On 18-19 March, the 5th EuroMed Justice Network (EMJNet) meeting was held at Eurojust, in The Hague.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers: A Beacon of Hope Through Charitable Activities in Hungary
KINGNEWSWIRE Press release // The Church of Scientology in Hungary, through its Scientology Volunteer Ministers, plays a vital role in humanitarian efforts and community well-being. Rooted in the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, their initiatives emphasize compassion, ethical living, and service to others. By leveraging their skills and resources, these volunteers actively uplift individuals and communities across Hungary.
Celebrating Spirituality and Service
Each year, the Church of Scientology hosts a special Sunday service to honor the birth of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. This year’s event, held on March 16, focused on themes of spiritual salvation and personal freedom. Ordained minister Attila Miklovicz delivered a sermon based on Mr. Hubbard’s scripture, Call to Freedom – Man Can Save His Soul.
Miklovicz addressed key topics such as overcoming materialism and preparing for life beyond death, concluding with an inspiring message: “A man can save his soul. We know how… Heaven awaits.” Attendees then participated in a group spiritual exercise, a cornerstone of Scientology’s spiritual counseling, fostering personal growth and development.
This annual event not only strengthens the faith of adherents but also inspires participants, including Volunteer Ministers, to extend these principles into their charitable work, contributing to society and their local communities.
Supporting Vulnerable Families
Scientology Volunteer Ministers actively support vulnerable populations through fundraising and outreach programs. On April 12, the Church of Scientology Hungary, in collaboration with its Volunteer Ministers, will host a benefit concert at the Váci út Center chapel. The event aims to raise funds for two important causes: the Madaras Street Children’s Hospital Foundation and a local aid organization supporting families in need.
The concert will feature performances by talented artists and an exhibition of contemporary paintings. Children attending the event can enjoy face painting, creating a joyful atmosphere. L. Ron Hubbard emphasized the importance of nurturing young people, recognizing them as the future of civilization. This philosophy underscores the significance of ensuring they receive the care and opportunities needed for a brighter future.
Promoting Equality and Kindness on Women’s Day
On March 8, International Women’s Day, Scientology Volunteer Ministers joined forces with the Office of Social Relations of the Church of Scientology in Hungary to honor women’s contributions to society. Volunteers distributed over 1,700 flowers to women in Budapest and several rural towns, recognizing their invaluable roles in both the home and workplace.
This initiative aimed to remind recipients of their worth and celebrate values such as harmony, kindness, and resilience. Organizers emphasized that acts of kindness should be a daily practice rather than limited to a single day of the year.
The Mission of Scientology Volunteer Ministers
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers as explained by Scientology representative to the European Union Ivan Arjona operate under the global motto, “Something can be done about it,” reflecting their proactive approach to addressing social issues. Trained in conflict resolution, disaster response, and communication techniques, they provide vital assistance to communities in need.
While their impact extends beyond Hungary, their local contributions are significant. From organizing benefit concerts and supporting healthcare initiatives to distributing flowers and leading spiritual counseling sessions, Volunteer Ministers consistently work toward making a tangible difference. Their efforts align with the broader mission of the Church of Scientology: to create a better world through education, compassion, and service.
Through their selfless dedication, Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to uplift humanity, addressing immediate needs while advocating for long-term change. Their work paves the way for a more compassionate and equitable future—one act of kindness at a time.
Ukrainians tortured, raped, executed by Russian captors, Human Rights Council hears
The Council – the UN’s foremost human rights forum – also heard updates on allegations of ongoing abuses in Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar.
According to the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, enforced disappearances of civilians committed by Russian authorities have been “widespread and systematic” and likely amount to crimes against humanity.
“Many persons have been missing for months or years and some have died,” said Erik Mose, Chair of the independent investigative panel, whose Commissioners are not UN staff nor paid for their work.
“The fate and whereabouts of many remain unknown, leaving their families in agonizing uncertainty.”
Detention agony for relatives, too
Requests from families of missing persons to Russian authorities for information about their relatives are typically met with unhelpful replies, while one young man was “detained and beaten when he went to the authorities to enquire about his missing girlfriend”, the Commission noted.
As in previous presentations prepared for the Human Rights Council, the Commission’s latest report contains equally disturbing findings about the use of torture by Russian authorities, panel member Vrinda Grover told journalists in Geneva:
“A civilian woman who had been raped during confinement in a detention facility held by Russian authorities stated that she pleaded with the perpetrators, telling them she could be their mother’s age, but they dismissed her saying,‘Bitch, don’t even compare yourself to my mother. You are not even a human. You do not deserve to live.’
“We have concluded that Russian authorities committed the war crimes of rape and sexual violence as a form of torture.”
Russian FSB connection
Ms. Grover noted that the Commissioners’ investigations confirmed that members of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) “exercised the highest authority. They committed or ordered torture at various stages of detention, and in particular during interrogations, when some of the most brutal treatment was inflicted”.
Challenged about the focus on alleged rights abuses by Russian authorities in their latest report, the Commissioners noted that they had detailed alleged violations committed by the Ukrainian forces “whenever we have found [them]”.
Communication breakdown
Commissioner Pablo de Greiff also noted that despite more than 30 requests for information from Russian authorities about possible Ukrainian attacks, “we have received absolutely none” and pointed to evidence of reprisals against supposed collaborators working with the Russian authorities.
Another aspect of the independent rights investigators’ report involves a growing number of incidents in which the Russian armed forces apparently killed or wounded Ukrainian soldiers who were captured or attempted to surrender.
“This constitutes a war crime,” Mr. de Greiff said, relaying the testimony of a former soldier who alleged that “a deputy brigade commander told the entire regiment, quote, ‘Prisoners are not needed, shoot them on the spot’.”
Russia was expelled from the Human Rights Council in 2022 by a two-thirds majority vote of the UN General Assembly following it full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus crackdown on dissent
The Council also focused on allegations of continuing widespread rights abuses in Belarus, characterized by a crackdown on political dissent and freedom of expression, arbitrary detentions, torture and in-absentia trials.
Presenting its latest report to the forum in Geneva, the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus insisted that some of the violations it had investigated “amount to the crimes against humanity of political persecution and imprisonment”.
Chair of the panel, Karinna Moskalenko, mapped out detention facilities where torture or degrading treatment allegedly takes place. She regretted that she and her fellow independent investigators had been unable to access Belarus.
The group – comprising respected rights experts Susan Bazilli and Monika Stanisława Płatek, in addition to Ms. Moskalenko – also produced a list of individuals allegedly responsible for human rights violations since the disputed May 2020 presidential election that returned long-time President Alexander Lukashenko to power, prompting widespread public protests.
Widespread impunity and repression
Today in Belarus, hundreds of thousands of citizens and 1,200 political prisoners remain in detention, Ms. Moskalenko said, describing arbitrary arrests as “a permanent feature of the repressive tactics of Belarusian authorities”.
She said her group had gathered “ample evidence” that detainees serving short prison sentences “were systematically subjected to discriminatory, degrading and punitive conditions of detention” and in some instances “torture”.
Belarusians are being forced into exile for a string of reasons, the panel maintained, including an absence of truly democratic institutions, the lack of an independent judiciary, the perception of civil society as a threat and a culture of impunity.
Inside the country, 228 civil society organizations have been wound up, in addition to 87 entities and 1,168 persons added to “extremist” lists, Ms. Moskalenko added.
Council push-back
In response to the report, Belarus rejected all allegations of violations and torture.
“This avenue is a dead-end for the Human Rights Council,” said Larysa Belskaya, Permanent Representative of Belarus to UN Geneva. “It is counterproductive to create any country mechanisms without the consent of the country affected.”
The representative said that 293 people had been pardoned in 2024 after confessing “crimes related to anti-state activity”.
The country has also for three years run “a functioning commission reviewing requests from citizens abroad to regulate their legal situation in the country”, she added.
DPR Korea: Basic freedoms curtailed, amid prolonged isolation
The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Elizabeth Salmón, expressed “serious concern” in her briefing to the council, pointing to the country’s prolonged isolation, lack of humanitarian assistance and increasing restrictions on basic freedoms.
Presenting her third report, she explained that these factors “have aggravated people’s human rights” in DPRK – more commonly known as North Korea – with the Government imposing “stricter laws” to curtail “rights to freedom of movement, to work, and to freedom of expression and opinion.”
‘Extreme militarisation policies’
In addition, recent reports suggest that the DPRK has deployed some of its troops to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, she added.
“While military conscription is not against international law, the poor human rights conditions of soldiers while in service in the DPRK plus the Government’s widespread exploitation of its own people raises several concerns,” Ms. Salmón warned.
Among them are Pyongyang’s “extreme militarisation policies” that are sustained through extensive reliance on forced labour and quota systems and that “only those loyal to the leadership” receive regular public food distribution at a time when over 45 percent of the population, 11.8 million people, are undernourished.
Myanmar: International funding cuts worsening crisis
Also on Wednesday, the independent human rights expert on Myanmar warned that the military junta continues its brutal crackdown, targeting civilians with airstrikes and forced conscription, while international aid cuts worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.
Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews told the council session that the junta is “steadily losing ground” but is lashing out in response, with civilians in the crosshairs.
“The junta has responded to these losses by instituting a military conscription program that includes grabbing young men off the streets or from their homes in the middle of the night,” he said.
He described airstrikes and bombing of hospitals, schools, camps for internally displaced persons, as well as religious gatherings and festivals.
“I have spoken with families who experienced the unspeakable horror of witnessing their children being killed in such attacks. Junta forces have committed widespread rape and other forms of sexual violence,” he added.
Adding to the crisis, funding cuts – most significantly from the United States – are severely impacting essential humanitarian aid.
Mr. Andrews said the withdrawal of support is already having catastrophic consequences, including the closure of medical facilities and rehabilitation centers, as well as the termination of food and health assistance for the most vulnerable.
He urged the Human Rights Council “to do what others cannot” and help shore up the international aid and political support that “has made an enormous difference” in people’s lives.
“The Human Rights Council has been called the conscience of the United Nations. I urge the member states of this body to speak out, to issue a declaration of conscience against this unfolding disaster.”
EU to strengthen defence capabilities and ramp up defence spending
In an era of rapid geopolitical shifts, the European Union is stepping up to protect its citizens and strengthen its defence capabilities.
Preparedness is key – taking responsibility for our own security means investing in robust defence, safeguarding our people, and ensuring we have the resources to act when needed.
The White paper for European defence – Readiness 2030 sets out a vision to rearm Europe by:
- ensuring the European defence industry can produce at the requested speed and volume
- facilitating rapid deployment of military troops and assets across the EU
The increase in defence spending will be ‘made in Europe’: ensuring both our long-term security and economic benefits for all EU countries. It will also help the EU to respond to the short-term urgency of supporting Ukraine.
White paper for European defence – Readiness 2030
The white paper paves the way for a true European defence union in which EU countries will remain in the driving seat for defence whilst benefitting from the added value offered by being in the EU.
It offers solutions to strengthen the defence industry by closing important gaps and ensuring long-term readiness. It also suggests ways for Member States to invest heavily in defence, buy necessary equipment, and support the industry’s growth over time.
The white paper outlines 3 key areas of action:
- Closing capability gaps and supporting the European defence industry, including simplifying regulations and streamlining industrial programmes.
- Deepening the single defence market and accelerating the transformation of defence through disruptive innovations such as AI and quantum technology.
- Enhancing European readiness for worst-case scenarios, by improving military mobility, stockpiling, and fostering operational cooperation across the EU.
Investing in European defence means investing in lasting peace and long-term stability for both current and future generations. But not only. It also means boosting technological innovation, supporting European competitiveness, promoting regional development and powering economic growth.
However, simply spending more is not enough. Member States need to spend better, work together, and prioritise European companies. The EU can support this by helping Member States coordinate their investments and develop defence equipment within Europe.
Because security challenges affect the entire world, working closely with our allies, is the only way to ensure that security remains our shared commitment.
Savings and investments union: better financial opportunities for EU citizens and businesses
The Commission has adopted a new strategy to channel savings into productive investments. It seeks to increase EU citizens’ participation in capital markets with broader investment options and improved financial literacy, fostering their wealth and boosting the EU economy.
About 70% of household savings in the EU – worth €10 trillion – are held as bank deposits. They are safe and easy to access but usually earn less money than investments in capital markets. The new strategy can support EU citizens in building their household wealth and saving better for the future. Thanks to the savings and investments union, citizens who wish to invest will have better opportunities to invest in capital markets. This means having easy, simple and low-cost access to a wide variety of investment opportunities.
More investments in capital markets support the economy by enabling EU companies to grow and thrive. This can create better jobs with higher salaries for workers, and drive investment and growth across all economic sectors.
The strategy also aims at enhancing the integration and competitiveness of the EU banking sector, including through the deepening of the banking union.
EU institutions, EU countries, and all key stakeholders will need to work together to achieve the savings and investments union. The strategy will be further developed, and measures will be taken in specific areas to boost competitiveness in the EU economy, focusing first on the most impactful actions in 2025.
The EU must unlock its potential to achieve its goals linked to competitiveness, security, and digital and green transitions. By developing an integrated banking system and capital markets, the savings and investments union can bridge the gap between savings and investment needs.
For more information
Press release: savings and investments union
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries with Council Decision concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/437 of 28 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.
Joint Statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Šuica and Lahbib on the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza
Joint Statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Šuica and Lahbib on the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza
LIVE NOW: ‘Abject fear’ returns to Gaza, Security Council hears, as UN calls for urgent renewal of ceasefire and hostage releases
The UN Security Council met in New York on Tuesday on the Middle East crisis, exactly two months since the start of the fragile Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal came into effect. That’s been shattered by deadly Israeli airstrikes overnight following a two-week aid blockade which has strained critical supplies. Well over 400 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured, according to local authorities. We’ll have reaction from across the UN and agencies on the ground. UN News app users follow live here.
Human Rights Council focuses on Iran, Syria, Venezuela
Council-appointed experts pointed to grave violations of fundamental rights in Iran, linked to popular protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, said that during peaceful protests, “children were killed and severely injured after being fired at with ammunition containing metal pellets”.
The youngsters then faced extremely violent treatment in detention – including torture and rape, according to the investigators’ latest report.
No acknowledgement
“For two years, Iran has refused to adequately acknowledge the demands for equality and justice that fuelled the protests in 2022. The criminalisation, surveillance and continued repression of protesters, families of victims and survivors – in particular women and girls – is deeply worrying,” she said.
Today in Iran, State-led repression of basic freedoms continues, Ms. Hossain maintained, with victims, survivors and their families “harassed, intimidated and threatened”.
Shaheen Ali, who also serves on the Fact-Finding Mission, said that although it was the Iranian Government’s “primary duty to provide redress to victims, we have heard from countless victims and survivors that they have neither confidence nor trust in Iran’s judicial and legal system, to provide meaningful truth, justice and reparations.”
“It is therefore imperative that comprehensive accountability measures also continue to be pursued outside the country.”
The Iranian delegation strongly opposed the probe’s findings.
Truth must emerge: Syria
The Syria crisis also featured at the Human Rights Council, where head of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro urged greater efforts to uncover the truth about the fate of tens of thousands of disappeared people, victims of the Assad regime.
Mr. Pinheiro welcomed the new caretaker authorities’ willingness to work with his investigators on several human rights issues, while warning that Syria’s economic and humanitarian situation “remains catastrophic”.
At the same time, humanitarian funding is dwindling, the veteran rights investigator said, warning that economic despair is known to fuel violence, calling for an end to all sanctions “and the removal of other barriers to recovery and reconstruction”.
Meeting families
He said his team of investigators had met many families whose missing loved ones were not among the prisoners released in December following the immediate overthrow of the old regime.
“They now want the truth about their fate, and they want justice,” he said.
“The clarification of the fates of the tens of thousands who remain disappeared will require a large-scale effort led by the caretaker authorities along with technical support from human rights and humanitarian entities, including Syrian civil society,” he added.
“We stand ready to assist those efforts, including by sharing the relevant data we have gathered since 2011, and reiterate the importance of preserving all related evidence and information that can aid in this regard.”
Political Repression in Venezuela
In her presentation to the Council, Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission on Venezuela, highlighted ongoing severe human rights violations, including political repression, arbitrary detentions, and persecution.
The 2024 presidential election results were contested but ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court of Justice without thorough examination.
The National Electoral Council failed to release the total vote count or polling station tally sheets, raising concerns about electoral transparency. Ms. Valiñas stated.
“Credible testimonies indicated that council members received political instructions to announce a predetermined result – deviating from the result obtained at the polling booths.”
Before the presidential inauguration on 10 January 2025, there was a surge in arbitrary detentions of opposition figures and perceived dissidents. Security forces and civilian groups, known as “colectivos”, suppressed anti-government protests, leading to numerous rights violations, she said.
The mission also investigated fatalities during post-election protests. One significant incident involved the death of seven people during a protest near the San Jacinto Obelisk in Maracay, Aragua state, last July.
After analysing over 80 videos and 100 photographs, the mission confirmed that members of the Army and the Bolivarian National Guard had used firearms against protesters.
Deaths due to ‘health complications’
Ms. Valiñas expressed concern over the deaths of multiple detainees in state custody, attributed to “health complications”.
Investigations revealed that many detainees were subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. She cited one case where an individual was believed to have suffered beatings with wooden and metal rods under interrogation.
In response, the Venezuelan Government rejected the findings, calling them politically motivated and biased.
The Venezuelan representative stated, “this mission produces its propaganda based on invented or politically motivated sources, without scientific rigour and with malicious premeditation.”
