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2.5 years in prison for killing the cat Eros in Turkey

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A court in Istanbul sentenced Ibrahim Keloglan, who brutally killed the cat named Eros, to 2.5 years in prison for “Intentional killing of a pet.” The defendant was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months of imprisonment. The decision was met with a great reaction from the public in Turkey.

The case is being considered for the second time after Ibrahim Keloglan was arrested for the brutal murder of the cat named Eros in Basaksehir district, in the European part of Istanbul.

The 16th Criminal Court, located in the Küçükçekmeçe district, at first instance sentenced the defendant Ibrahim Keloglan to 3 years in prison for “deliberate killing of a domestic animal”.

The court later granted the defendant a sentence reduction for good behavior, reducing the sentence to 2.5 years. A measure of judicial control was imposed on the defendant by imposing a ban on foreign travel. With this decision, the defendant Ibrahim Keloglan will not go to prison, because the sentence has become conditional.

Loud protests were heard from the sidelines of the court after the announcement of the decision. Animal rights activists have shown their reaction to the release of Keloglan with scans.

The accused in custody, Ibrahim Keloglan, defended himself by repeating his first defense and said: “I am not a cruel person as they say about me. I’m not a crime machine. I lost control in a moment of anger and made a mistake that I will never forget for the rest of my life. I bought pounds of food every chance I got and fed cats and dogs in mountainous and rural areas.

Eating animals has been therapeutic for me. And I promise that I will do these things and get psychological support as much as I can in the future.

After the hearing on February 8th, I did this and donated food to an animal shelter.

This incident was misrepresented by social media and some people, pushing people towards hatred and hostility towards me. My wife and family were also reviled by the public and I was unable to go out in public. No punishment I will receive here right now is comparable to what I have experienced so far. I have nothing else to say,” he concluded.

Counsel for the appellants requested that the defendant, Kellogglan, be sentenced to the maximum sentence and be remanded in custody.

He recalled defendant Ibrahim Keloglan’s statement “I have a cat too” in his previous defense and said: “Sex offenders have children too. Female killers have wives, mothers and sisters. Therefore, the defendant’s statement that he is an animal owner is an attempt to exonerate the crime he committed. The defendant was accused from the beginning of the trial. To this day, he makes statements aimed at getting out of jail, but the charity is following the case closely,” he noted.

In announcing his opinion on the merits, the prosecutor requested that defendant Keloglan be sentenced to a prison term close to the upper limit on the grounds that he “killed the cat by torturing it with monstrous acts.”

Eros the kitten was born in the parking lot of a gated complex in Istanbul and lived there for years.

Video footage from the day of the crime, January 1, 2024, shows Ibrahim Keloglan killing Eros by pinning him in the elevator and continuing to kick him hard in a corridor of the building, pinning him against a wall.

As a result of the violence, which lasted for 6 minutes, Eros lost his life.

Thanks to this security camera recording, it was understood that Eros’s killer was Ibrahim Keloglan, and a complaint was immediately filed with the police. The attacker was detained, then released on a “good behavior discount” at the first hearing on February 8.

Kellogglan’s release despite being caught on camera has sparked backlash from lawyers and animal lovers. Prosecutors and lawyers objected to the decision. Posts were made on social media with Eros’ name.

In front of the place where Eros was killed, demonstrations were held and 250 thousand signatures were collected for the arrest of Keloglan.

Illustrative Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-cute-sleeping-cat-416160/

Gaza: Rafah ground assault would increase risk of atrocity crimes

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United Nations News
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Gaza: Rafah ground assault would increase risk of atrocity crimes

Spokesperson for Volker Türk in Geneva, Jeremy Laurence, told journalists that an already catastrophic situation could “slide deeper into the abyss” in the coming days if Israeli forces make their move on the southern border city, carrying through with their threat to invade, unless Hamas militants hand over remaining hostages by the start of Ramadan.

The holy month for Muslims worldwide begins this weekend, a “period that is meant to honour peace and tolerance”, said Mr. Laurence.

Gazans who have nowhere else to run to, are living in “deplorable sub-human conditions” in Rafah, he added: “Any ground assault on Rafah would incur massive loss of life and would heighten the risk of further atrocity crimes.

“This must not be allowed to happen. We also fear that further Israeli restrictions on access by Palestinians to East Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan could further inflame tensions.”

The UN human rights chief repeated that “there must be an immediate end to this conflict and that the killing and destruction must stop.”

Release hostages unconditionally

The hostages seized by Hamas and other militants during the 7 October terror attacks have endured 150 days of suffering and torment, Mr. Türk added, calling for their unconditional release and return.

In continuing its offensive, Israel, as the occupying power, “must – we repeat – fully comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law to provide the increasingly desperate civilian population of Gaza with the necessary food and medical supplies, or, if it is unable to do so, ensure that the population has access to critical life-saving humanitarian assistance commensurate with their needs”, Mr. Laurence stressed.

Furthermore, border crossings and corridors must be fully opened and steps must be taken to ensure the free and secure movement of aid convoys to civilians wherever they are located.

Settlement expansion violates international law

Mr. Türk on Friday also deplored Israel’s latest decision to greenlight the construction of a further 3,476 homes in the occupied West Bank, saying “the drastic acceleration in settlement building is exacerbating long-standing patterns of oppression, violence and discrimination against Palestinians”

“Reports this week that Israel plans to build a further 3,476 settler homes in Maale Adumim, Efrat and Kedar fly in the face of international law,” he added.

In a report to the Human Rights Council, Türk said that the establishment and continuing expansion of settlements amounts to Israeli transferring its own civilian population into the territories that it occupies – a war crime under international law.

The report covering the period from 1 November 2022 to 31 October last year details that around 24,300 housing units within existing Israeli settlements in the West Bank were advanced, the highest on record since monitoring began in 2017. This included approximately 9,670 units in East Jerusalem.

The report finds that the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government appear aligned, to an unprecedented extent, with the goals of the Israeli settler movement to expand long-term control over the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to steadily integrate this occupied territory into the State of Israel.

“They also run counter to the views of a broad range of States laid out during hearings just two weeks ago at the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” the High Commissioner said, referring to the hearings tabled by South Africa examining the legal consequences of Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Over 600 settler attacks

“The West Bank is already in crisis”, Mr. Türk said. Yet, settler violence and settlement-related violations have reached shocking new levels, and risk eliminating any practical possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian State”.

Latest UN figures show that, since 7 October, there have been 603 settler attacks against Palestinians. A total of 1,222 Palestinians from 19 herding communities have been displaced as a direct result of settler violence.

Since 7 October, UN rights office OHCHR has documented nine Palestinians killed by settlers using firearms. A further 396 have been killed by Israeli security forces, and two killed by either Israeli security forces or settlers.

Since 7 October, 592 people, including 282 children, have been displaced in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, after their homes were demolished due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible to obtain, OHCHR said.

Gaza casualties mount

According to the latest situation update from the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, 78 Palestinians were killed, and 104 Palestinians were injured – based on figures from the Gaza health ministry. This brings the total fatalities in Gaza to at least 30,878, with 72,402 Palestinians injured.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that an estimated 8,000 patients need to be medically evacuated from Gaza, including around 6,000 trauma-related cases. 

More to come on this developing story…

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How to interact with a shy cat?

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Newsroom
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Purring animals often appear confident and fearless. But in reality, they can be shy and fearful of their surroundings. There are several reasons for this, but sometimes it’s just their genetics. Other times it is due to a traumatic past. Fortunately, there are many ways you can interact with shy cats. When interacting with a shy cat, move slowly so as not to frighten it.

Create a comfortable environment that includes plenty of places to hide and keep loud noises to a minimum. Always wait for your cat to come to you and use soft, gentle tones when talking to her. Establishing a consistent routine will help your cat feel more comfortable, as will using treats every time the cat shows courage.

Shyness in cats manifests itself in different ways. Some fearful cats appear nervous and scared, while others go home where they feel safe. Even if you have created a safe and secure environment for your cat, it may not be enough to stop her from being afraid.

Why is my cat so shy?

There are many reasons why cats feel nervous and hesitant. It usually comes down to:

• Genetics: Some cats are naturally fearful.

• Upbringing: Cats that are not properly socialized can become shy and fearful of people.

• Past experiences: Trauma and abuse can make cats fearful and nervous.

Likewise, environmental factors can cause a purring friend to become shy and withdrawn. They include:

• Other pets in the home

• Loud noises

• Rampant children

• Moving to a new home

• Unfriendly owners

To ensure a comfortable and happy life for your cat, you may want to consider teaching it to be less shy and more confident when in your presence.

How to increase a cat’s confidence

With effective socialization techniques, you can boost your cat’s confidence so that she feels less shy and more comfortable around you. It is important to remember that it will not work for all cats. But you can make yours feel happier in their environment, regardless of their personality. To boost your cat’s confidence, try the following:

• Offer physical contact

• Create a routine

• Create a safe environment

• Provide places to hide

How to get a shy cat to trust you

Building a bond with your cat is a rewarding process. After all, this is probably why you chose your pet. But it’s not always easy to do, especially if you’re dealing with a shy cat.

However, all is not lost. With some time and patience, you can get your cat to trust you. Follow these steps to get started:

• Respect your cat’s space

• Don’t get angry with your cat no matter what it does. Yelling and scolding her will only scare her more.

• Watch body language

• Learn your cat’s limits

• Positive support – reward her with treats when she is braver and comes to you

How to get a shy cat to come to you

It’s only natural to want to pet and play with your cat. This is difficult to do when you have a shy cat, so you should encourage her to come to you when she feels comfortable. Maintain a quiet, calm presence at all times. In this way, your cat will start to feel less shy.

Motivate your cat to come to you with these easy methods:

• Sit quietly near your cat for a while, allowing her to sniff you.

• Talk to her in a calm, gentle way.

• Stand still if your cat approaches you. Sudden movements will scare her.

• Give your cat a treat after it approaches you. Gradually increase the amount of time it takes you to give your cat a treat.

• Gently toss a ball or other toy to play together.

• If your cat runs away, do not chase it. Try again when she seems calmer and less anxious.

Bringing an insecure cat out of its “shell” is rewarding, but not always possible. A shy cat can still be a good pet, but you will need to respect its boundaries and be gentle when interacting with it.

Illustrative Photo by Doğu Tuncer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-a-domestic-cat-16112164/

More determined efforts needed to combat anti-Muslim prejudice amidst surge in hatred, OSCE says

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Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. (OSCE/Piotr Dziubak)
Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. (OSCE/Piotr Dziubak)

VALLETTA/WARSAW/ANKARA, 15 March 2024 – Amidst an increase in prejudice and violence against Muslims in a growing number of countries, greater efforts are needed to build dialogue and counter anti-Muslim hatred, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said in a statement on today’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

The Chair-in-Office of the OSCE, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg stated that “On this day, we are reminded of our collective duty to counter prejudice and embrace diversity” emphasising that “Our strength lies in our unity and our unwavering resolve to foster societies where dialogue prevails over confrontation, understanding over fear and tolerance over prejudice – a society where fundamental freedoms and human rights are protected and enjoyed by all.” Minister Borg called on all participating States “to intensify commitments and actions towards this crucial endeavour, striving to nurture an environment where every person can live free from hate and discrimination.”

Hatred against people from specific religious or belief communities rarely takes place in isolation, often going hand in hand with other forms of intolerance. Violence and discrimination do not only harm the individuals and communities concerned, but can also undermine security across the OSCE region, with tensions potentially escalating into wider conflicts.

There has been an upsurge in hatred against Muslims especially since the renewed outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East in October last year, with online and offline hate speech, threats and violence having a negative impact on Muslim communities, particularly women and girls. OSCE states have recognized the need for political leaders and parliamentarians to reject and condemn manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Muslims and other religious groups, while continuing to respect freedom of expression.

“Negative stereotypes and acts of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims have increased in recent years, making it all the more important to take urgent action and ensure we avoid stigmatisation or inflammatory rhetoric,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “At the same time, we are encouraged by the growing recognition that more dialogue and understanding are needed. I am convinced this must remain a crucial contribution to successfully counter prejudice and anti-Muslim hatred.”

All OSCE participating States have committed to combating discrimination and hate crime, and it is the primary responsibility of governments to ensure all citizens are safe, whatever their background, and to promote respect and dialogue. Supporting countries across the OSCE region in combating anti-Muslim hate crime is a key area of ODIHR’s work, but while data on Anti-Muslim hatred is available in ODIHR’s hate crime database, many victims across the OSCE area are reluctant to report their experiences to the authorities.

Victims of hate often turn to civil society organizations to report a crime, seek support, and access the services they need. Through genuine collaboration with civil society, states can develop efficient and targeted activities to tackle hate crime and meet the differing needs of individual victims.

Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that states the right of each individual to have, adopt, or leave a religion or belief. At its core is the understanding that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully. Against this backdrop,  dialogue and understanding between religions and cultures emerge as a pivotal instrument, offering a platform for open, respectful exchanges that transcend religious boundaries. Through these meaningful interactions, we can discover common ground, appreciate our differences, and forge an inclusive and harmonious path forward.

The Personal Representative of the Chair-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, Ambassador Evren Dagdelen Akgun, noted that “Cases of deliberate attempts to tarnish the sanctity of Islam, of Muslims being stereotyped, attacked; instances of their beliefs belittled or culture represented as a threat and justified in the guise of security concerns are widespread, even normalized in some countries.” She underlined that “efforts to address these problems in their entirety will not only contribute to harmonious societies but also to international peace.” Dagdelen Akgun urged all participating states to search for ways to effectively implement their commitments.

Acknowledging the discrimination and hatred many Muslims face worldwide, the United Nations has declared March 15 the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. All OSCE states have committed to fighting prejudice, intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and members of other religions.

How to Write a Perfect Home Health Care Business Plan?

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Medical workers, health care – artistic interpretation. Image credit: Freepik, free license

The population of the world is aging. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030 one in six people will be over 60.

The home health care sector is complex, with many layers of issues. These range from staffing and licensing to liability concerns. You’ll still need a business strategy to help you navigate the challenges of this industry and to focus on providing quality care.

Medical workers, health care – artistic interpretation. Image credit: Freepik, free license

Why do you need to have a Business Plan for your Home Health Care Company?

Writing a business proposal is essential when you are starting a healthcare company. This ensures you can think beyond your own expertise as a healthcare professional, and that you will be able to manage the day-to-day operation, billing and insurance snafus and large startup costs.

With the best intentions and extensive knowledge, you can enter into this industry. You will not be able to run a successful company without a business plan.

Why do Home Care Businesses need Plans?

It is important to write up a business plan regardless of the industry as it gives you a roadmap to where your business currently stands and where it could potentially head in the future. 

If you are seeking a business loan or external funding to cover your startup expenses, having a well-thought-out business plan is crucial for influencing an investor’s decision. A good business plan will show investors:

  • Your business has cash flow
  • There is steady growth in the industry
  • A strong client base is available

By covering these three areas, you’ll be well positioned to receive working capital to help you set your home care business up for success. 

How to craft an Effective Home Health Care Business Plan?

This guide will highlight specific areas you should consider when drafting a business plan for home health care. For more information on creating a detailed business plan, you can view our step by step guide.

This question will help you to create a road map for your business. It goes beyond describing what type of home-health care business you plan to open. This is a chance to describe your core values and long-term goals, as well as the impact you want to have on your clients’ lives.

You will probably offer a wide range of services as a home healthcare business. Will you focus on a particular area, such as post-surgery or elder care? Will you provide a broader range of services, such as medication management?

It’s also worth noting if you can manage special requests from clients based on their individual needs.

  • Identify your target audience

Home health care services that specialize in elderly or disabled care will serve this specific market. A home health care service that offers post-operative care or palliative services would appeal to a completely different market.

The Census Bureau can provide you with a good estimate of the number of seniors in the area that you intend to serve.

  • Understanding insurance and pricing

It’s a good idea to compare prices with other home care providers in the area before you price your service. You can use this information to set a benchmark for your own business and position it based on its value or quality.

Home health care may be covered by different insurance plans. Some offer comprehensive coverage, while others cover only specific treatments and services. To ensure that your services qualify for reimbursement, you should be aware of the limitations and requirements for each insurance plan. For example, some plans require prior authorization, while others only require a doctor’s referral.

  • Staffing and licensing requirements

The health care sector is particularly affected by worker shortages. You can expect fewer customers, a lower level of service, and possibly higher employee costs if you don’t have the right number or employees. You need a documented plan which takes into consideration the roles of employees, how many will be needed, and potential expenses.

Licenses and permits are also required for home health care businesses. The requirements may differ depending on where you live and what services you intend to provide. It’s important to know the local requirements so that you can avoid legal problems in the future. It may be helpful to your internal management to list the agencies and regulations that govern your business at all levels: local, state and federal.

  • Create a Plan for Risk Management

Consider conducting a comprehensive risk assessment, taking into consideration your location, the services you offer, and the qualifications of your employees. After identifying potential risks, describe what you will do to reduce or eliminate them. You can, for example, implement employee training to prevent fraud or malpractice or invest in insurance to cover your business against liability claims.

This step-by-step framework will guide you to create a successful business plan for home care. However, some adjustments may be needed in terms of pre-planning or research.

A well-supported business plan can be a great asset when you want to convince lenders to finance your home care business.

“Therapy” dogs work at Istanbul Airport

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“Therapy” dogs have started working at Istanbul Airport, Anadolu Agency reports.

The pilot project, which launched this month in Turkey at Istanbul Airport, aims to ensure a calm and pleasant journey for passengers experiencing flight-related stress with the help of their four-legged friends.

As part of the pilot project, five specially trained “therapist dogs” started working at the airport.

The dogs, which are in special aprons, move around the airport accompanied by their trainers. Passengers stressed by flights can pet the dogs, giving them a chance to calm down.

Quadrupeds are mainly found in the international flight area.

Passengers from all over the world welcome the initiative taken at Turkey’s largest airport.

Istanbul Airport has a total of four special pet areas that provide food for cats and dogs, toilets for them, and scratching boards for cats.

Illustrative Photo by Lum3n: https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-photo-of-brown-and-black-dog-face-406014/

UN and partners launch $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen

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United Nations News
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UN and partners launch $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen

Nearly a decade of fighting between Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, pitted against Houthi rebels who control much of the country, has left 18.2 million Yemenis in need of life-saving assistance and protection, and 17.6 million are estimated to face acute food insecurity.

The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) is based on robust consultations across the country involving those affected, authorities and institutions, aid workers, and development partners at both the local and national levels.

It also reflects the way the humanitarian community will adapt operations in a context of limited funding and access constraints.

‘A critical juncture’ 

“Yemen is facing a critical juncture and has a unique opportunity to take a decisive step away from the humanitarian crisis by addressing the drivers of need,” said Peter Hawkins, interim UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country.

“While regional conflict dynamics have introduced additional risks, the humanitarian community remains committed to stay and deliver.” 

Following the start of the war in Gaza last October, Houthi rebels have been launching attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, affecting global trade and increasing geopolitical tensions.

The United States, United Kingdom and other countries have responded with counterstrikes.

Save lives, build resilience 

The HRP emphasizes collaboration with development partners to support livelihoods, basic services, and economic conditions to build long-term solutions, in line with the $1.3 billion UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Yemen for the period from 2022-2025.

“We must not turn our backs on the people of Yemen. I am appealing to donors for their continued and urgent support to save lives, build resilience, and also to fund sustainable interventions,” Mr. Hawkins said. 

Humanitarians reported that child mortality in Yemen slightly improved in 2023 following years of sustained assistance. However, the country is seeing some of the highest malnutrition rates ever recorded.

Nearly half of all children under age five are experiencing moderate to severe stunting – impaired growth and development from poor nutrition – and the situation continues to worsen.

Additionally, 12.4 million people lack sufficient access to safe drinking water, increasing the risk of infectious diseases, while more than 4.5 million school-age children are not in the classroom.

An estimated 4.5 million people across Yemen are currently displaced, one-third of whom have been uprooted more than once.

Humanitarian hub in Ta’iz

Relatedly, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has established a humanitarian hub in Ta’iz governorate in southern Yemen to boost access to critical services and support vulnerable communities.

The region faces significant challenges, including a water crisis, collapsed healthcare systems, and limited access to humanitarian assistance.

IOM has been providing crucial services to displaced communities there for more than three years, serving around 10,000 people across 13 sites.

The hub will provide a secure operational base for humanitarian partners, to help address urgent needs in Ta’iz, while allowing IOM to scale up its support and help communities to recover and rebuild.

The agency’s work includes camp coordination and camp management, site maintenance and implementing community feedback mechanisms.

IOM has also conducted women’s empowerment initiatives across eight sites that it manages, engaging 200 women in on-the-job training and literacy activities, while some 170 young people across eight sites have taken part in sports programmes.   

Other activities include ongoing flood reduction efforts and infrastructure enhancements at 12 sites and school rehabilitation projects that promote coexistence between displaced and host communities. 

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Parliament backs tighter EU rules for toy safety

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European Parliament
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Parliament backs tighter EU rules for toy safety
  • Ban on the most harmful chemicals such as endocrine disruptors
  • Smart toys to comply with safety, security and privacy standards by design
  • In 2022, toys topped the list of dangerous products alerts in the EU, comprising 23% of all notifications

The draft rules aim to decrease the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU single market and better protect children from toy-related risks.

On Wednesday, Parliament approved its position on revamped EU rules on toy safety with 603 votes in favour, 5 against and 15 abstentions. The text responds to a number of new challenges, mainly stemming from digital toys and online shopping, and converts the existing directive into a directly applicable regulation.

Ban on harmful chemicals

Focusing on children’s health and development, the proposal strengthens the requirements and bans on certain chemical substances in toys. The existing prohibition on carcinogenic and mutagenic substances or substances toxic for reproduction (CRM) is extended to chemicals that are particularly harmful to children, such as endocrine disruptors or chemicals affecting the respiratory system. The rules also target chemicals that are toxic to specific organs or are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Toys should not contain any per- and polyfluorinated alkil substances (PFASs) either.

Strengthening checks

All toys sold in the EU will have to have a digital product passport (replacing the EU declaration of conformity), detailing compliance with the relevant safety rules. This will enhance the traceability of toys and make market surveillance and customs checks simpler and more efficient. Consumers will also have easy access to safety information and warnings, for example via a QR code. MEPs in their position urge the Commission to support and guide SME toy manufacturers in performing safety assessments and fulfilling the product passport requirements.

Safety, security and privacy by design

Toys with digital elements need to comply with safety, security and privacy by design standards. MEPs say toys using AI falling under the scope of the new Artificial Intelligence Act will have to comply with cybersecurity, personal data protection, and privacy requirements. Manufacturers of digitally connected toys need to follow the EU’s Cybersecurity rules and consider, where appropriate, the risks to mental health and the cognitive development of children using such toys.

Toys must also comply with the recently updated General Product Safety rules, for example, when it comes to online sales, accident reporting, consumer right to information and remedy.

Quote

Rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, Germany) said: “Children deserve the safest toys possible. With the revised safety rules, we are giving them just that. We are protecting them against invisible dangers such as harmful chemicals and ensuring that warnings such as age restrictions are clearly visible online. The newly introduced digital product passport will ensure that consumers have access to information they need. At the same time, trade secrets will be protected – a strong signal for fair competition and that Europe is the place to do business”.

Next steps

The text constitutes Parliament’s position at first reading. The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the European elections on 6-9 June.

Background

Before placing a toy on the market, manufacturers have to carry out safety assessments that cover all chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical flammability, hygiene and radioactivity hazards and potential exposure. Despite the EU market being among the safest in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into consumers’ hands. According to the EU Safety Gate (the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products), toys were the most notified product category, accounting for 23% of all notifications in 2022 and 20% in 2021.

Bird Watching 101 – Tips For Attracting Birds To Your Yard

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Watching beautiful birds flit and chirp in your own backyard can bring such joy and tranquility to your daily life. Whether you’re an experienced bird watcher or just starting out, knowing how to attract these feathered friends to your yard is key. From providing the right food and water sources to creating a welcoming habitat, there are tips and tricks that can make your yard a hotspot for a variety of bird species. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know to transform your outdoor space into a bird-watching paradise!

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Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment

Even if you’re just starting out with bird watching, creating a bird-friendly environment in your yard can help attract a variety of beautiful birds. For more tips on getting started, check out Bird Watching 101: A Guide for Beginners | Audubon New.

Choosing the Right Location

On your quest to attract more birds to your yard, selecting the right location is key. Choose an area that is close to natural food sources like trees, shrubs, and water, as well as shelter from predators. Placing feeders and bird baths in a quiet spot can also encourage birds to visit.

Landscaping for the Birds

To create an ideal habitat for birds in your yard, consider planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowers. Diverse vegetation provides birds with food sources, shelter, and nesting sites. Additionally, incorporating a mixture of plant heights and types can attract different species of birds, enhancing the overall biodiversity in your yard.

Birds are attracted to colorful flowers that produce seeds and fruits, such as sunflowers, coneflowers, and berry-bearing bushes. Providing a bird-friendly landscape not only benefits the birds but also adds beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space.

Feeding Your Feathered Friends

It Feeding Birds is an imperative part of bird watching. By providing a variety of bird feed and feeders, you can attract a wide range of feathered friends to your yard.

Types of Bird Feed and Feeders

  • Offer a mix of seeds, grains, fruits, nuts, and insects to attract different bird species.
  • Use platform feeders, hopper feeders, nyjer feeders, suet feeders, and hummingbird feeders to cater to various feeding preferences.
  • Ensure feeders are placed in accessible locations that are easily visible to birds.
  • Keep feeders clean and dry to prevent mold and disease.
  • Recognizing the preferences of local bird species will help you attract a diverse range of birds to your yard.

Safe Feeding Practices

To ensure the safety of the birds visiting your yard, it is imperative to avoid using pesticides near feeding areas. Additionally, regularly clean feeders and replace old or moldy food to prevent the spread of disease among birds.

To maintain a healthy bird population in your yard, follow safe feeding practices such as providing fresh water in birdbaths and keeping feeders clean to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This can help create a welcoming environment for birds and promote their well-being.

Beyond Feeding – Offering Shelter and Water

Birdhouses and Nesting Sites

Many bird enthusiasts focus on providing food for their feathered friends, but offering suitable shelter is just as important. The placement of birdhouses and nesting sites can attract a variety of bird species to your yard. The key is to provide different types of houses to accommodate different birds’ preferences, from open-fronted houses for robins to small entrance holes for chickadees.

Birdbaths and Water Features

The right water feature can be as attractive to birds as a full bird feeder. For many species, access to a clean and reliable water source is important. For example, a shallow birdbath with a small fountain or drip feature will not only attract birds for drinking but also for bathing, which is vital for their feather maintenance. Plus, the sound of moving water can be particularly enticing to birds.

Enhancing Your Bird Watching Experience

Now, if you want to enhance your bird watching experience, there are a few things you can do. First and foremost, consider attracting more birds to your yard by following tips from Bird feeding 101 – attracting birds and maintaining feeders. Providing the right food and setting up bird feeders can attract a variety of bird species for you to observe.

Essential Bird Watching Gear

Any bird watcher knows that having the right gear can make a big difference in your bird watching experience. Invest in a good pair of binoculars, a field guide to help with bird identification, and a comfortable chair or spotting scope for long observation sessions.

Keeping a Bird Journal

To truly enhance your bird watching experience, consider keeping a bird journal. Documenting the species you see, their behavior, and any patterns you notice can help you become a better birder over time. You can also track migration patterns and note any changes in bird populations in your area.

The benefits of keeping a bird journal are invaluable, allowing you to create a personal record of your bird watching adventures and contribute valuable data to bird conservation efforts.

Final Words

Drawing together all the tips and tricks from “Bird Watching 101 – Tips For Attracting Birds To Your Yard”, we hope you feel inspired and ready to create a bird-friendly environment in your own backyard. Do not forget, providing food, water, shelter, and a safe place for birds to rest will not only attract a wide variety of species but also contribute to their well-being. So grab your binoculars, set up some bird feeders, and enjoy the beauty and joy that comes with observing these wonderful creatures in your own space. Happy bird watching!

Human rights breaches in Afghanistan and Venezuela

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Newsdesk
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On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted two resolutions on the respect for human rights in Afghanistan and Venezuela.

The repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women

MEPs are gravely concerned by the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Afghanistan. The Taliban have, they say, dismantled the judicial system, ordered judges to fully implement Sharia law and have virtually eliminated women and girls from public life. This amounts to gender persecution and gender apartheid, according to MEPs, who call on the Taliban to immediately restore the full and equal participation of women and girls in public life, particularly access to education and work.

Parliament urges the de-facto Afghan authorities to abolish capital punishment and to immediately halt public executions and the barbarous persecution and discriminatory policies in particular against women, LGBTIQ+, ethnic and religious minorities.

MEPs insist that any EU engagement with the Taliban can be maintained only under strict conditions set by the Council and in accordance with the UN Special Rapporteur’s recommendations.

Parliament supports Afghan civil society’s call to hold the de-facto authorities accountable for their crimes, particularly via the International Criminal Court investigation by establishing an UN Independent Investigative Mechanism, and by expanding EU restrictive measures.

The resolution was adopted by 513 votes in favour, 9 against and 24 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (14.03.2024)


The case of Rocío San Miguel and General Hernández Da Costa, among other political prisoners in Venezuela

Parliament strongly condemns the Maduro regime in Venezuela for imprisoning hundreds of political prisoners held in conditions that fail to meet the United Nations standard minimum rules for their treatment.

Demanding their immediate and unconditional release, Parliament exhorts the regime to cease repressing and attacking civil society and the opposition. MEPs want the EU to increase sanctions, including on high-level officials, members of the security forces, members of the regime’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice and Maduro himself.

They urge the International Criminal Court to include ongoing human rights violations and arbitrary detentions in its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by the Maduro regime. Parliament calls on the international community to support a return to democracy in Venezuela, particularly in view of the elections, in which the leader of the opposition to the regime, María Corina Machado, shall fully participate.

MEPs also urge the Chilean authorities to investigate fully the murder of Ronald Ojeda, a former political prisoner who escaped the Maduro regime, and urge the Venezuelan authorities to re-establish the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and guarantee their access to prisons.

The resolution was adopted by 497 votes in favour, 22 against and 27 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (14.03.2024)

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