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2024 Non-GMO industry calls for transparency and fair cooperation throughout the whole value chain

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Frankfurt/Main, More than 160 representatives from a thriving international Non-GMO industry and leading European associations from 23 countries and four continents met on 7th and 8th October 2024 at the ‘International Non-GMO Summit 2024’ in Frankfurt. Operators across the full Non-GMO value chain are united in battling the current challenges posed by the planned deregulation of New Genomic Techniques, as proposed by the EU Commission. The participants at the Summit gave a clear message for freedom of choice and transparency.

“The Non-GMO sector is here to stay!”

On behalf of the organisers, Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of VLOG emphasised: “Non-GMO markets are economically very successful and are thriving with strong support from consumers. We are ready and willing to face current political and market challenges.“ The organisers are convinced that NGTs should be strictly regulated, just like all other GMOs. Hissting’s clear message: “The Non-GMO sector is here to stay!”

 High-level political support, advocating freedom of choice

The current Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) want to work towards a compromise in the revision of the EU‘s GMO legislation that ensures consistent labelling, coexistence and traceability in dealing with new genetic engineering techniques (NGTs). In his welcoming address, Dr. István Nagy, current President of the EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, stated: “I am convinced that the precautionary principle should be applied when new technologies are used and organisms produced with such techniques are released into the environment and the food chain. Furthermore, I consider it to be of the utmost importance to provide consumers with adequate information and to guarantee their freedom of choice.”

German State Secretary Silvia Bender criticised the European Commission’s draft regulation on NGTs, doubting that it sufficiently takes into account the interests of consumers, farmers and food processors: “The market for Non-GMO products has been growing for years and we want to preserve this added value. To do this, we need functioning coexistence measures, from seeds to consumer. Our goal is to find a compromise for a socially acceptable way of dealing with the new genetic engineering methods, and we are working on that,” Bender explained. 

Call to strengthen critical voices in the EU: Keeping Europe GMO-free

Dietmar Vybiral from the Austrian Ministry of Health gave a detailed update on the current standstill with the negotiations around the planned revision of the EU’s GMO legislation. He explained that as Ministers at the EU Council could not yet agree on a “general approach”, trilogue negotiations between the three main EU institutions cannot start. Mr Vybiral called on those at the Summit to: “strengthen the critical voices in their respective governments to vote against a deregulation of NGTs.” He continued: “Austria has always stated that NGTs must be regulated as GMOs. Therefore, all NGTs products must have a proper risk assessment, must be labelled and have traceability assured – only this can ensure consumers’ knowledge and freedom of choice.”

The coordinator of the European DARWIN project, Odd-Gunnar Wikmark from the Norwegian research institute NORCE, reported on future-oriented research into reliable detection methods for NGTs. “It will be possible to develop detection methods for known varieties of NGTs. And we are confident that in time also untargeted detection methods will be developed.” 

Hans-Peter Dejakum, representative of the premium wafers and chocolate producer Loacker from South Tyrol, believes in the high value of excluding GMOs from the company’s supply chains: “We are tracking consumer wishes in around 70 countries and we know that our customers truly want our Non-GMO products. In the last decade we have substantially invested to build up a credible Non-GMO value chain and we definitely want to continue this way.” Loacker exports its product with Non-GMO label to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Good availability of soy, rapeseed and corn – but even more potential

International experts in the field of raw material production and agricultural trade agreed that the most important regions for non-GMO commodities (especially soy, corn, rapeseed) currently have good market coverage – in Latin America (especially Brazil) as well as in Europe (especially Ukraine). There are also sufficient growth opportunities to further increase the availability of GMO-free feed and thus keep pace with rising demand. The supply of GMO-free goods is secured for this year and the next, explained Bertalan Kruppa, Donau Soja, Maxime Montserrat, Bunge and Daniele Marcomin, Agribusiness di Covolato in their presentations on the current situation on the international markets.

“Keep calm and carry on!”

Heike Moldenhauer, Secretary General of ENGA, concluded the Summit on behalf of the organisers, with a clear call to the Non-GMO industry present “to keep calm and carry on”. The battle for the right to continue to produce without GMOs is far from over, Moldenhauer stated: Currently there are hardly any New GMOs on the global markets – none in the EU, just a handful in countries where New GMOs have a non-regulated status. Therefore, markets will not be flooded with New GMOs in the coming years – as a glance at the companies’ development pipelines shows.

In addition, the exploration of audit strategies and research on detection methods and improvements in traceability have picked up speed. Moldenhauer is confident that significant progress will be reached to exclude New GMOs from Non-GMO value chains

The International Non-GMO Summit was organised by the most important industry associations of the Non-GMO market: Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik
(VLOG), ARGE Gentechnik-frei, Donau Soja, European Non-GMO Industry Association (ENGA) and ProTerra Foundation.

The congress was supported by its major sponsors Caramuru, Foodchain ID, Köster Marine Proteins, Bunge.

The Chancery Lane Project unveils climate clauses for Japanese and German markets

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Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

London, U.K. 8 October 2024: UK-based, nonprofit The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) has launched six new foreign-language climate clauses — three German and three Japanese. These clauses help organisations integrate net zero commitments into their contracts, making it easier to meet climate targets with accountability and impact.

The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) is a pioneering nonprofit that equips organisations with free, cutting-edge legal tools (guides, clauses, and glossary terms) designed to reduce emissions and drive real climate action. Large companies like Telstra, Salesforce, Vodafone, NatWest, and Cambridge University Press are leveraging TCLP’s climate clauses to embed sustainability into their operations.

The release of these six country clauses marks the first time the organisation has published climate clauses in a foreign language. The Japanese clauses are the nonprofit’s first set published specifically for an Asian jurisdiction. 

These Japanese and German clauses solve a range of different climate issues for organisations:

  • Riku’s Clause provides climate change clauses for Heads of Terms, making climate a key consideration for any deal team.
  • Sakura and Sora’s DDQ  is a due diligence questionnaire for corporate mergers and acquisitions.
  • Sumire’s Clause (transposed from Agatha’s Clause) gives customers a right to switch suppliers if their existing supplier cannot match a ‘greener’ offer made by an alternative supplier.
  • Fenjas-Klausel is an ESG-oriented remuneration and compensation clause for executives.
  • Pauls-Policy guides companies towards greater social responsibility through ESG-aligned corporate governance.
  • Uwes-Klausel is an employment contract clause tied to ESG.

Natasha Morgan, Head of Legal Content at The Chancery Lane Project commented:

“With the rise of climate regulations worldwide, such as the CSDDD and the German Due Diligence Supply Chain Act, legal frameworks are becoming critical tools for real climate action. Our new Japanese and German climate clauses empower organisations to take meaningful steps toward net zero, embedding sustainability into the heart of their contracts. This is more than just legal compliance—it’s about driving change from within.”

The Chancery Lane Project is committed to supporting companies globally to decarbonise contracts. Today’s announcement follows the recent publication of new English language international clauses in the US, Germany, Australia and Italy.

Dr. Nazila Ghanea Addressed to the Faith and Freedom Summit IV

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The Faith and Freedom Summit IV, held on September 24-25 at the Latin American Parliament in Panama City, brought together a diverse coalition of voices advocating for religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. With more than 40 international speakers representing a wide array of beliefs—including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Scientologists, Indigenous Mayans, Sikhs, Hindus, and non-believers—the summit served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration. Among the keynote speakers was UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Dr. Nazila Ghanea.

In a significant address delivered digitally at the Faith and Freedom Summit held at the Latin American Parliament in Panama, Dr. Nazila Ghanea, highlighted the critical role of ensuring that no one suffers discrimination or violations of human rights due to their religion or belief. Despite her inability to attend in person, Dr. Ghanea’s speech touched on various pertinent themes that are central to the global efforts to safeguard this fundamental freedom.

Ensuring Freedom of Religion or Belief for All:

Dr. Ghanea began her remarks by emphasizing the collective responsibility that each one of us shares in upholding freedom of religion or belief. She stated, “We have gathered…in recognition of the responsibilities we shoulder in ensuring that nobody is discriminated [against] on grounds of their religion or belief, and that each and every one of us is able to enjoy freedom of religion or belief.” The summit brought together participants from across the globe, both in-person and digitally, to reaffirm the importance of advancing these rights for all.

Diplomacy and Freedom of Religion or Belief:

One of the key themes Dr. Ghanea highlighted was the intersection of diplomacy and the protection of religious freedoms. She referred to the report AHRC 5238, presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2023, which focused on the global landscape of freedom of religion or belief. The report draws attention to the increasing number of actors involved in this diplomacy and calls on them to uphold the universality and indivisibility of human rights. Despite the growing engagement, Dr. Ghanea warned that “the challenge before us remains great,” urging for sustained efforts in this area.

Regional and International Cooperation:

Dr. Ghanea underlined the significance of collaboration between regional and international systems for protecting religious freedoms. She noted the productive engagement between her mandate and regional bodies like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court. “It’s critical that we are informed, we are open, and we leave the option for collaboration,” she stressed. Such cooperation is essential to sharing best practices, lending support, and even taking joint actions where possible.

Grassroots and Civil Society Involvement:

Another crucial theme in Dr. Ghanea’s speech was the role of national systems, civil society, and grassroots movements in promoting freedom of religion or belief. She referenced her October 2023 report (A78207) to the UN General Assembly, which examined this right from a grassroots perspective. “If we don’t consider it from the viewpoint of the beneficiary, that is everyone, then what is the point of freedom of religion or belief?” she asked rhetorically. Dr. Ghanea emphasized that state actors have a legal obligation, while non-state actors carry the responsibility to ensure this right is fully realized.

At the national level, she stressed that the state’s obligation extends to various authorities, from federal to municipal levels, and that these actors must be aware, trained, and held accountable. Non-state actors, particularly civil society, play a vital role in strengthening national policies and holding governments accountable to their international human rights obligations.

Media’s Role in Promoting Religious Freedom:

Dr. Ghanea also touched upon the media’s impact on promoting or hindering freedom of religion or belief. She referred to the report AHRC 5547, presented in March 2024, which discussed the role of media and civil society in countering advocacy of hatred based on religion or belief. She emphasized that media responses, alongside state and civil society actions, can be transformative in promoting religious tolerance and understanding.

Religions and Beliefs as Instruments of Peace:

Towards the conclusion of her speech, Dr. Ghanea referred to her upcoming report (A79182) on peace and freedom of religion or belief, to be presented in October 2024. The report explores how religious freedom can foster peacebuilding and conflict prevention. “Freedom of religion or belief creates the conditions, motivations, rationales, and movements for peace to emerge,” she stated, highlighting the potential of this fundamental right to not only ensure personal freedoms but also to serve as a cornerstone for global peace and stability.

Conclusion: A Call for Continued Collaboration and Vigilance:

Dr. Ghanea’s speech ended on a note of optimism and a call for continued vigilance and collaboration in securing freedom of religion or belief. Congratulating the summit organizers for curating such a relevant and impactful program, she reaffirmed the critical importance of drawing attention to both state and non-state actors’ responsibilities in securing this right. She also expressed hope that the summit would sharpen collaboration between political leaders, religious figures, human rights advocates, academics, and others in achieving greater effectiveness in safeguarding freedom of religion or belief for all.

Dr. Ghanea extended her best wishes for the success of the summit and expressed her eagerness to hear about its findings. Her message underscored the shared commitment to upholding one of humanity’s most fundamental freedoms, ensuring that every person, regardless of their faith or belief, can live without fear of discrimination or oppression.

“So to sum up, I congratulate the organisers for sketching out such a pertinent programme of work for the summit and join all of you in prioritising and recognising the critical obligations of state authorities in securing this right for everyone and drawing attention to the significant responsibilities of the rest of us towards the same objective.” concluded Ghanea.

The Faith and Freedom Summit IV was organised by a coalition of NGOs dedicated to the promotion of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, and was attended by numerous personalities such as the OAS Representative in Panama H.E. Mr Rubén Farje, Reverend Giselle Lima (Co-Coordinator of the Panama Roundtable on Religious Freedom in Panama, Mr. Iván Arjona-Pelado (recently appointed Chair of the NGO Committee on FoRB for the United Nations in Geneva and who presented the web www.whatisfreedomofreligion.org from the Church of Scientology), Ms. Maureen Ferguson who is one of the USCIRF Commissioners, Jan Figel (former EU Special Envoy on FoRB) and it was opened and closed by the Minister In Charge of Interior and Minister In Charge of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Panama, plus ambassadors from different countries.

 

Hungary’s Role in Europe’s Future: Von der Leyen on Crisis, War, and Economic Growth

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On a day that marked significant reflection and determination, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, addressed the European Parliament, focusing on key issues impacting Hungary, Ukraine, and the wider European Union. With a tone of solidarity and unity, she emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling the pressing challenges of our time: from climate change and migration to competitiveness and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Aftermath of Extreme Weather in Central Europe

The speech opened with von der Leyen expressing solidarity with Hungary and Central Europe after devastating floods, which delayed the meeting by three weeks. She described the extreme weather as a consequence of climate change, highlighting that “five months’ worth of rain fell on Central Europe in just four days.” The magnitude of the floods was unprecedented, causing destruction to landmarks, crops, and industries across the region, particularly in Budapest.

However, amidst this devastation, von der Leyen applauded the resilience of the Hungarian people: “In these three weeks, we have seen the people of Hungary rolling up their sleeves and helping one another.” She emphasized that Europe would stand by Hungary, stating, “The European Union is there for the people of Hungary in this emergency and beyond.” The European Commission had already mobilized its Copernicus satellites to aid in the rescue efforts, and Hungary was encouraged to access the EU’s Solidarity Fund to rebuild.

Supporting Ukraine Through Its Hardest Winter

Von der Leyen shifted the focus to Ukraine, a country heading into its third winter of war with Russia. The situation has worsened as Russia continues its assaults, launching over 1,300 drones on Ukrainian cities in the past month alone, targeting essential energy infrastructure and causing widespread destruction. In a powerful rebuke to those who downplay Russia’s aggression, von der Leyen asked, “Would they ever blame the Hungarians for the Soviet invasion in 1956? Would they ever blame the Czechs or Slovaks for the Soviet repression of 1968?” She emphasized that the Ukrainian people are freedom fighters, much like the heroes who liberated Central and Eastern Europe from Soviet rule.

Europe’s response to the war is unwavering. Von der Leyen announced that the EU, alongside the G7, had pledged €50 billion to Ukraine, of which €35 billion would come in the form of loans to support the country’s national budget. Critically, these loans would be repaid using the windfall profits from immobilized Russian assets. “We are making Russia pay for the damage it caused,” she asserted, emphasizing Europe’s continued support for Ukraine “through this winter and for as long as it takes.”

Enhancing European Competitiveness

The next priority in von der Leyen’s speech centered on improving European competitiveness. She referred to the Draghi report, which provided a roadmap for strengthening the EU’s economic future. The primary concern raised was the “innovation gap” between Europe and other major economies, particularly in the digital space. “Too many of our innovative companies have to look at the United States or Asia to finance their expansion,” she noted, pointing out that while European households have €300 billion in savings, much of it is invested outside the continent.

Von der Leyen proposed a solution: the creation of a savings and investment union, aimed at eliminating barriers that prevent companies from scaling up across European borders. To boost competitiveness, she suggested a reduction in regulatory burdens, especially in sectors like finance and digital technologies.

However, the president took a firm stance against Hungary’s current policies, criticizing the Hungarian government for its discriminatory practices towards European businesses. She questioned how Hungary could hope to attract investments when it imposes arbitrary export restrictions, discriminatory taxes, and allows corruption to flourish in public contracts. “This creates uncertainty and undermines investors’ trust,” she warned, pointing out that Hungary’s GDP per capita had fallen behind its Central European neighbors.

Decarbonization and Energy Security

Von der Leyen also tackled the issue of decarbonization, a critical part of Europe’s path towards sustainability. In light of the ongoing war, she reminded the parliament of the pledge made by all 27 EU leaders at Versailles to diversify away from Russian fossil fuels. “One thousand days later, Europe has indeed diversified,” she declared, with half of Europe’s electricity generation now coming from renewable energy sources. However, she condemned Member States that still relied on Russian fossil fuels, stating unequivocally that “Russia has proven time and again it is simply not a reliable supplier.”

Her message was clear: energy security is synonymous with European security. Europe must continue its transition to clean, homegrown energy, creating jobs within the EU rather than sending money to Russia.

Migration: A Challenge for Europe

Migration remained a key topic in von der Leyen’s speech. Acknowledging it as a “European challenge that requires a European answer,” she emphasized the importance of implementing the newly adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. The EU is already working with Member States at its external borders, but von der Leyen expressed concern over Hungary’s approach to the migration issue. She pointed out that Hungarian authorities had released convicted smugglers and traffickers from prison before they had completed their sentences, undermining European efforts to combat illegal migration. “This is not fighting illegal migration in Europe. This is not protecting our Union,” she criticized.

Additionally, von der Leyen highlighted the security risks posed by Hungary’s visa scheme, which allowed Russian nationals to enter the EU without proper security checks. She also questioned the Hungarian government’s decision to allow Chinese police to operate within its borders, describing these actions as threats to European sovereignty.

A Call for European Unity

Von der Leyen concluded her speech with a powerful call for European unity, recalling Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s words from 2011 when Hungary first held the Presidency of the Council of the EU: “We will follow in the footsteps of the revolutionaries of 1956. We intend to serve the cause of European unity.” Reaffirming that “Europe must stand united,” she addressed the Hungarian people directly, saying, “Your story is our story. Your future is our future. 10 million Hungarians are 10 million good reasons to keep shaping our future together.”

In this critical moment for Europe, von der Leyen’s speech served as both a warning and a reminder of the values that bind the European Union together—solidarity, unity, and a shared commitment to freedom and democracy.

Sudan crisis: Top ministers meet in New York in call for concerted action

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Sudan crisis: Top ministers meet in New York in call for concerted action

The development comes almost 18 months since rival militaries started fighting each other in Sudan, forcing more than 10 million people from their homes – half of them children.

“People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow,” said the UN’s top relief official Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. “Thousands of civilians have been killed, entire communities displaced and deprived of food, families scattered, children traumatized, women raped and abused. Decisive international action is urgent. We need humanitarian access to everyone in need, through all necessary routes, ramped-up funding for the response, ironclad commitments to protect civilians, and most of all, real and inclusive steps to end this ruinous war.”

Difficult diplomacy

Repeated warnings from UN humanitarians and appeals for an end to the hostilities from the Security Council have not halted the violence, although US-led peace talks in Switzerland in August with mediators from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates resulted in commitments to boost aid access from neighbouring Chad in the west and from Port Sudan in the east.

The emergency is now the world’s largest hunger crisis, according to UN humanitarians, who have warned that nearly 26 million people are already acutely hungry across Sudan.

US pledges $242 million in new assistance

Speaking at the high-level Ministerial side event in New York, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that many civilians “are in famine, some reduced to eating leaves and dirt to stave off hunger pains, but not starvation.”

“I feel, as I know all of you must, a sense of shame and embarrassment that this is happening on our watch. Of course, none of this just simply happened. This humanitarian catastrophe is a man made one brought on by a senseless war that has wrought unspeakable violence and by heartless blockades of food, water and medicine for those made victims of it, the rape and torture, ethnic cleansing, weaponization of hunger, it is utterly unconscionable.”

She said compassion fatigue must not win out: “In this moment, the international community needs to do everything in our power, in our power to silence the guns and massively scale up aid.”

OCHA‘s Ms. Msuya told the event that despite the “courageous efforts of local and international humanitarian organizations, we simply cannot deliver adequate levels of assistance. Let us not be here again in one year’s time, lamenting another 12 months of death, destruction and unbearable suffering. Today, let us commit to taking urgent concrete steps to protect and support civilians in Sudan.”

Death toll warning

“Without urgent assistance, hundreds of thousands could die,” the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said, at a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, noted that famine has been confirmed in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp, but “many other areas” are at risk. A staggering near five million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished, latest assessments show.

Sickness stalks weakest

Disease is also spreading rapidly among malnourished communities whose immune systems have been laid low. “Health care and basic services have been decimated, cholera and other diseases are on the rise, and children are out of school for a second straight year,” the UN agencies said in a statement. “The emergency is one of the worst protection crises in recent history, with alarming levels of sexual and gender-based violence continuing to terrorize civilians, particularly women and girls.”

In addition to the threat posed by ongoing heavy fighting, humanitarians have struggled to ramp up lifesaving relief deliveries because of restricted aid access and chronic underfunding. Of the $2.7 billion required to help 14.7 million people inside Sudan until the end of this year, funding is currently at just 49 per cent. The $1.5 billion appeal to help 3.3 million refugees from Sudan in seven neighbouring countries is only 25 per cent funded.

Refugee agency appeal

“This brutal war has uprooted millions of people, forcing them to leave their homes, schools and jobs behind in search of safety,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “Countries neighbouring Sudan are generously hosting a rising number of refugees, but cannot shoulder that responsibility alone. People need humanitarian aid now and support to rebuild their lives. Meaningful peace efforts are also urgently needed so people can eventually return home. The stability of the whole region hangs in the balance.”

These and other challenges will be discussed at ministerial level at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, co-hosted by OCHA, UNHCR, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the US, the African Union and the European Union. All have underscored their support for the people of Sudan and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

“For over 500 days, the Sudanese people have been bearing the brunt of this war, feeling forgotten and abandoned by the world,” said WFP spokesperson Leni Kinzli. “They are still holding on to the hope that one day they can return to their lives together. We owe it to the Sudanese people to step up collective action and prevent mass-scale starvation.”

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USCIRF Commissioner Maureen Ferguson civil society groups are often the first to expose religious freedom violations

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USCIRF Commissioner in Faith and Freedom Summit in Panama -
USCIRF Commissioner in Faith and Freedom Summit in Panama - Photo credit: www.faithandfreedomsummit.com

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Ms Maureen Ferguson participated as a keynote speaker at the IV Edition of the Faith & Freedom Summit NGO Coalition, held 24-25 September at the Latin American Parliament in Panama City of 40 international speakers and participated by Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Scientologists, Indigenous Mayan, Sikhs, Hindus, non-believers and others.

In a compelling address at the Faith and Freedom Summit IV “practicing what we preach” in Panama, Commissioner Ferguson called for a renewed commitment to advocating for religious freedom worldwide. Her remarks, delivered during the conference’s final panel on FoRB through Diplomacy, underscored the critical role of diplomacy in promoting this fundamental human right. She shared panel with Founder and CEO of IRF Secretariat Greg Mitchel, Ivan Arjona-Pelado, David Trimble, Jan Figel, HE Bouchra Boudchiche of the Embassy of Morocco, and Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher.

Ferguson opened her speech with warmth and enthusiasm, encouraging audience and rest of speakers to further dive into discussions focused on achieving freedom of religion or belief through diplomatic efforts. She emphasized that USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan advisory body created by Congress in 1998, dedicated to monitoring and reporting on religious freedom conditions globally. “We defend this essential freedom internationally for people of all religions and beliefs, as well as for those who choose to follow no religion or belief,” she asserted.

USCIRF Commissioner Maureen Ferguson
USCIRF Commissioner Maureen Ferguson in Faith and Freedom Summit in Panama – Photo credit: www.faithandfreedomsummit.com

In her address, Ferguson outlined key steps that governments can take to ensure that their foreign policy prioritizes religious freedom. She urged nations to establish independent agencies tasked with assessing religious freedom conditions abroad, stating, “This independence will help guarantee that competing diplomatic priorities do not influence or sway the agency’s assessments.” She highlighted USCIRF’s role in this process, noting that the commission releases an annual report documenting violations of religious freedom worldwide, including the plight of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and the persecution of religious minorities in Nicaragua.

Ferguson emphasized the importance of accountability in addressing religious freedom violations, referencing the International Religious Freedom Act, which mandates that the U.S. State Department designate countries with severe violations as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs). “When a country is designated as a CPC, the law requires our President to take one or more policy actions to hold that country accountable,” she explained.

She also shared three vital lessons learned from U.S. diplomatic efforts to protect religious freedom. First, she stressed the necessity of building partnerships with like-minded governments to address violations, citing the United Nations Human Rights Council’s resolutions condemning persecution in Nicaragua as a successful example of international collaboration. “Support from this broad coalition helped the Human Rights Council create a group of experts dedicated to reporting on the religious freedom and human rights violations in Nicaragua,” she noted.

Second, Ferguson highlighted the importance of direct communication between governments regarding religious freedom violations. “Such direct communication is a good opportunity to raise the case of individuals who are harassed, detained, or imprisoned on the basis of their religion or belief,” she stated, emphasizing that advocacy involves not only condemning bad behavior but also encouraging positive change.

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USCIRF Commissioner Maureen Ferguson civil society groups are often the first to expose religious freedom violations 3

Lastly, she called for stronger relationships between governments and civil society organizations, which often serve as the first line of defense against emerging violations. “Civil society groups are often the first to recognize emerging religious freedom violations and to bring the world’s attention to them,” she remarked, underscoring their invaluable role in informing effective protective measures.

Before concluding, Commissioner Maureen Ferguson introduced a vital resource developed by USCIRF: a victims list that tracks the cases of individuals persecuted for their religious beliefs. “There are well over 2,000 profiles in this searchable database,” she revealed, inviting governments and civil society partners to utilize this tool to advocate for the victims.

In her closing remarks, Maureen Ferguson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak and reflected on her personal journey. “One of the greatest proofs of the existence of God is the obvious and ugly example of the existence of evil,” she shared, acknowledging the challenges faced in the fight for religious freedom. However, she also celebrated the presence of goodness and truth among the attendees, stating, “Being with all of you has just been a wonderful experience of the universality of the good and the true and the beautiful.”

Ferguson’s impassioned address resonated deeply with the audience, leaving them inspired to continue their vital work in advancing religious freedom for all.

The Faith and Freedom Summit IV was organised by a coalition of NGOs dedicated to the promotion of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, and was attended by numerous personalities such as the OAS Representative in Panama H.E. Mr Rubén Farje, Reverend Giselle Lima (Co-Coordinator of the Panama Roundtable on Religious Freedom in Panama, Mr. Iván Arjona-Pelado (recently appointed Chair of the NGO Committee on FoRB for the United Nations in Geneva and who presented the web www.whatisfreedomofreligion.org from the Church of Scientology), Mr. Jan Figel who is former EU Special Envoy on FoRB, and it was opened and closed by the Minister In Charge of Interior and Minister In Charge of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Panama, plus ambassadors from different countries.

EU Extends Sanctions on Nicaragua, Calls for Restoration of Fundamental Freedoms

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a crowd of people holding a flag
Photo by Caitlyn Wilson on Unsplash

The European Council has once again extended its restrictive measures against Nicaragua for an additional year, maintaining the sanctions until October 15, 2025. This decision reflects the EU’s ongoing concern over the deteriorating political and social conditions in Nicaragua, emphasizing the urgent need for democratic reforms and respect for human rights.

Currently, the restrictive measures target 21 individuals and three entities, enforcing an asset freeze and prohibiting EU citizens and companies from providing funds to those listed. Moreover, the sanctions impose a travel ban on these individuals, preventing them from entering or passing through EU territories.

The sanctions regime was initially enacted in October 2019, as the EU sought to address the escalating crisis in Nicaragua. The Council has repeatedly highlighted serious issues, including the erosion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the country. These measures are reassessed annually, ensuring that the EU’s response remains relevant and effective.

The European Union remains steadfast in its call for Nicaragua to restore fundamental freedoms, release all remaining political prisoners, and permit the return of international human rights organizations. The EU urges an end to the ongoing restrictions on civic space and insists on the right to dissent being respected.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Nicaraguan people, the EU emphasizes the importance of defending democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. The political crisis plaguing Nicaragua demands a resolution through sincere dialogue between the government and opposition forces, a solution the EU firmly advocates.

As Nicaragua faces continued international scrutiny, the EU’s measures represent a strong message: genuine reform and respect for fundamental freedoms are imperative to advancing the nation’s democratic and social stability.

‘Orphanage city’ helps children in Gaza as the war grinds on

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‘Orphanage city’ helps children in Gaza as the war grinds on

The latest death toll has surpassed more than 41,000 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health – the majority of them women and children – while most of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million have been forcibly displaced and trapped in only 10 per cent of the territory, but in this grim situation, new initiatives aim at radiating even the slightest sliver of light amid the darkness of war.

In the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, teacher Mahmoud Kallakh set up a camp aimed at providing some relief to families who had lost their men and breadwinners.

The Al-Baraka orphanage camp currently hosts 400 Palestinian families displaced to this area of southern Gaza. In an interview with our correspondent in Gaza, Ziad Taleb, Mr. Kallakh said that the initiative works to provide care to families in what he described as an “orphanage city”, including shelter, food and drink, medical care alongside educational and social services, with help, including from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“We have a dedicated medical centre and a school sponsored by the United Nations, through UNICEF, which thankfully provided the necessary resources for the school, embracing students, providing them with stationery and paying teachers’ salaries,” Mr. Kallakh said. “We want to establish this school completely, to replace these small tents, to create a more comfortable environment for students to receive their education.”

Taleen Al-Hinnawi lost her father as a result of the war in Gaza and now lives at the Al-Baraka orphanage camp.

More than 17,000 orphans in Gaza

The number of children served here is just a drop in the sea of orphaned children in Gaza who are in need of protection. The number of unprotected orphans in Gaza now ranges between 17,000 and 18,000, many of whom are unaccompanied by any family members.

Taleen Al-Hinnawi lost her father as a result of the war and is trying to adjust to her new life in Al-Baraka orphanage camp. Signs of shock and sadness filled her face as she spoke to UN News, telling us about her father.

“Baba [Arabic for dad] was very affectionate,” she said. “I don’t feel like Baba was martyred.”

The young girl’s outlook on life has completely changed.

The war is trying “to wipe out entire families”, she said.

Taleen said she wished to return to her home in Gaza City “so life can return to normal, study like everyone else and memorise the Quran like everyone else. Before that, we lived in our house. We never bothered anyone, and we kept to ourselves.”

Nada Al-Gharib lost her father and only brother in a strike on the family's tent, which also injured her and her mother.

Nada Al-Gharib lost her father and only brother in a strike on the family’s tent, which also injured her and her mother.

‘We lost them’

“This war took away from me my father and my only brother.”

With these words, young Nada Al-Gharib began telling her story. She and her mother were also injured in the strike on the tent where the family was sheltering in Khan Younis. They were trapped inside for three days.

Nada said her family had been displaced from northern Gaza to Khan Younis “because that’s what the occupation demanded of us”.

“We came here, we were trapped. My father and my only brother were martyred, and my mother and I were injured,” she explained.

A large crater caused by an Israeli airstrike hit a makeshift camp for displaced people in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in Gaza.

A large crater caused by an Israeli airstrike hit a makeshift camp for displaced people in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in Gaza.

‘We are like siblings here’

After they managed to leave the tent, Nada and her mother went to the industrial area west of Khan Younis, where they received treatment and were trapped again. They passed through Israeli checkpoints, she recalled, as they crossed into Rafah, which they also fled, and finally ended up at the Al-Baraka orphanage camp.

She and her mother found a second home in this camp, she said, “because everyone around us has the same story and pain”.

“We are like siblings here,” she said. “All mothers are like our mothers, and all children are our siblings. We love each other here very much. We love our lives. Even though it’s hard and the loss [of our loved ones] is hard for us, we try to live for them.”

Nada said her father was a great, kind man who loved his family very much.

“He would never let us do anything difficult,” she said. “Now, things are difficult. We have to fetch water and do things that men are supposed to do, but we have no other choice because we lost them.”

As war continues in Gaza, mass displacement is having a devastating impact on women and girls.

© UNFPA Palestine/Media Clinic

As war continues in Gaza, mass displacement is having a devastating impact on women and girls.

Escalating hostilities

UNICEF says the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is catastrophically affecting children and families, with children dying at an alarming rate. More than 14,000 children have been killed, according to estimates by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and thousands more have been injured.

An estimated 1.9 million people – about 9 out of 10 Gazans – have been internally displaced, more than half of them children, without adequate water, food, fuel and medicine.

The UN agency is calling for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all children and families in need inside Gaza, including in the northern Strip, the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all abducted children and an end to any grave violations against children, including killing and maiming.

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OSCE Workshop Enhances Inter-Agency Collaboration for Youth Crime Prevention in Kyrgyzstan

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Photo by James Kovin on Unsplash

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan – 7 October 2024 – From October 1 to 3, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in collaboration with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, hosted a significant multi-stakeholder workshop in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, aimed at bolstering inter-agency cooperation on youth crime prevention. This initiative brought together 30 representatives from law enforcement and social services, including key participants from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

The workshop’s central focus was on fostering effective collaboration among different agencies to ensure at-risk youth, regardless of gender, are deterred from criminal pathways. Through a series of interactive sessions, attendees were encouraged to identify, assess, and prioritize real-life cases of youth crime, while collaboratively developing strategies to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.

“Youth crime prevention is a priority for Kyrgyzstan,” commented Nurzhan Adylova, Head of the Department of the Public Security Service within the Ministry of Interior. “This workshop was an effective platform for us to explore ways to improve cooperation between law enforcement, schools, and social workers, aiming to promote a culture of lawful behavior from an early age.”

The workshop represents a pivotal component of the OSCE-wide multi-year extra-budgetary project titled “Enhancing Youth Crime and Drug Use Prevention through Education on Legality and Awareness Campaigns Addressing Threats of Organized Crime and Corruption.” This project has received primary funding from Germany, along with additional support from countries including Andorra, Finland, Italy, Norway, and Poland.

By fostering collaboration and developing shared strategies, the workshop aimed to establish a more cohesive approach to preventing youth crime in Kyrgyzstan. The engagement of various stakeholders underscores a commitment to tackling the root causes of youth criminality, ultimately seeking to empower young people through education and support systems, while instilling a strong sense of community responsibility.

As the workshop concluded, participants left with renewed commitments to work together, sharing insights and strategies that can pave the way for a safer environment for youth in Kyrgyzstan. The focus on early prevention and inter-agency cooperation is expected to play a crucial role in steering at-risk individuals away from crime, fostering a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

OSCE-ODIHR launched book “Belief, Dialogue, and Security”

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Illustrations, design and layout by Alex Valy
Illustrations, design and layout by Alex Valy

A New Guide for Fostering Interfaith Cooperation

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has proudly launched its latest publication, “Belief, Dialogue, and Security: Fostering Dialogue and Joint Action Across Religious and Belief Boundaries.” This guide aims to provide practical advice and resources for states and non-state actors to promote dialogue and cooperation among diverse religious and belief communities, enhancing social trust and security across the OSCE region.

In its website, it says that “ODIHR has developed this guide in response to calls from participating States to give them guidance and practical tools to help them create an environment that enables fruitful dialogue and joint action across religious and belief boundaries. The guide does not push a ‘one‑size‑fits‑all’ model, instead offering guidance about the questions and factors states should consider when approaching the subject. It discusses how to select initiatives and support them in practice. It includes examples of good practice and interviews with actors engaged in dialogue and joint action initiatives across a broad range of contexts.“

The Need for Dialogue

ODIHR book on Faith and DialogueDownload

In a world marked by increasing religious and belief pluralism, the need for constructive dialogue has never been more pressing. The foreword by ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci emphasizes that while diversity enriches societies, it can also lead to fragmentation if not managed properly. The guide outlines the importance of fostering high levels of tolerance and social trust, which are essential for peaceful coexistence.

The publication is structured into several chapters, each addressing critical aspects of fostering dialogue:

  1. Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion, or Belief (FoRB): The guide discusses the fundamental human right of FoRB, its limitations, and the grounds for these limitations, providing a comprehensive legal framework.
  2. Dialogue and Joint Action: It emphasizes the role of states in enabling, rather than leading, dialogue initiatives. Trust and voluntary participation are highlighted as essential components for successful interfaith dialogue.
  3. The Role of the State: The guide outlines how states can support dialogue initiatives while ensuring respect for human rights, even-handedness, and transparency.
  4. Projects and Funding Calls: Practical advice is provided on designing funding calls and assessing applications to support dialogue initiatives effectively.
  5. Checklist for States: A practical checklist is included to guide states in their efforts to promote dialogue and joint action.

Methodology and Contributions

The guide is the result of extensive consultations with experts from various fields, including civil society representatives, academics, and government officials. Notable contributions came from members of the ODIHR panel of experts on freedom of religion or belief, who provided valuable insights and recommendations.

“Belief, Dialogue, and Security” serves as a vital resource for policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society actors committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. By promoting respect for FoRB and other human rights, the guide aims to contribute to the creation of peaceful, pluralistic societies across the OSCE region. As the world grapples with the challenges of diversity, this publication stands as a beacon of hope for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.

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