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‘We cannot abandon the people of Gaza’: chiefs of UN agencies and NGOs unite in appeal for UNRWA

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‘We cannot abandon the people of Gaza’: chiefs of UN agencies and NGOs unite in appeal for UNRWA

Despite the “horrifying” allegations that 12 UNWRA staff were involved in the Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel on 7 October, “we must not prevent an entire organization from delivering on its mandate to serve people in desperate need”, said the UN-led group of aid agencies, known collectively as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).

Regional collapse

“Withdrawing funds from UNRWA …would result in the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, with far-reaching humanitarian and human rights consequences in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and across the region,” warned the IASC panel, headed by UN emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and “on the brink of famine”, the IASC Principals said, since Israeli bombardment and a ground invasion began after the Palestinian militants butchered some 1,200 people in Israeli communities and took more than 250 others hostage.

Historic role

UNRWA – the largest aid agency in Gaza whose key role in education, healthcare and more in the enclave dates back to 1949 – provides a lifeline to more than two million people in the Strip. 

Its future is in jeopardy after several major donors halted funds pending probes into Israel’s allegations that 12 of the agency’s 30,000 staff played a role in the 7 October attacks. 

Probe activated

A full and urgent investigation is already underway by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) – the highest investigative body in the UN system – the IASC chiefs said, noting in addition that UNRWA had announced an independent review of its operations.

“Decisions by various Member States to pause funds for UNRWA will have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza,” the IASC statement continued. “No other entity has the capacity to deliver the scale and breadth of assistance that 2.2 million people in Gaza urgently need.”

In its latest humanitarian update, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, noted that the death toll in Gaza since continuing “intense” Israeli bombardment began had now risen to at least 26,751, according to the enclave’s health authorities.

Hostilities continued to be “particularly intense” in the southern city of Khan Younis, OCHA reported late on Tuesday, “with heavy fighting reported near Nasser and Al Amal hospitals, and reports of Palestinians fleeing to the southern town of Rafah, which is already overcrowded, despite the lack of a safe passage”.

Ground operations and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups were also reported across much of Gaza, OCHA noted, with new evacuation orders issued to neighbourhoods in western Gaza city on Monday and Tuesday, including Ash Shati Refugee Camp, Rimal Ash Shamali and Al Janubi, Sabra, Ash Sheikh ‘Ajlin, and Tel Al Hawa.

“The new order covered an area of 12.43 square kilometres…This area was home to almost 300,000 Palestinians before 7 October and, subsequently, 59 shelters with an estimated 88,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) seeking refuge there,” OCHA said.

Shrinking space to shelter

Mass evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military that began on 1 December cover a total of 158 square kilometres, amounting to 41 per cent of the Gaza Strip. “This area was home to 1.38 million Palestinians before 7 October and, subsequently, it contained 161 shelters hosting an estimated 700,750 IDPs,” according to the UN aid coordination office.

As of 30 January, 218 Israeli soldiers have been confirmed killed and 1,283 injured, citing the Israeli military.

The past week has also seen “large numbers of Palestinian men” detained by the Israeli military at a checkpoint in Khan Younis “with many of them stripped to their underwear, blindfolded and taken away”, the OCHA update reported.

Vulnerable populations in northern and central Gaza are increasingly beyond reach because of “an increasing trend in denied and restricted access”, the UN aid coordination office reported. “The reasons include excessive delays for humanitarian aid convoys before or at Israeli checkpoints and heightened hostilities in central Gaza. Threats to the safety of humanitarian personnel and sites are also frequent, impeding the delivery of time-sensitive and life-saving aid and pose serious risks to those involved in humanitarian efforts.”

The IASC signatories to the appeal are: 

  • Martin Griffiths, Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • Qu Dongyu, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • Jane Backhurst, Chair, ICVA (Christian Aid) 
  • Jamie Munn, Executive Director, International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) 
  • Amy E. Pope, Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
  • Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 
  • Paula Gaviria Betancur, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (SR on HR of IDPs) 
  • Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
  • Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
  • Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 
  • Michal Mlynár, Executive Director a.i., United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) 
  • Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
  • Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women 
  • Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)
  • Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

 

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I lost hope and will to live, in Russian jail, says Ukraine POW

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I lost hope and will to live, in Russian jail, says Ukraine POW

Latest graphic findings from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine – created by the Human Rights Council two years ago – highlight the ongoing grave impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

“I lost any hope and the will to live,” one Ukrainian soldier and former prisoner of war told the Commission of Inquiry, describing how he had been “repeatedly subjected to torture and left with broken bones, broken teeth and gangrene” on an injured foot.

After trying to kill himself at a prison in the town of Donskoy in Tula region, south of Moscow, the soldier recounted how his captors “subjected him to further beating”, said Erik Møse, Commission Chair. 

“Victims’ accounts disclose relentless, brutal treatment inflicting severe pain and suffering during prolonged detention, with blatant disregard for human dignity. This has led to long-lasting physical and mental trauma,” he told journalists in Geneva.

“They beat him on his buttocks in the isolation ward, causing bleeding from his anus,” the investigators reported. “In the yard, they beat him on his face and injured foot, leading to bleeding. They knocked out some of his teeth. He begged them to kill him.”

Erik Møse, Chair of Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (centre), Commissioner Vrinda Grover (left) and moderator Todd Pitman, OHCHR, at a press conference in Geneva

Rape, beatings

Testimonies of rape and other sexual attacks against women “also amount to torture”, the Commissioners maintained, pointing to threats of rape against male prisoners of war and the use of electric shocks intended to hurt or humiliate detainees.

“There were beatings, verbal abuse, electronic devices being used on areas, body parts, there was very limited access to food, water necessities,’ Mr. Møse continued. “The whole treatment of the prisoners of war and the picture drawn up, emerging from the way they were dealt with – how they were treated over long periods, months – enables us to use the word ‘horrific’”.

Graphic testimony

The 20-page report relies on testimonies from hundreds of individuals in order to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law committed by Russian forces and authorities. 

The publication focuses on the siege and indiscriminate bombardment of Mariupol at the outset of the invasion, the use of torture and rape against civilians, prisoners of war and alleged collaborators, the unlawful transfer of 46 children from a care facility in Kherson to Russian-occupied Crimea in October 2022 and the destruction and damage of protected cultural treasures.

“The evidence shows that Russian authorities have committed violation of international human rights and international humanitarian law and corresponding war crimes,” insisted Commissioner Vrinda Grover. “Further investigations are required to determine whether some of the situations identified may constitute crimes against humanity.”

Mariupol and the ‘road to death’

Detailing the ordeal endured by all those besieged in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, the report noted how survivors emerged from shelters and “recalled seeing large number of dead bodies on the streets in the rubble of their houses and in the cities’ hospitals”.

At least 58 medical centres were destroyed along with 11 power stations, the investigators said, adding that women who fled on foot from the front line called it “the road to death” and expressed a “pervasive feeling of fear”.

“Often, Russian armed forces failed to take feasible precautions to verify that the affected objects are not civilian,” maintained the rights experts, who work in an independent capacity and are not UN staff.

Genocidal intent concerns

Confirming continuing deep concerns about allegations of genocidal intent by the invading forces, Ms. Grover said the Human Rights Council-mandated probe would “look further” into likely “direct and public incitement to commit genocide” by Russian media.

“We have gone through a large number of such statements and have found that many of them used are using dehumanizing language and calls for hate, violence and destruction,” she said. “And we are concerned with statements supporting the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, calling for the killing of a large number of persons.”

The report is due to be presented to the Human Rights Council on Tuesday 19 March. Watch the launch in Geneva here: https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule/2024-03-19 

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What Are 2D Materials, and Why Do They Interest Scientists?

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What Are 2D Materials, and Why Do They Interest Scientists?


If you’ve read any stories about quantum research lately, in Columbia News or elsewhere, you may have heard the term 2D or two-dimensional materials.

An illustration of the atomic structure of graphene, a form of ultra-strong 2D carbon.

An illustration of the atomic structure of graphene, a form of ultra-strong 2D carbon.

In January, Columbia chemists published a study about the first 2D heavy fermion, a class of material with very heavy electrons. In November, the Engineering school published a story on “Laser-Driving a 2D Material.” And earlier last year, researchers found both superconductivity and ferroelectricity in the same 2D material. The list goes on.

So, what are 2D materials and why are scientists so interested?

Two-dimensional materials are just what they sound like: Materials that are just 1 or 2 atoms thick but wider in every other direction. Often the 2D materials scientists are working with are a few square micrometers large– invisible to the naked eye, but visible with the kind of microscope you might have used in high school science classes. The 2D materials that scientists are working with are a mix of naturally occurring materials, like graphene, a form of ultra-strong carbon discovered at Columbia in 2004, and materials synthesized in labs, like CeSil, a crystal first assembled at Columbia last year, composed of cerium, silicon, and iodine. These materials usually begin as three-dimensional, and scientists peel them down to two dimensions to run experiments on them and find out what physical properties, like superconductivity or magnetism, might emerge when the materials are atom-flat. Scientists are working on developing new ways to make 2D materials from scratch, without needing to peel them down from 3D, but the quality of these is still imperfect.

Many things make 2D materials interesting but a primary one is that they confine the ways that particles like electrons can move within them. Columbia Chemist Xavier Roy used a traffic analogy to explain:

“Think of it like this: If we had flying cars that could travel in three-dimensional space, we would be able to reduce most of the traffic in New York. But since our current cars can only travel in two-dimensions, we end up with huge traffic jams in Times Square,” Roy said in a recent interview.

“The same thing happens for electrons when we move from 3D to 2D, but in our case, ‘traffic’ between electrons is beneficial! As these electron-electron interactions become stronger, we can completely change the properties of a material. For example, as the thickness of 3D heavy fermion materials is reduced (i.e. as they become more 2D), they can transition from being magnetic to superconducting.”

Two-dimensional materials can also be relatively easily tweaked: Stacking them with slight angles between the layers, applying forces like electric fields and magnetic fields, and straining the materials by twisting or applying pressure to them can change their properties. Take just one example: By simply stacking two sheets of a material called tungsten diselenide on top of each other, twisting them, and adding or removing electric charge, the material can switch from an electricity-conducting metal to an electricity-blocking insulator and back again.

Scientists are also excited by 2D materials’ potential uses in technology, which scientists often refer to as “applications.”

Two-dimensional materials will likely play a vital role in the next generation of electronics, including still-under-development quantum computers. Why? In large part, because 2D materials are ultra-small with unique, controllable properties (like superconductivity), and technology is always on the hunt for something that can achieve results more quickly, more efficiently, and using less space.

Source: Columbia University

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Gaza: Aid operations in peril amid funding crisis

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Gaza: Aid operations in peril amid funding crisis

“It’s difficult to imagine that Gazans will survive this crisis without UNRWA…(we) have received reports that people in the area are grinding bird feed to make flour,” said Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza and UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  

Citing “colossal” needs now facing over two million people in the enclave who depend on UNRWA for their “sheer survival”, he warned the already dire humanitarian situation risks getting worse following the decision of 16 donor countries to cut the agency’s funding.

Terror link accusation

The development follows allegations that some UNRWA staff colluded with Hamas during its terror attacks on southern Israel on 7 October that left some 1,200 dead and more than 250 taken hostage.

The UN’s highest investigative body is already conducting a probe into the allegations at the request of UNRWA, which plays a key role in Gaza as the largest humanitarian organization there. Of its 13,000 staff, more than 3,000 continue working.

Shortly after UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini announced the immediate dismissal of staff facing the allegations and his decision to involve the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services in New York, a number of donor countries suspended $440 million in funding.

Guterres appeal

“UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza. I appeal to all Member States to guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s lifesaving work,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, addressing the Palestinian Rights Committee on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, with no let up in Israeli bombardments across Gaza – and particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis – humanitarians warned that the exodus of people seeking shelter in the south has continued unabated.

“Rafah has become a sea of people fleeing bombardments,” said Mr. White, as UNRWA reported that tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee shelling and fighting in Khan Younis just this week, adding to the more than 1.4 million people already crammed in the southern governorate of Rafah. 

“Most are living in makeshift structures, tents or out in the open and now also fear they might no longer receive any food or other humanitarian assistance from UNRWA,” the UN agency said in a statement.

Pointing to longstanding obstacles to humanitarian aid access in the north of Gaza since war erupted on 7 October, UNWRA issued a new warning that famine “is looming”.

“We continue to coordinate with the Israeli Army to be able to go to the north, but this has been largely denied,” said Mr. White. “When our convoys are finally permitted to go to the area, people rush to the trucks to get food and often eat it on the spot.”   

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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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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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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/

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