Patriarch Kirill should be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), says the NGO HRWF in a detailed report
HRWF’s (Human Rights Without Frontiers) contribution calls for the investigation by the International Criminal Court on the potential criminal liability of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church for aiding and abetting the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The NGO responsible for the report, HRWF, was founded by its director Willy Fautré and worked with the human rights specialized attorney Patricia Duval.
Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian Orthodox Church has often been accused of serving the interests of the State. Photo: NovayaGazeta.ru
Human Rights Without Frontiers, a Brussels-based NGO, appeals to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim A. A. Khan QC, to hold personally accountable and prosecute Vladimir Mikhaïlovitch Goundiaïev, known as Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, for:
for inspiring, inciting, justifying, aiding and abetting war crimes (Art. 8 of the Rome Statute) and crimes against humanity (Art. 7) perpetrated and being perpetrated by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.”
According to Fautre and Duval, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently “busy documenting and evidencing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine, and identifying the perpetrators to be held accountable for the said crimes. The prosecution of Patriarch Kirill falls within Article 25 of the Rome Statute – Individual criminal responsibility”
The article mentioned by HRWF provides:
In accordance with this Statute, a person shall be criminally responsible and liable for punishment for a crime within the jurisdiction of the Court if that person: (…) (c) For the purpose of facilitating the commission of such a crime, aids, abets or otherwise assists in its commission or its attempted commission, including providing the means for its commission;
On 7 April 2002, the European Parliament adopted aResolution about “the increasing repression in Russia, including the case of Alexei Navalny,” in which it condemned the role of Moscow Patriarch Kirill in Russia’s war against Ukraine.:
“Condemns the role of Moscow Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, in providing theological cover for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; praises the courage of the 300 priests of the Russian Orthodox Church who signed a letter condemning the aggression and expressed their grief over the ordeal of the Ukrainian people, calling for an end to the war.”[i]
You can read the full complaint and documentation on the web of HRWF, which concludes welcoming “the opening of an investigation on possible crimes committed in Ukraine under the Rome Statute” and also welcoming “the investigation to identify the perpetrators, including possibly going up the command chain to President Vladimir Putin” among other conclusions.
Copyright: European Union : From left to right: Charles MICHEL (President of the European Council, EUROPEAN COUNCIL), Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (President of Ukraine, Ukraine)
Remarks by President Charles Michel at the press conference following his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv
Last year, I had the occasion to come to Ukraine three times. And exactly one year ago, in March last year, we went together to the Donbas. And there, I said “Russia is not a mediator”. I said “Russia is party to the conflict”. And the situation today is showing that I was right.
This morning, I went to Borodyanka to witness with my own eyes the situation on the ground. I met the people. There are no words to explain what I feel, not as President of the European Council, but as a father, as a human being. These are atrocities. These are war crimes. They must be punished. It will be punished. They must pay for what they have done there, and in many other cities and other locations in Ukraine.
Right now, like you, I think of the people, the soldiers, but also the civilians in the Donbas, in Mariupol and in other cities who are fighting for their lives, who are fighting for the sovereignty of Ukraine. And I know very well, they are fighting for our European values, for freedom, for democratic principles.
We are determined to do everything we can to support Ukraine because we want victory for Ukraine. And that is why we will use all the possible tools in our hands. Of course, financial support is very important. We had the opportunity to go into more detail with the President, and that is why we decided a few weeks ago, after a phone call, to launch this trust fund in solidarity with Ukraine. In the coming days, on May 5th, will be the starting point of this trust fund, with an international donors’ conference. We will organise this together with Poland, with Sweden and with the support of the European Commission, all the member states, and with the support of many international actors.
We are also working closely with international organisations like the IMF, the World Bank and others to make sure that we can mobilise funds in support, so Ukraine can pay the social expenditures that are needed in the short term, in the mid-term, and in the long term. It is also very important to start as soon as possible the programme of rebuilding the country. I can assure you that the EU will be on your side to rebuild your country.
Today we discussed very strategic and interesting ideas, very operational and concrete ideas to accelerate the process. I am optimistic that in the following days and weeks, we will clarify the exact nature of the support that we will be able to provide. And in order to succeed, we will also discuss the rebuilding of the country and the investments needed in infrastructure and in different fields.
The second important topic is military support. For the first time in history, the EU has decided to provide lethal military equipment. It was a decision taken two days after the start of the war. I remember very well, I will never forget it. Because you, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, you called me on Saturday, two days after the start of the war, and you asked me to coordinate the effort to start providing military equipment. And we succeeded in convincing the European Union member states in a few hours to provide military equipment. We decided a first tranche of 500 million euros. And now we have a total of 1.5 billion euros of military equipment, and day after day in close consultation with you, we are trying to convince member states to add bilateral support to make sure that what we provide is what you need. We discussed very precisely your needs and how we are able to make sure that we can provide with the EU’s member states and other partners the means that are needed to fight and to win this war.
The third point is political support. And I would like to say here that, of course, I understand, and I show full respect for the free and democratic decision taken by the government of Ukraine. When you decided to apply to be an EU member, we tasked the Commission immediately, only in a few days. Usually, it takes eight months for the Commission to publish an opinion. We are in close contact on the substance. We will have the opinion of the Commission by the end of June. Then it will be my responsibility to assess when I can put this point on the agenda of the European Council and the Council, to make sure that we have the political discussion to make progress on this.
But I want to share with you that I feel a very strong support to make sure that we can provide concrete support to Ukraine in your choice to follow the EU path for your future. And I am convinced that what you are demonstrating day to day, this demonstration that you are totally committed to democratic principles, to freedoms, and that you don’t only fight for the future of the children of Ukraine, we know that you fight for the European fundamental principles and values.
We are also determined to provide humanitarian support. We are determined to provide support to make sure that international justice and justice will prevail, because there is no peace without justice. That is why it is very important to collect the evidence and to support all the actors who are working in this important field.
Finally, we discussed the sanctions because we see that we must put pressure on the regime, on the Kremlin. We have decided many concrete measures. This is not enough, and it’s why we are constantly working to increase the pressure. Again today, we went into more detail and identified some additional elements for us to put proposals on the table of the Council and to be able to maintain the maximum pressure on Russia.
Finally, one last word. Dear Volodymyr, we met for the first time about three or four years ago, and this was the starting point of a personal relationship based on trust and confidence. I want to tell you that I am, and we are extremely impressed by your personal leadership. Your personal leadership is also showing the bravery and courage of the people of Ukraine. You are not alone. We are with you. And we will do everything possible to support you and to make sure that Ukraine will win the war. Thank you.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Mr. Guterres has asked President Vladimir Putin to receive him in Moscow and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to receive him in Kyiv.
The letters were handed over to the countries’ UN Missions in New York on Tuesday.
Urgent steps towards peace
“The Secretary-General said, at this time of great peril and consequence, he would like to discuss urgent steps to bring about peace in Ukraine and the future of multilateralism based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law,” said Mr. Dujarric.
“He noted that both Ukraine and the Russian Federation are founding members of the United Nations and have always been strong supporters of this Organization.”
The announcement came a day after the UN chief called for a humanitarian pause in Ukraine ahead of Orthodox Christian Easter this weekend.
Support for humanitarian pause
The UN Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine, Amin Awad, has underlined the Secretary-General’s appeal amid the mounting humanitarian crisis in the country and the intensifying Russian offensive in the east.
The four-day pause would allow for safe passage of civilians willing to leave conflict areas, he said, and the safe delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to people in the hardest hit areas of Mariupol, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk.
“During this week – which marks a rare calendar alignment of the three of the most sacred religious holidays of Christian Orthodox Easter, Jewish Passover and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan – it is the time to focus on converging interests and set aside our differences,” said Mr. Awad.
Casualties continue to mount in the war in Ukraine, which began on 24 February. There were 5,121 civilian casualties in the country as of Tuesday, including 2,224 deaths, according to the latest update from the UN human rights office, OHCR.
As Mr. Awad stated: “The loss of life and severe trauma caused by attacks on hospitals, schools and places of refuge is utterly shocking, as is the devastation of critical civilian infrastructure in the country.”
The Ukraine conflict has generated the largest and fastest displacement in recent years.
Some 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with more than five million crossing the border into neighbouring countries and beyond.
Many of those left behind do not have access to water or electricity, while another 12 million are affected by economic hardship and a decline in services.
In eastern Ukraine, some 1.4 million people are without access to running water, including in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Millions more have only limited access to water and electricity.
Amplified ramifications
Additionally, some 136 attacks on health care facilities have been recorded since the start of the war, representing nearly 70 per cent of worldwide attacks on health so far this year.
Growing insecurity, including due to contamination with explosive devices, is a significant obstacle to accessing hard to reach areas in the east.
“This terrible toll on civilians must come to an end,” said Mr. Awad, warning that the war’s devastating impact could affect Ukraine for generations.
“The immediate impact of this senseless war is the gravest here in Ukraine but it could have global ramifications, putting 1.7 billion people worldwide at risk of poverty, hunger and destitution”.
Supporting women and girls
Since the start of the war, the UN and partners have ramped up relief operations to reach people affected by the conflict.
Women and children comprise the majority of the displaced, whether inside or outside the country’s borders.
The head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports reproductive health care in more than 150 nations, stressed that the needs of women and girls must be prioritized.
“Women do not stop getting pregnant or giving birth during conflict, and their access to lifesaving health services is literally under attack in Ukraine,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, the UNFPA Executive Director.
Boosting life-saving services
UNFPA is coordinating and bolstering life-saving sexual and reproductive health services, as well as protection and response services for survivors of physical and sexual violence.
So far, more than 13 metric tonnes of reproductive health supplies have been delivered to seven hospitals in three cities in Ukraine.
Another 27 tonnes of critical supplies, medicines and equipment that have arrived in the country will be distributed to maternity hospitals in in war-torn Chernihiv, Sumy, Kherson, Mykolaiv and four more cities to meet the needs of 1.5 million people.
Another 41 metric tonnes of reproductive health supplies are expected, and UNFPA is also distributing dignity kits that contain sanitary pads and other essential items.
With reports of rape and human rights violations increasing, the agency is supporting 30 shelters, crisis rooms and daily care centres for displaced women and survivors of violence.
A heavily pregnant Ukranian woman who left Odessa with her mother and young son receives a dignity kit at a placement centre in Moldova’s capital city, Chișinău.
More action needed
Mobile teams will be dispatched to 12 regions across Ukraine in the next two weeks to provide psychosocial support to women experiencing trauma or violence.
Although UNFPA is working closely with the government and other partners, much more needs to be done, said Jaime Nadal Roil, the agency’s Representative in Ukraine.
“We need to reach many more people, including survivors of gender-based violence. We are appealing for increased support to respond to this growing humanitarian crisis,” he said.
Providing safe spaces
More than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have found shelter in Moldova.
UNFPA recently signed an agreement with the National Health Insurance Country to provide refugees with comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. This includes critical maternal health services such as life-saving caesarean sections.
Additionally, 10 tonnes of reproductive health supplies have been delivered to Moldova, including for the management of obstetric emergencies.
UNFPA-supported service centres across Moldova also are being expanded with “Orange Safe Spaces” to provide family planning and counseling and referrals for refugees.
As part of the $1.7 billion UN-led appeal for Ukraine, UNFPA is seeking $65.6 for its operations there and in neighbouring countries.
Despite war, COVID-19 and the climate crisis, all of which compound the other challenges facing young people today, the UN chief lauded youth for raising their voices and mobilizing for a better future.
“Young people are…leading the way in the fight against climate change, standing up for racial justice and gender equality…holding leaders to account…[and] are at the forefront of our efforts to secure a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for all,” Secretary-General António Guterres said on the second of a two-day forum on youth.
We have no time to lose – UN chief
Under the theme Youth 2030: Achieving the SDGs, he delivered a recorded video message to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)’s annual Youth Forum encouraging young people to “keep pushing; to keep mobilizing; and to keep bringing your ideas to the table”.
“We have no time to lose”.
More must be done
Through its Youth Strategy, the UN is committed to working, for and with young people.
Mr. Guterres thanked Jayathma Wickramanayake, his Youth Envoy, along with UN entities and country teams as well as youth organizations and Member States for working to ensure that “our actions are guided by the perspectives and energy of young people”.
“But we can and we must do more,” he underscored, reminding that the UN Our Common Agenda report proposes a series of recommendations to strengthen and deepen solidarity with youth and future generations while building more networked, inclusive and effective multilateralism.
Education summit
The UN chief informed the meeting of an upcoming summit on Transforming Education that will convene in September.
He encouraged the participants “full and active engagement” in mobilizing political ambition, action, solutions and solidarity to transform education.
The summit will take stock of efforts to recover pandemic-related learning losses, reimagine education systems for the future, and revitalize national and global efforts to achieve the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Upgrading youth engagement
Another update the Secretary-General shared was the creation of a new UN Youth Office that will “upgrade engagement” with young people across the Organization’s work.
“Meaningful, diverse, and effective youth participation – inside the United Nations and far beyond – is essential to advancing human rights, addressing the climate crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” he concluded.
‘Rescue’ the planet
The Youth Envoy thanked the thousands of young people around the world who “were leading our conversations every step of the way” throughout the Youth Forum – despite facing countless challenges and disproportionate impacts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no need to sugar coat it – we live in a world abundant with crises and emergencies,” said Ms. Wickramanayake.
In addition, the world remains off-track in achieving the SDGs by 2030, she stressed, calling for efforts to “rescue” both the Goals and the planet.
“We have heard time and time again…the constant demands of young people to change the oppressive systems and structures that weigh us down, that increase inequalities and trap us in a cycle of violence,” she said.
Stressing that many ideas, visions and solutions were put forward over the last two days, the Youth Envoy urged participants not to simply “pat ourselves on the back and move on” but instead to harness the moment, act and hold leaders accountable.
Youth bridge
Sharifah Shakirah, Founder and Director of the Rohingya Women Development Network, said that the 2030 Agenda was launched to end poverty and set the path to peace, prosperity and equality for all on a healthy planet.
However, “today, we live in two different worlds”, she said, noting that in one, privileged people are protected by their countries, and in the other – exemplified by where she was born – children are forced to flee violence and persecution.
Describing young people as the bridge between both worlds, she pointed out that, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five youth globally suffered from limited access to education, and one in four faced conflict.
Now, in the context of the pandemic, “young people are maintaining open communication with their communities”, including by creating grassroots organizations and providing assistance to others on the ground.
UN partners
Those sentiments were echoed by a range of UN officials, who praised the countless young people that contributed to both the Forum and COVID-19 recovery efforts at every level.
Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), welcomed the active contributions of young people, which personify the UN’s goal of “leaving no one behind.”
Meaningful engagement with youth is at the core of DESA’s work, including in climate change action and financing for development, he said, adding that his department it is always exploring new ways to engage with young people such as through its UN Youth Delegates programme.
Youth volunteers in Jordan are supporting their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
Taking the wheel
“You have rightly demanded to be in the driver’s seat in devising the recovery efforts and a seat at the table when decisions are taken that would impact your own future,” said ECOSOC President Collen Vixen Kelapile.
After two challenging years of lockdowns, quarantines, social distancing, treatment inequities, and the loss of livelihoods for millions, he noted that young people have shared their visions of how to get back on track to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.
Emphasizing that the pandemic affected young people most, Mr. Kelapile said it also revealed how their leadership, resourcefulness and dedication can turn major crises into opportunities for a fairer, more inclusive and more equitable future.
Against that backdrop, he added that “there is no shortage of good will, commitment and desire to act among you” and pledged the UN’s solidarity going forward.
Pristina and Belgrade must engage more actively in dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU), the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) told the Security Council on Wednesday. “While this process has led to meaningful results on various practical matters, a comprehensive normalization of relations between the two sides so far continues to be elusive,” said Caroline Ziadeh in her first biannual address as the UN Special Representative.
“Reconciliation and addressing grievances of the past should reinforce the pursuit of important strategic objectives,” she added.
Resilience crucial
Acknowledging the ongoing situation in Ukraine and its continued impact on European security and economy, Ms. Ziadeh reiterated that the resilience of democratic institutions throughout the Balkans is a crucial factor in maintaining a secure and democratic Europe.
However, shocks to Kosovo’s economy were building up well before the onset of the conflict, she said, noting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In this context, finding practical modes of economic co-operation between Belgrade, Pristina and all neighbours in the region assumes greater urgency”.
Serbian elections
Her call for cooperation came on the heels of the Serbian general elections.
The UNMIK chief lauded the peaceful logistical exercise – supported by both sides – enabling 19,000 eligible voters to cast their ballots in special polling stations in Serbia.
Regrettably, however, a solution to facilitate voter participation in Kosovo could not be achieved.
Refuse impunity
Following the recent reports of attacks targeting Kosovo Police, Ms. Ziadeh urged collaborative condemnation and swift action to bring perpetrators to justice.
She also encouraged Pristina and Belgrade to seek a permanent solution to the issues regarding vehicle license plates and energy.
During these complex times, the Special Representative called upon leaders to be judicious in their actions and political rhetoric.
UNMIK’s legacy of support
The senior UN official clarified that UNMIK’s role is neither an obstacle nor a vehicle for the outcome preferred by one side or the other side.
Rather, she explained, the Mission continues its legacy of institutional support, working in synergy with the UN family of agencies, funds, and programmes to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo.
“UNMIK remains the locus of relevant knowledge, experience, and subject area expertise…supporting an active civil society, promoting new tools to help Kosovo reinforce the rule of law, contributing to the empowerment of women and youth, providing expertise and support”.
Photo credit JW.org - Photo: near the building of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. April 2017
JW World Headquarters (20.04.2022) – April 20, 2022 will mark five years since Russia’s Supreme Court criminalized the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses, liquidated some 400 of their legal entities, and confiscated their houses of worship. Russian authorities have since jailed over 320 Witnesses, with over 80 still in prison.
The systematic persecution has escalated over the past year as prison sentences exponentially increased in frequency and in term length. Several Witnesses have also been tortured or severely beaten either while being interrogated or in prison.
Jarrod Lopes, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, states:
“It’s well-documented that Jehovah’s Witnesses endured decades of Soviet persecution. Ignoring this history, Russian authorities have inhumanely beaten, tortured, and imprisoned peaceful Jehovah’s Witnesses in a failed attempt to break their faith and eliminate them. Long after the Soviet regime fell, Jehovah’s Witnesses have continued to thrive and they will likewise outlive the current Russian administration.”
Below are the latest statistics as well as some quotes from international experts that you will find helpful if you chose to report on the anniversary of the ban.
April 20, 2017: Judge Ivanenko of Russia’s Supreme Court announces decision to shut down the legal entities of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia and Crimea
2017 Russian Supreme Court Ruling
· The April 20, 2022, Supreme Court ruling, albeit grossly unjust, simply liquidated all of the Witnesses’ legal entities, Local Religious Organizations (LROs), in Russia and Crimea, declaring them “extremist”. During the 2017 Supreme Court hearing, the Russian government claimed that individual Witnesses would be free to practice their faith. However, the government’s claim of allowing freedom to worship has been inconsistent with its actions.
· 1741 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been raided, almost one per day
o 27 homes raided since February 24th Ukraine invasion
· 620 JWs involved in 289 criminal cases
o This includes 16 JWs in Crimea, 4 of whom are in prison (some after conviction have been transferred to prisons inside of Russia). All have been charged under prevailing Russian law
o Oldest involved in a criminal case is 87.5-year-old Yelena Zayschuk, she is 1 of 6 in their 80’s; there are 34 in their 70’s
· Over 450 added to Russia’s federal Rosfinmonitoring list of extremists and terrorists
o Many are placed on the list even before being criminally charged or tried—see Forum18
Beatings and Torture
For example:
· February 2019, Surgut, seven men tortured—suffocated, stripped naked, doused with water, and given electric shocks to their genitals—Link to confirmed report. Video interviews
· February 2020, Chita, one man beaten, choked, and given electric shocks to his stomach and leg—link to report
· February 2020, Orenburg, five men severely beaten in prison, with one man being hospitalized for broken rib and damaged kidney—link to report
· October 2021, Irkutsk, one man beaten while his wife screamed for them to stop, another was tortured—stripped naked, lifted and suspended off the ground by his arms behind his back, attempted to force a glass bottle in anus area—link to report. Video interviews
As if torturing a man and making him writhe in pain isn’t savage enough, many Russian officers will also resort to inhumanely threatening to have his wife raped.
· Why and how successful is it?
o Most often, Russian law enforcement officers have beaten or tortured Jehovah’s Witnesses to force them to divulge information about fellow believers and or bully them into giving up their faith. The overwhelming majority of men withstood the torture and never complied, even with the smallest demands for information. That’s why in most of the criminal cases, the authorities have resorted to planting a mole to infiltrate the congregation and leak the names, contact information, and worship activities of local Witnesses.
What Experts Are Saying
Natalia Prilutskaya, Russia researcher at Amnesty International, call on Russia to:
“to immediately and unconditionally release all Jehovah’s Witnesses arbitrarily deprived of freedom for their faith and to drop criminal charges against all peaceful believers. Those who have been subjected to criminal prosecution, torture and other ill-treatment, unlawful searchers of their properties, who have lost their jobs, must receive adequate compensation and have their rights restored.”
The world should have started paying more attention to prosecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia already five years ago. Arbitrary prosecution of peaceful believers on spurious charges of “extremism” was and is a litmus test of the lack of freedom in Russia and of the Russian government’s intentions to quash any dissent, anything that they see as a threat to their official narratives. While the world was watching repressions against dissenters being unleashed within Russia, its government was also quietly preparing to promote their world view with tanks and missiles on the territory of the neighboring country, Ukraine. Were there a stronger international reaction to persecutions inside Russia, including to persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the world could have been in a much better place today now. To prevent further escalation, it is important to expose and rigorously respond to human rights violations being committed in Russia. Restoring justice for one of the persecuted communities – Jehovah’s Witnesses – is one of the steps on the long road to restoring human rights and freedom in Russia and ensuring that no more international crisis, like the aggression against Ukraine, could be conceived in the Kremlin.”
Sir Andrew Wood, former British Ambassador to Russia (1995-2000), states:
“It follows that the punishment of peaceful believers on the grounds of their certification as extremists by the Russian Supreme Court in effect by demand of Russia’s current president is arbitrary and unjust. Their arrest, ill treatment, and confinement are a breach of elementary human rights together with the infringement of the freedom of all souls to seek their path to the truths of religion as best they may. The targeting of particularly vulnerable people of whatever gender or age adds to the injustice.”
“The people of Russia and those beyond them share an interest in the country’s future rule under the conditions of natural law. That is essential to its future beneficial evolution. The peaceful pursuit of religion is an essential element of that aspiration, whether in times of war like the present or in less dangerous circumstances. It therefore deserves our support as we hope and work for a better future.”
Dr. Emily Baran, expert on Russia and Soviet history, states:
“The history of Jehovah’s Witnesses, both in Russia and worldwide, makes clear that persecution will not have its intended purpose of eliminating this faith community. What persecution does is isolate Witnesses, subject them to cruel and senseless harassment, violence, and loss of freedom, and make their daily lives full of uncertainty. The Witnesses have demonstrated adaptability before, including in the Soviet period, and will continue to find ways to practice their faith even in these difficult conditions. Russian Witnesses will adapt because they have to, because they feel their faith requires it of them, and because repeated persecution has given them the skills to do so effectively.
More comments by the experts above can be downloaded here.
Russia Exporting Weaponization of Anti-Extremism Legislation
· Russia has been seeking ways to export its anti-extremism legislation, along with how to weaponize it
o May 2020, Putin signed a “Decree of the President of the Russian Federation”—“On Adopting a Strategy to Counteract Extremism in the Russian Federation Until 2025”
§ Section 32 on pg. 16, clearly outlines the President’s goals, in the field of international cooperation:
§ Strengthening the position of the Russian Federation in international organizations whose activity is aimed at counteracting extremism;
§ Promoting in bilateral and multilateral formats Russian initiatives in counteracting extremist activities, including over the Internet;
§ Signing agreements with foreign states aimed at solving problems in the realm of counteracting extremism;
§ Exchanging best practices in counteracting extremism, including cooperating together to develop international legal documents;
o Moscow-based rights advocate Sova Center published a report in 2020 confirming that
“Russian extremist legislation has been and remains the model anti-extremist legislation for Central Asian countries, despite the fact that, in recent years, it has been repeatedly criticized at the international level by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, the UN Human Rights Committee, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Venice Commission, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance of the Council of Europe, and other structures
MEPs support a common charger for portable electronic devices, reducing e-waste and making the use of different mobile phones, tablets and digital cameras more convenient.
On Wednesday the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted its position on the revised Radio Equipment Directive with 43 votes in favour (2 against).
The new rules would make sure consumers no longer need a new charger and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one charger for all of their small and medium-sized electronic gadgets. Mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, rechargeable via a wired cable, would have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of the manufacturer. Exemptions would apply only for devices that are too small to have a USB Type-C port, such as smart watches, health trackers, and some sports equipment.
This revision is part of a broader EU effort to address product sustainability, in particular of electronics on the EU market, and to reduce electronic waste.
Clear information on charging
MEPs also want to see clear information and labelling on new devices about charging options, as well as whether a product includes a charger. This would, they say, help to avoid confusion and ease purchasing decisions for consumers that often own several different devices and do not always need additional chargers.
With the growing usage of wireless charging, MEPs want the European Commission to present a strategy by the end of 2026 that allows for minimum interoperability of any new charging solutions. The goal is to avoid a new fragmentation in the market, to continue to reduce environmental waste, ensure consumer convenience and avoid so-called “lock-in” effects created by proprietary charging solutions.
Quote
Rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (MT, S&D) said: “With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone. It will help the environment, further help the re-use of old electronics, save money, and reduce unnecessary costs and inconvenience for both businesses and consumers. We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the Commission’s proposal by calling for the interoperability of wireless charging technologies by 2026 and improving information given to consumers with dedicated labels. We are also expanding the proposal’s scope by adding more products, such as laptops, that will need to comply with the new rules.”
Next steps
Once Parliament as a whole has approved this draft negotiating position at the May plenary session, MEPs will be ready to start talks with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.
This year, Orthodox Holy Week is being observed under a “cloud of a war” that totally negates the Easter message of unity, the UN chief said on Tuesday, calling for a four-day humanitarian pause in Ukraine.
In five days, Ukrainians and Russians will mark Easter, a holiday that joins in celebration the Orthodox Christians in both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Catholic Ukrainians.
“Easter is a season for renewal, resurrection and hope. It is a time for reflection on the meaning of suffering, sacrifice, death – and rebirth. It is meant to be a moment of unity,” Secretary-General António Guterres told journalist, speaking in front of the Non-Violence bronze sculpture at UN Headquarters in New York.
I urge all parties – and all champions of peace around the world — to join my Easter appeal.
Save lives.
Stop the bloodshed and destruction. Open a window for dialogue and peace.
“Instead of a celebration of new life, this Easter coincides with a Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine”.
Concentrated shelling
An intense concentration of forces and firepower continue to make the battle more violent, bloody and destructive, the top UN official lamented.
Moreover, the onslaught and terrible toll on civilians seen so far “could pale in comparison to the horror that lies ahead.”
“This cannot be allowed to happen. Hundreds of thousands of lives hang in the balance,” he underscored.
Holy Week pause
Against the backdrop of many failed “good-faith efforts” by numerous parties to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Secretary-General called for a four-day Holy Week humanitarian pause beginning on Holy Thursday and running through Easter Sunday, 24 April, to allow for a series of humanitarian corridors to open.
He explained that a humanitarian pause would provide the necessary conditions to meet two crucial imperatives, beginning with safe passage of all civilians willing to leave the areas of current and expected confrontation.
This would be done in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Secondly, beyond humanitarian operations already taking place, a pause would allow for the safe delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid to people in the hardest-hit areas such as Mariupol, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk.
“The United Nations is ready to send humanitarian aid convoys during this period to these locations,” he assured. “We are submitting detailed plans to the parties”.
Dire needs
The UN chief painted a heartbreaking picture of people without food, water, supplies to treat the sick and wounded, or simply to live day-to-day.
“More than 12 million people need humanitarian assistance in Ukraine today,” he said, with over one-third located in Mariupol, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk.
“We anticipate that this figure will increase to 15.7 million – that’s about 40 per cent of all Ukrainians still left in the country”.
‘Life-or-death reasons’
There is “a measure of progress to build upon,” the UN chief said, noting that over the past seven weeks, some 2.5 million people have been provided with assistance, including many in the east.
“For all these life-or-death reasons, I call on Russians and Ukrainians to silence the guns and forge a path to safety for so many at immediate risk,” he appealed.
Stop the bloodshed and destruction – UN chief
“The four-day Easter period should be a moment to unite around saving lives and furthering dialogue to end the suffering in Ukraine”.
Keep the faith
Mr. Guterres explained that earlier in the day, Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths briefed the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations – including Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish leaders.
The Secretary-General welcomed their support and “inspired by Holy Week and all that it represents”, urged all parties and all champions of peace around the world to join his Easter appeal.
“Save lives. Stop the bloodshed and destruction. Open a window for dialogue and peace. Keep faith with the meaning and the message of Easter,” he concluded.
Leaders from Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe hold a teleconference on the war in Ukraine
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Japan, the European Commission, the European Council, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to discuss collective efforts to date, assess the current situation on the ground in Ukraine, and discuss critical actions allies must undertake to effectively support Ukraine.
The leaders denounced Russia’s war crimes and brutality in Ukraine and promised to hold Russia accountable for its actions, including through the International Criminal Court. They emphasized the importance of allies maintaining the strong, united stand they have taken in support of Ukraine. The leaders also expressed their collective commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister and leaders recognized that it is crucial to maintain financial support to Ukraine in a way that meets its critical needs and adapts quickly to changing circumstances in the country, particularly with regard to food security and humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the strength and unity of the NATO Alliance. The leaders agreed to a common approach in supporting Ukraine as it enters the next phase of the war and agreed to continue coordinating closely.
Former Scotland rugby player Ali McGrandles has been named Chieftain of this year’s Stirling Highland Games.
Stirling-born Ali was a pioneer of women’s rugby in Scotland beginning her career at Stirling County aged just eight and going on to notch up 50 international caps.
Ali, who played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 Rugby World Cups, is thrilled to be taking on the role of Chieftain at the Highland Games on Saturday August 20.
It will be the first in-person event since 2019 and the packed schedule includes traditional and adaptive heavyweight competitions, a Tug of War, highland dancing and a food and drink experience.
Ali said: “I was absolutely over the moon to hear the Committee had selected me for Chieftain, it is such an accolade and a wonderful opportunity to go back to where everything started for me.
“As someone who was born and brought up in Stirling and still has strong links to the area, to have the chance to be Chieftain and host the Games is just thrilling and I am proud and honoured to be given the role.
“And as a PE teacher and someone who has been involved in sport from an early age, it’s fantastic to be overseeing all the sporting activities which will be going on.”
Ali excelled in sport as a youngster playing both rugby and hockey.
She went on to play rugby at university and was selected for Scotland’s first ever women’s international match against Ireland in 1993.
Ali had a long career in international women’s rugby before retiring in 2002 and is still involved in the sport coaching a rugby team at the London school where she works as an assistant headteacher.
She also has a long association with the Highland Games community attending various events as a child and helping behind the scenes at Stirling Highland Games in more recent years.
The honorary role of Games Chieftain is chosen by the Stirling Highland Games committee from a list of famous sons and daughters of the city who stand out in their respective discipline.
Cat Cripps, the Chieftains Gathering Convenor, said: “Every year the committee looks at the talents and achievements of the sons and daughters of Stirling and how they have excelled in their field.
“Ali has a fantastic pedigree in her sport and we are delighted to announce she will be the 2022 Stirling Highland Games Chieftain.
“She will be a brilliant host on the day which will be extra special this year as we all look forward to returning to the live event.”
Last year, organisers showcased a series of online events to keep the spirit of Stirling Highland Games alive.
Now fans from across the world are ready to return to the Games field, at Stirling Sports Village, in person.
The Games runs from 10.30am until 5pm and tickets can be bought in advance now or on the day.
Spectators can enjoy a full day of events including watching heavyweight competitors take part in hammer throwing, shot put and tossing the caber plus track and field athletics.
They can also see the gruelling Bruce Challenge, unique to the Stirling Games, which sees strongmen carrying two boulders weighing over 164kg as far as they can and an adaptive heavyweight competition featuring the Wounded Highlanders.
Meanwhile, the unique food and drink experience will highlight award-winning Scottish produce and there will be on-site heritage tours.
The 2022 Highland Games is sponsored and grant-funded by a variety of organisations including Active Stirling, EventScotland, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, Specsavers Stirling and the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of Ceangail, on Wednesday 20 April, 2022. For more information subscribe and follow https://pressat.co.uk/
