In a coordinated effort to combat human trafficking, Europol hosted an international operational action between 25 and 28 February 2025, bringing together analytical, OSINT and investigative experts from 12 countries, including Ukraine*. The action took place at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague, coinciding with the third anniversary of the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.The operational action…
‘A litany of human suffering’ in Myanmar, warns UN rights chief
Addressing the Human Rights Council on Friday, he detailed the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict and economic collapse on civilians – many of whom have been displaced by the fighting.
Earlier in the day the Council discussed the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, having heard a report from rights investigators serving on the Commission on Human Rights in the country.
“Conflict, displacement and economic collapse have combined to cause pain and misery across Myanmar and civilians are paying a terrible price,” Mr. Türk said.
The number killed in violence last year was the highest since the military coup in 2021. Over 1,800 civilians were killed in 2024, many in indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling, with attacks on schools, places of worship and healthcare facilities having become routine.
Mr. Türk condemned the military’s brutal tactics, including beheadings, burnings, mutilations, and the use of human shields. He also noted that nearly 2,000 people have died in custody since the coup, most due to summary executions and torture.
Deepening humanitarian crisis
Fighting between the junta forces and opposition armed groups has fuelled a humanitarian catastrophe, with more than 3.5 million people displaced and 15 million facing hunger – two million of whom are at risk of famine.
In Rakhine state, clashes between the military and the Arakan Army have intensified, with thousands of civilians killed and Rohingya communities caught in the crossfire.
Tens of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in 2024, despite border restrictions. More than 8,000 fled by sea – an 80 per cent increase over 2023 – but at least 650 people, nearly half of them children, perished on the dangerous journey.
Economic collapse
Myanmar’s economic collapse has fuelled corruption and crime, with one global tracker ranking it the world’s biggest nexus of organized crime. It remains the top producer of opium and a major manufacturer of synthetic drugs.
Furthermore, scam centres in eastern Myanmar have become notorious for human trafficking, where victims are coerced into cybercrime and subjected to torture, sexual violence, and forced labour.
Military conscription
Mr. Türk also condemned the junta’s activation of military conscription laws, which have led to arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment, particularly targeting young men and women. Fear of conscription has driven many to flee the country, exposing them to trafficking and exploitation.
“Given the humanitarian, political and economic impacts fuelling instability across the region, the international community must do more,” Mr. Türk underscored.
He reiterated his call for an arms embargo, coupled with targeted sanctions – including on jet fuel and dual-use goods – to better protect the people of Myanmar.
He also stressed the need for accountability, citing efforts at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Myanmar’s military leaders accountable for atrocities.
Displaced South Sudanese people arrive at a camp in Upper Nile State. (file)
South Sudan: Leaders failing their own people
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan presented its latest report to the Human Rights Council earlier in Geneva, detailing widespread violations, including extrajudicial killings, forced recruitment of children and systematic sexual violence.
Despite South Sudan winning independence over a decade ago and repeated commitments to peace during years of civil war, the Commission found that the same patterns of abuses persist, often implicating high-ranking officials.
“It is unconscionable that so many years after its independence, political leaders continue their violent contestations across the country and are abjectly failing the people of South Sudan,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission.
Extreme ethnic violence
The report described the situation in Tambura, where armed forces and militias inflicted extreme violence along ethnic lines in 2024, reigniting tensions from the 2021 conflict.
Political elites at both local and national levels have actively fuelled this violence while remaining in power despite past crimes.
The Commission also raised alarms over the “Green Book” law introduced in Warrap State in 2024, which authorizes extrajudicial executions for suspected cattle raiding and communal violence.
Address corruption
South Sudan’s leaders agreed in September 2024 to extend the transitional political arrangements by two years, citing funding constraints.
The Commission’s report noted that the government generated $3.5 billion in revenue between September 2022 and August 2024, while essential institutions – such as courts, schools, and hospitals – remain underfunded and civil servants go unpaid.
“Financing essential services and rule of law institutions requires an end to the corruption. The theft of national wealth robs citizens of justice, education, and healthcare,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández.
“Without addressing this systemic looting, no peace agreement will ever translate into meaningful change,” he added.
The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. First established in March 2016, it has been renewed annually since. Its three Commissioners are not UN staff, they are not paid for their work and serve in an independent capacity.
$2.5 billion plan to deliver aid to 11 million people in DR Congo
The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for the DRC, announced on Thursday, aims to deliver lifesaving assistance to 11 million Congolese, including 7.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) – among the highest displacement figures globally.
Overall, some 21.2 million Congolese are affected by multiple crises, notably armed conflict, natural disasters, and epidemics.
Multidimensional crises
The HRP was launched in the DRC capital Kinshasa by the Government and humanitarian partners.
It comes as the country is facing unprecedented multidimensional crises, characterized by three major destabilizing factors: a spiral of violence spreading from Ituri to Tanganyika provinces; the presence of M23 rebels who now control key areas of North Kivu and South Kivu, where humanitarian needs are immense, and a major funding crisis that threatens humanitarian response.
“All warning signals are flashing red. Yet, despite immense challenges, humanitarian action continues to prove its effectiveness in saving lives every day,” said Bruno Lemarquis, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC.
“We must adapt to keep delivering this vital aid without ever compromising the fundamental principles that guide humanitarian action: neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity,” he added.
Support for families
Humanitarians said response this year aims to meet the most urgent needs and alleviate suffering through swift and effective assistance, adapted to the conditions on the ground.
The HRP includes treating 1.5 million children suffering from acute malnutrition, providing access to safe drinking water for five million people, and combating outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, measles, and Mpox.
The plan will also support the return of displaced families, restoration of livelihoods, and preparedness for climate-related shocks. Furthermore, in a context marked by extreme violence, protecting civilians and the most vulnerable – especially women and children – remains a top priority in all they do.
However, operations are threatened by a sharp decline in financial support.
‘At a crossroads’
Last year, humanitarians received a record $1.3 billion in funding, allowing them to reach 7.1 million in the DRC. Leading donor the United States covered 70 per cent of the funding. Washington announced in January that it was freezing all foreign aid payments for at least 90 days.
“We stand at a crossroads. Without increased international mobilization, humanitarian needs will skyrocket, regional stability will be further jeopardized and our capacity to respond will be severely compromised,” Mr. Lemarquis said.
The humanitarians called on the Congolese Government, the international community, and national and international humanitarian partners for a collective surge of solidarity to implement the plan with the necessary resources, access, and support.
“Humanitarian assistance is essential to save lives. However, it is not the solution,” said Mr. Lemarquis.
“Real solutions are, above all, political and require targeted, sustainable actions to address the root causes of the conflicts.”
Peacekeeping chief visits DRC
In related developments, the head of UN Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, arrived in the DRC capital Kinshasa on Thursday.
Accompanied by a delegation from the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, he had discussions with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and other top officials responsible for Interior Affairs, Defense and Foreign Affairs.
Talks focused on the security situation in the east, as well as the ongoing diplomatic and political efforts aimed at achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities in North Kivu and South Kivu.
The Council unanimously adopted the resolution last Friday, calling for the Rwanda-backed rebel movement to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from areas it controls, and fully reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations in Congolese territory.
ESMA publishes the results of the annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has today published the results of the annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments, which will apply from 7 April 2025.
The calculations made available include:
- the liquidity assessment as per Articles 1 to 5 of CDR 2017/567;
- the determination of the most relevant market in terms of liquidity as per Article 4 of CDR 2017/587 (RTS 1);
- the determination of the average daily turnover relevant for the determination of the pre-trade and post-trade large in scale thresholds;
- the determination of the average value of the transactions and the related the standard market size; and
- the determination of the average daily number of transactions on the most relevant market in terms of liquidity relevant for the determination of the tick-size regime.
Currently, there are 1,283 liquid shares and 1,003 liquid equity-like instruments other than shares, subject to MiFID II/MiFIR transparency requirements.
Market participants are invited to monitor the release of the transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments on a daily basis to obtain the estimated calculations for newly traded instruments and the four-weeks calculations applicable to newly traded instruments after the first six-weeks of trading.
ESMA’s annual transparency calculations are based on the data provided to Financial Instruments Transparency System (FITRS) by trading venues and approved publication arrangements in relation to the calendar year 2024.
The full list of assessed equity and equity-like instruments will be available through ESMA’s FITRS in the XML files with publication date from 28 February 2025 and through the Register web interface.
Next steps
The transparency requirements based on the results of the annual transparency calculations published from 1 March 2025 for equity and equity-like instruments will apply from 7 April 2025 until 5 April 2026. From 6 April 2027 the next annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments, to be published by 1 March 2026, will become applicable.
Gaza: Despite challenges, UNRWA says ‘unparalleled progress’ made during ceasefire
Agency teams have worked around the clock to provide services to a people who are overwhelmed following 15 months of constant bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical supplies, the agency said in a press release.
“This reflects UNRWA’s commitment to supporting families in Gaza through this unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” said Sam Rose, UNRWA’s acting director of Gaza Affairs, speaking from an UNRWA health centre in southern Gaza.
“Despite every political and logistical challenge to the Agency, UNRWA remains resolute in its mission to provide essential services to families who need them now more than ever.”
Last October, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, adopted two bills banning UNRWA from working in Israeli territory and enforcing a no-contact policy between national authorities and agency representatives. The laws took effect in January.
Two million reached
In a significant milestone, and in close coordination with other humanitarian partners, UNRWA has now provided food assistance to two million people, or over 90 per cent of the population, helping to bring some improvement to overall food security.
The agency has also restored healthcare access to nearly 180,000 people in Khan Younis, Rafah and Gaza City through the re-opening of health centres.
In addition, agency teams reached more than half a million with blankets, mattresses, floor mats, clothes, cooking equipment, and tarpaulins to protect from the rain.
All agencies scale up support
The recent polio campaign in Gaza concluded successfully, reaching over 600,000 children under the age of 10, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provided supplies to three hospitals and five health partners, benefiting 250,000 people across the Strip. Additionally, WHO supported the expansion of triage and emergency departments in Al-Shifa hospital with tents and 20 extra beds.
Children’s agency UNICEF has delivered essential health kits, paediatric medicines, and newborn supplies for over 20,000 people at Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza.
UN partners have also scaled up food security, distributing 860,000 cooked meals daily – a 10 per cent increase from the previous week.
Back to school, for some
The World Food Programme (WFP) has made subsidised bread available at 24 retail shops in the South and re-established four food distribution points in the north.
Efforts to improve water and sanitation continue, with two water points established and expanded in North Gaza governorate, and two sections of water networks repaired in Khan Younis.
As of Wednesday, 100,000 children have enrolled in school, marking a return to in-person learning after 16 months. A total of 165 public schools have reopened across Gaza.
West Bank emergency: 40,000 forcibly displaced
In the West Bank, Israeli forces’ operations in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas have led to further casualties and displacement, hindering access to essential services.
The UN stresses the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilians.
Listen below to audio from Ajith Sunghay who is the top UN human rights official for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He told UN News on Thursday that with 40,000 now forcibly displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank, it seems “return is not an option” for at least a year as Israel forces dig in.
Rare Disease Day: an in-depth look at how the European Reference Networks (ERNs) are tackling rare diseases
Rare diseases represent a major health challenge for healthcare systems due to the limited knowledge available to diagnose them, the limited number of treatment options (95% of the known rare diseases still lack an approved treatment) and their low prevalence*. That is why rare diseases have been a priority for the European Union over the past two decades, resulting in collective action to facilitate knowledge sharing and access to specialised care for patients.
The EU’s strategic objective for rare diseases is to improve patient access to diagnosis, information and care. It assists in pooling scarce resources spread across the EU, enabling patients and professionals to share expertise and information.
The European response can be characterised by a combination of key elements:
- Setting up and supporting European Reference Networks (ERNs);
- Supporting the definition, codification and inventory of rare diseases;
- Supporting the designation and authorisation of orphan medicinal products;
- Building and broadening the knowledge base, also through research;
- Empowering patient organisations.
ERNs are cross-border networks that bring together European centres of expertise and hospitals to tackle rare, low prevalence and complex diseases and conditions requiring highly specialised healthcare.
ERNs enable specialists in Europe to discuss cases of patients affected by rare, low-prevalence and complex diseases, providing advice on the most appropriate diagnosis and the best treatment available.
On Rare Disease Day, HaDEA interviewed Professor Luca Sangiorgi, Coordinator of ERN BOND, the European Reference Network of Rare Bone Disorders, and Chair of the ERN Coordinators Group, which is the governing board of the 24 ERNs.
- Can you explain the relevance of ERNs in the field of rare diseases?
ERNs gather over 1600 European centres of expertise dealing with rare, low prevalence and complex diseases and conditions which require highly specialised healthcare. Their relevance in the rare disease field resides in the possibility of enabling knowledge exchange and creating common patient pathways and guidelines, which will then be shared with the entire healthcare community. Patient representatives are involved and engaged in all ERNs’ processes, to ensure that their perspective is taken into account in the work of the ERNs.
- The ERNs have been funded by the EU since 2017. What do you consider their main successes?
The main success of ERNs is that they allow patients with a rare disease to have a proper harmonised pathway for diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, ERNs are favouring more homogeneous treatment of patients across participating countries. This is done, for instance, through the ERNs’ virtual discussion tool (CPMS) that allows clinicians to discuss the most challenging cases.
Furthermore, ERN registries, which collect pseudo-anonymised data on patients with rare diseases, are helping to develop a clear picture of the natural history of the various disorders treated by the ERNs. This may one day make it possible to find new treatments for disorders that are currently untreatable. Very few rare diseases have a therapeutic option available and the ERNs registries make a real contribution to the discovery of new treatments.
ERNs have also helped the EU respond to different crises in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian’s war of aggression against Ukraine. A framework has been put in place by the Commission for Ukrainian healthcare providers to seek advice from members of the European Reference Networks on Ukrainian rare or complex disease patients. Moreover, the ERNs undertake collaboration activities, capacity building and best practice sharing for competent Ukrainian authorities and healthcare units.
- What are the main objectives and expectations for the ongoing grants?
The main objectives are to stabilise and further increase the opportunities that ERNs are creating for the treatment of patients. We also expect to explore future possibilities for better therapeutic and better care options, such as the use of artificial intelligence.
- What are the main challenges to cross-border cooperation for rare diseases in Europe, and how do the ERN grants help to face these?
There are still some obstacles which hinder effective cross-border cooperation. To face these limits, the ERN coordinators’ group has recently set up specific working groups. At the same time, support to Ukrainian patients has given us a clear example that cross-border cooperation is working. ERNs are not only providing treatments to those patients in countries where they are not available, but are also training referral doctors in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and the implementation of new procedures.
For instance, my hospital, which is part of ERN BOND and is located in Italy, will operate on a patient from another country where the surgical expertise is not currently available. Surgeons from the clinical centre which referred the patient will participate in the surgery after following a specific training. This will allow them to repeat this therapeutic strategy in their home country.
- How important is the support of EU funding for ERNs?
EU funding is essential: without this support, many of the activities I have mentioned would not be feasible. ERNs have received EU funding since their creation in 2017 and a direct grant of more than €77 million is covering their activities for the period 2023-2027.
There are ongoing actions aimed to raise awareness in EU countries of the importance of ERNs as a strategic initiative to support rare diseases patients. This is one of the main objectives of the Joint Action on integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems (JARDIN). The support of the EU to ERNs, by facilitating interaction between EU countries, is essential for the existence of ERNs and for the rare disease community.
* Prevalence: the proportion of a particular population found to be affected by a medical condition at a specific time
Background
HaDEA manages the 24 ERN grants running from 2023 to 2027 with a total EU contribution of €77.4 million. HaDEA also manages the Joint Action on integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems (JARDIN), for a total EU contribution of €15 million.
HaDEA has also managed the contract on the independent evaluation of ERNs: ERNs evaluation results report – Independent Evaluations of European Reference Networks and of Healthcare Providers – European Commission
EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programmes. The programme provides funding to national authorities, health organisations and other bodies through grants and public procurement, contributing to a healthier Europe.
HaDEA manages the vast majority of the total EU4Health budget and implements the programme by managing calls for proposals and tenders from 2021 to 2027.
Be ready for the next DiscoverEU application round!
Are you 18 years old and a resident of one of the EU Member States or third countries associated to Erasmus+?
Then get ready to explore Europe!
Applications will open on the European Youth Portal on 2 April 2025 at 12:00:00 (midday Brussels time) for two weeks!
Check the European Youth Portal for more info!
Haiti: Over one million displaced by gang violence
The “unprecedented crisis” in Haiti means that every number presented “is a new record,” said Ulrika Johnson, speaking from neighbouring Dominican Republic to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York.
“The suffering that this is causing is immense, and I would say it is really heartbreaking to see, to witness, to listen to victims of violence,” she added.
An ‘unprecedented crisis’
The situation continues to unfold as funding for humanitarian operations globally dwindles following the recent decision by the United States to halt foreign aid disbursements.
A Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorized by the UN Security Council, is on the ground to assist the Haitian National Police in combatting the gangs. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently proposed that the global body assume funding for structural and logistical support.
Children suffer most
Ms. Richardson said human rights violations have risen when compared to 2024.
Over 5,600 people were killed last year, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR. Sexual violence is “rampant” and UN children’s agency UNICEF reports “a staggering” 1,000 per cent increase in cases involving children between 2023 and 2024.
“The impact on women and children is enormous,” she said, noting that children comprise half of the displaced.
“They are really bearing the brunt of the crisis,” she continued. “They’re also recruited by gangs. We’ve seen a 70 per cent increase in one year of how they coerce children into gangs.”
Deportees and refugees
Meanwhile, five million Haitians require food assistance, the number of children suffering from malnutrition and stunting has increased, and only a third of health institutions are operating.
Haiti is also dealing with the impact of deportations. Last year, some 200,000 nationals were sent back to the country, and many had no home to go to. Haitians are also leaving their homeland, often at great risk. Reports indicate that nearly 400,000 fled last year.
Despite the realities on the ground, and access limitations, humanitarian response continues, including in gang-controlled areas.
It is taking place even as the main airport in Port-au-Prince remains closed since November, affecting the movement of humanitarian goods and personnel both into the country and out from the capital city to the regions.
“We’ve been able to set up a logistics hub in the north, and this has been very helpful, obviously, to be able to receive humanitarian goods and then trying to bring them into the capital,” Ms. Richardson said.
US aid freeze
In 2024, the humanitarian community launched a $600 million plan for Haiti, receiving just over 40 per cent of the funding. Around 60 per cent came from the United States alone.
“Obviously, the US temporary freeze and the stop work order has an impact on us,” she underlined.
This year’s plan will call for just over $900 million to cover assistance such as food, medicine, protection, healthcare and psychosocial support for rape victims.
She expressed confidence that if the UN and partners can mobilize this funding, “we can do our absolute best, and more than that, in terms of the seamless delivery of humanitarian aid to the people that so desperately need this aid.”
Discover our testimonial videos on lightweight materials
Watch our latest testimonial videos about innovative solutions and achievements of three Horizon Europe projects managed by HaDEA. The videos feature the projects MULTHEM, RECREATE and SUSPENS, showcasing their cutting-edge work in developing sustainable and lightweight materials for various industries.
MULTHEM aims to develop new, cost-effective manufacturing processes and materials that combine the benefits of metals and carbon fibre composites. The goal is to create hybrid materials with both structural and cooling features, allowing for more efficient and lightweight solutions in applications such as battery casings and electronics.
RECREATE focuses on developing innovative technologies for the reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing of fibre-reinforced composite materials. It aims to create efficient and profitable processes that transform end-of-life composite waste into new materials and parts for various industries, contributing to a more sustainable future.
SUSPENS develops high-performance, sustainable composite materials by creating over 95% bio-sourced epoxy and polyester resins combined with natural and recycled fibre reinforcements. The project aims to reduce environmental impact through innovative recycling solutions and demonstrate their effectiveness in various applications.
For valuable insights from the project coordinators, watch the videos on HaDEA’s official YouTube channel:
Background
The EU-funded projects MULTHEM, RECREATE and SUSPENS were showcased at our event “Efficient, lightweight, sustainable advanced materials – supporting EU industries to meet the Green Deal targets”, where experts from across Europe came together to discuss the latest developments in sustainable and lightweight materials. The event, held on 6th June 2024, highlighted the importance of these materials in helping industries meet the EU’s Green Deal targets. This event demonstrated the vast potential of sustainable and lightweight materials to transform various industries and drive a more sustainable future.
US funding cuts confirmed, ending lifesaving support for women and girls
“At 7pm on 26 February, UNFPA was informed that nearly all of our grants (48 as of now) with USAID and the US State Department have been terminated,” the UN agency said in a statement.
“This decision will have devastating impacts on women and girls and the health and aid workers who serve them in the world’s worst humanitarian crises.”
The USAID grants were designated to provide critical maternal healthcare, protection from violence, rape treatment and other lifesaving care in humanitarian settings.
This includes UNFPA’s work to end maternal death, safely deliver babies and address horrific violence faced by women and girls in places like Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine.
From Afghanistan to Ukraine
The UN agency partners with 150 countries to provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services.
Its goal is ending unmet needs for family planning, preventable maternal death, gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation, by 2030.
“These termination notices include grants for which we had previously received humanitarian waivers, as they were considered lifesaving interventions for the world’s most vulnerable women and girls,” UNFPA said.
The grants funded programmes in countries including Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Mali, Sudan, Syria and its neighbouring countries, as well as Ukraine.
