people of African descent from across the world, while addressing the forum via video message, but also acknowledged existing racial discrimination and inequalities Black people continue to face.

He said the establishment of the Permanent Forum shows a dedication from the international community to address these injustices. Still, it needs to be backed by significant change for people of African descent globally.

“Now we must build on that momentum to drive meaningful change – by ensuring that people of African descent enjoy the full and equal realization of their human rights; by stepping up efforts to eliminate racism and discrimination – including through reparations; and by taking steps towards the full inclusion of people of African descent in society as equal citizens,” said Mr. Guterres.

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‘Formidable convening power’

Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif praised the forum for its “formidable convening power” by meeting for a third high profile session less than two years after becoming operational.

She commended the forum’s planned 70 side events focusing on climate justice, education, health, and more for people of African descent, saying it shows a “remarkable effort, amplifying the reach and impact of our collective commitment.”

Ms. Al-Nashif urged Member States to participate in discussions and act on recommendations derived from them.

“Only then can we ensure that all civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of people of African descent can be fully realized without discrimination or bias,” she said.

Decade should extend

Ms. Al-Nashif said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, supports the extension of the International Decade for people of African Descent – a time proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2015 to focus on recognition, justice and development.

During the Permanent Forum, a conversation will be centred around achievement limitations and expectations of the requested second international decade.

“We look forward to the outcome of the discussions of this session; and we will be following the intergovernmental discussions in relation to the International Decade throughout this year,” said Ms. Al-Nashif.

All reports from the Permanent Forum will be presented to the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in September, as well as the new session of the UN General Assembly, which begins that month.

A fight for change

The Deputy High Commissioner said her office is continuing to look for ways to ensure “the meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation of people of African descent in public life is essential in the fight against systemic racism.”