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Tragische Szenen in Cheltenham. Beim traditionsreichen Pferderennen in England verunglücken drei Tiere. Die Veranstalter und Behörden zeigen sich bestürzt und versprechen Aufklärung.

Le Qatar est l'artisan de la paix au Moyen-Orient, mais il ne parvient pas à réunir Israël et le Hamas pour des pourparlers visant à mettre fin à la guerre à Gaza.

Le Qatar est l'artisan de la paix au Moyen-Orient, mais il ne parvient pas à réunir Israël et le Hamas pour des pourparlers visant à mettre fin à la guerre à Gaza.

Fati N’zi-Hassane. Credit: Natalia Jidovanu/Oxfam

By Fati N’zi-Hassane
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 18 2024 (IPS)

The 29th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP29) currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a key global milestone for agreeing on a new compromise to reduce emissions and to provide to the Global South the much-needed finance to address the devastating consequences of the climate crisis.

While these climate talks must aim at having rich countries step up and contribute the resources needed, they must also be about how to ensure that the funds actually reach the most vulnerable…because right now, they don’t.

A study by Oxfam has shown that only 0.8% of the directly reported recipients of climate finance in the Sahel could be confidently defined as locally-based organizations. The bulk of climate finance goes to international organizations, an indicator of the level of exclusion that local actors still face in directly accessing and managing climate initiatives coming from international public finance.

Oxfam’s interviews with over 100 organizations in the Sahel – one of the regions most affected by climate change – revealed that a myriad of obstacles prevent civil society organizations from accessing available climate funds.

Application procedures are often too complex, and favor large, well-established organizations capable of meeting the bureaucratic requirements such as financial statements, letters of approval, environmental and social guarantees, proven experience in managing large budgets, and registration documents that are imposed on them.

Credit: Karelia Pallan/Oxfam

Documentation and information sessions are often in English, a less accessible language for many Sahelians, not to mention the fact that information doesn’t even reach them in communities where access to the internet and electricity is limited.

Many funding mechanisms require a financial contribution from the organization, or financial guarantees in the case of loans, or even a multi-year financial balance sheet including audits and financial statements, conditions that smaller organizations are not in a position to meet. Short deadlines for application discourage many.

The program objectives that guide the use of funds are often imposed without taking into account the real needs of the target communities.

Marginalized by social norms within their own communities, women lack access to decision-making bodies, capacity-building opportunities, and land ownership, which prevents them from accessing financing mechanisms that require land as collateral.

In addition, finance tends to be less accessible in contexts affected by conflict, insecurity, and other multidimensional factors of fragility. This is mainly due to a risk averse approach by donors leaving out these areas from their geographical priorities, but also because of the high cost related to implementation, the difficulty to access project areas, and questions about the sustainability of investments.

Yet, it is exactly these fragile and conflict affected communities that are facing most urgent needs to address climate-related impacts and build resilience. One way of improving the flow of climate finance to such areas would be by creating more direct access mechanisms for local authorities and community-based organizations. Ultimately, they are the ones who are best placed to manage the barriers above.

Among the highly inaccessible funds are the Adaptation fund, the Global Environment Fund, the Green Climate Fund, and funds from financial institutions, such as the World Bank or the African Development Bank.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities in the Global South are leading on climate solutions in their contexts, for example, as first responders when disaster strike in their community, or as leaders rallying their community around disaster risk reduction or environmental conservation projects.

It is not only fair but also highly effective that they are able to access and manage as much as possible the international climate finance flowing to their countries. With the Loss and Damage fund, created following COP27, becoming operational, it is important to avoid the pitfalls of other climate funds and to facilitate communities’ access to this new source of financing.

Some simple changes that can improve climate finance access include removing barriers such as co-financing requirements, improving information sharing, making application processes simple and establishing specific quotas and direct access funding windows for national and local civil society organizations, especially the ones representing farmers, indigenous peoples, women, youth or people with disabilities.

The success of COP29 will be measured not only by the quantity of funds committed, but also by the quality of their allocation. Only funds that actually reach the communities on the frontline of the climate crisis and truly meet their needs will contribute to delivering climate justice.

Fati N’zi-Hassane is Africa Director, Oxfam International

IPS UN Bureau

 

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2024 wird die Schweiz erstmals an der Darts-WM vertreten sein. Stefan Bellmont setzt sich beim Quali-Turnier durch und kann seinen Coup noch nicht ganz fassen.

Ausgerechnet jetzt, wo Europa im Angesicht der US-Präsidentschaftswahl enger zusammenrücken wollte, macht das Ampel-Aus einen Strich durch die Rechnung. Neben einer wahrscheinlich verzögerten Umsetzung der EU-Migrationsreform in Deutschland steht nun auch der erhoffte Staatsvertrag mit Großbritannien wegen der Neuwahl vor dem vorläufigen Aus.

Wie geht es den Schweizer Firmen? Was läuft an der Wall Street? Und wie entwickelt sich der Goldpreis? Im Liveticker halten wir dich über die neusten Entwicklungen an den Märkten auf dem Laufenden.

Les amoureux du football béninois n'attendent que ça : la qualification des Guépards pour la prochaine Coupe d'Afrique des Nations au Maroc en 2025. Et tout va se jouer ce lundi 18 novembre 2024 du côté de Tripoli. Le Bénin devra sortir le grand jeu pour décrocher son billet. D'ailleurs pour Gernot Rohr, sa bande est concentrée pour décrocher cette fameuse qualification.

À la veille de match, le sélectionneur béninois a été interrogé à la fin de la traditionnelle séance de reconnaissance de la pelouse. Et ceci, vue que la Fédération Libyenne a annoncé plus tôt dans la journée qu'il n'y aurait pas de conférence de presse d'avant match. Au micro de nos confrères qui se sont déplacés à Tripoli, Gernot Rohr rassure le peuple béninois.

"On voudrait terminer le travail ici à Tripoli. Nous avons trois points d'avance. Un match nul ou une victoire nous qualifierait. Une défaite pourrait nous éliminer si elle était de 1-0 ou de plus d'un but d'écart. Au lieu de calculer, nous, on prépare notre match. On est prêt mentalement et physiquement.", a lancé le technicien.

Rohr continue : "On va y aller aussi avec notre solidarité. On sait qu'il nous manque des joueurs, notamment dans l'axe. On a reconstitué une défense, qui a donné satisfaction contre le Nigéria et on va lui refaire confiance pour ce match. Je pense que le début de match est très important parce que les Libyens vont vouloir venir nous contrer. Mais on va essayer de bien résister, de bien jouer, de porter aussi le danger dans leur camp. On va essayer de marquer de but, pas jouer pour un 0-0."

Rendez-vous donc dans quelques heures.

J.S

Roland Kupers, a lead architect at the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory

By Umar Manzoor Shah
BAKU, Nov 18 2024 (IPS)

Methane emissions have emerged as a focal point of discussion as global leaders congregate at COP29 in Baku to tackle the escalating climate crisis.

In an exclusive interview with IPS, Roland Kupers, a lead architect at the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory, outlined actionable strategies to curb methane emissions by 2030, the challenges ahead, and the crucial role of international cooperation.

The Methane Problem: Sectoral Challenges and Opportunities

“Methane emissions are not a singular issue but rather a collection of problems spanning five key sectors: oil and gas, coal, waste, rice, and livestock,” Kupers said.  He adds that each sector requires tailored solutions.

“UNEP has prioritized the oil and gas industry due to its substantial potential for reduction.”

“The oil and gas industry could achieve a 75 percent reduction in methane emissions by 2030. It’s not only affordable but also feasible, given the industry’s access to technology, capital, and expertise,” Kupers said, adding that the waste sector also presents significant opportunities, although organizing mitigation measures in this sector poses logistical challenges.

UNEP’s approach includes creating detailed programs to address emissions in high-impact industries like oil, gas, and steel.

“Methane emissions account for a third of the climate footprint of steel production, yet they can be eliminated at a cost of less than 1% of steel’s production price.”

Data: A Cornerstone for Action

Kupers also underlined the critical role of accurate data in driving methane mitigation efforts.

“Data is essential for human agency. Without precise, measurement-based data, it’s impossible to identify and address the specific sources of emissions effectively.”

According to him, many existing datasets rely on emission factors derived from outdated studies. UNEP advocates transitioning to real-time, site-specific measurements to better target interventions.

“When you gather accurate data, you often find emissions in unexpected places, stressing the need for precise monitoring.”

Systemic Shifts in the Energy Sector

To align with the 2030 climate goals, Kupers argues for a fundamental transformation of the global energy system.

“While mitigating methane emissions is crucial, it’s not a substitute for decarbonization. The ultimate objective must be to eliminate fossil fuels entirely.”

He also highlighted the health benefits of reducing methane emissions.

“Methane, both directly and through incomplete combustion, contributes to significant local health hazards.”

The Financial Perspective

While climate discussions often center around the financial challenges of adaptation and mitigation, Kupers believes that addressing methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas sector, is not a financial burden.

“The oil and gas industry is highly profitable and well-resourced. It has no excuse for not addressing its methane emissions,” Kupers said, adding that even oil and gas operations in developing countries operate in highly sophisticated, well-funded environments.

Responsibilities of Developed Nations

The methane issue differs from broader climate equity debates, Kupers explained.

“For methane emissions in oil and gas, the responsibility to act is universal. Whether in Nigeria, Argentina, or Indonesia, the industry operates with the same high standards and capabilities as in developed countries.”

This universality makes methane mitigation a “climate good news story,” as it bypasses some of the equity challenges seen in broader decarbonization debates.

Barriers to Progress

Despite decades of climate discussions, significant hurdles remain in addressing global warming. He attributes the slow progress to a lack of prioritization and awareness about methane’s role.

“Methane has only recently gained prominence on the global agenda. The science highlighting its importance has emerged in the past decade,” Kupers said. Policymakers are often unaware of methane’s substantial climate footprint or the cost-effective solutions available.

Key COP-29 Objectives

“UNEP has established ambitious goals for methane mitigation. The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0), a UNEP-led initiative, currently includes companies responsible for 42 percent of global oil and gas production. Kupers urged more companies to join, with the aim of achieving 80 percent participation,” Kupers said.

Another critical initiative is the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), which integrates data from a dozen satellites to identify significant emission sources. UNEP then notifies governments and companies of these emissions.

“Over the past year, we’ve sent 1,200 notifications to governments, but the response rate has been dismal—just 1 percent,” Kupers said, a disappointing lack of engagement that points to the need for stronger accountability measures at COP29.

The Stakes: Why Methane Matters

Human-induced methane emissions are responsible for a third of the current warming. Unlike CO2, which is often a byproduct of energy use, methane emissions are largely waste streams. This makes them easier to address and a critical opportunity for climate action.

“Methane mitigation is not just an environmental necessity but a low-hanging fruit. It’s a solvable problem, and we must seize this opportunity,” Kupers said.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Auf der Panoramastrasse über den Glaubenbielenpass zwischen Giswil OW und Sörenberg LU gilt ab heute Montag, 13 Uhr die Wintersperre. Die Strecke ist zwischen Mörlialp und Sörenberg gesperrt.

Written by Ingeborg Odink.

Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are among the worst forms of violence against children, and are crimes that know no borders. The constant rise in these crimes is exacerbated by the use of digital technologies. Harmonised national laws and international cooperation are essential to improve prevention, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. The European Day helps to raise awareness to that end.

Background

The European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is marked every year on 18 November. A Council of Europe initiative, the Day is designed to raise awareness and facilitate an open discussion on the need to prevent child sexual exploitation and abuse, and protect children from these crimes. The Day’s 2024 edition is dedicated to ‘Emerging technologies: Threats and opportunities for the protection of children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse’. At EU level, the European Commission launched the EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse in 2020. A form of cybercrime, child sexual exploitation is also an EU priority in the fight against serious and organised crime under the 2020‑2025 EU security union strategy and the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).

A new UNICEF report estimates that one in five girls and women and one in seven boys and men alive today globally have been subjected to sexual violence as children. In Europe, one in five children are estimated to be the victim of some form of sexual violence, and between 70 % and 85 % of child victims know their abuser. A third of abused children never tell anyone about the abuse. Reasons for this include feelings of shame and guilt, fear of not being believed, not knowing whom to tell, or inability to recognise the abuse. Child sexual abuse and exploitation increasingly occur online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a United States-based non-profit organisation, saw the number of reports worldwide of online child sexual exploitation increase from 1 million in 2010 to more than 21.7 million in 2020. The figures jumped to 29.3 million reports in 2021 during the pandemic, involving nearly 85 million images and videos, and reached new record highs of more than 36.2 million in 2023, with NCMEC identifying 63 892 urgent reports that involved a child in imminent danger. Both the European Commission and Europol have expressed concern about this growing phenomenon, highlighting the need to promote preventive and educational initiatives across Europe.

International and EU efforts to combat child sexual abuse International legal framework

The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child formed the starting point for an international framework for combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, providing for the protection of children from all forms of (sexual) exploitation and abuse, and maltreatment. In 2007, the Council of Europe adopted a Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No 201). Known as the ‘Lanzarote Convention‘, this was the first international instrument to establish the various forms of child sexual abuse as criminal offences. It requires the parties to adopt appropriate legislation and measures to prevent these offences from occurring, to protect victims, and to prosecute perpetrators. It entered into force on 1 July 2010 and has been ratified by all EU Member States.

EU legal framework

The European Commission is working to ensure that the EU has an adequate legal framework to protect children. The main EU legal instrument to combat the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography is Directive 2011/93/EU. The directive criminalised various forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, harmonised these criminal offences across the EU, and established minimum sanctions. Furthermore, Article 25 of the directive, on the removal of and blocking of access to websites containing or disseminating child sexual abuse material, contributes to the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Adopted a year later, the Victims’ Rights Directive (Directive 2012/29/EU) complements the existing framework, as it takes a child-sensitive approach, and requires primary consideration to be given to the best interests of the child. The EU strategy on the rights of the child, issued in March 2021, offers an EU policy framework to combat violence against children and protect them from all forms of abuse.

Recent developments

On 6 February 2024, under the EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse, the Commission submitted a proposal for a revision of the 2011 Combating Child Sexual Abuse Directive. The revised rules expand the definitions of offences, to include new forms of online child sexual abuse, and introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance to victims. They also set minimum statutes of limitations, to allow victims to seek justice effectively.

In addition, the Commission has launched the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive, and on 23 April 2024 it adopted a recommendation on integrated child protection systems – a key delivery under the children’s rights strategy to protect children from violence more effectively.

Work has also continued on the 2022 legislative proposal that would make the detection, reporting and removal of child sexual abuse material mandatory for providers of online communication services. It also envisages the creation of an EU centre to prevent and counter child sexual abuse. Pending an agreement in the Council (a new compromise text from the Hungarian Presidency is now on the table), Parliament and Council agreed to extend the 2021 interim regulation providing a temporary derogation from EU rules on confidentiality of electronic communication, to enable detection, reporting and removal on a voluntary basis.

International cooperation through EU agencies, initiatives and networks

Various EU agencies, such as Europol, support law enforcement cooperation among Member States to form a united front against (online) sexual exploitation and abuse of children in the EU and beyond. The stop child abuse – trace an object initiative, designed to help trace the origin of objects linked to criminal investigations, is one example of Europol’s efforts; the initiative has led to the identification of a number of victims, as well as offenders. Eurojust supports judicial cooperation among Member States to facilitate the prosecution of child sexual abuse perpetrators in cross-border cases. In addition, the European Commission funds and supports several initiatives and networks, including the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) portal, raising awareness of the potential risks children face online, and INHOPE, a network of hotlines combating online child sexual abuse material by analysing and reporting illegal content. The WePROTECT Global Alliance, supported by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Commission, develops political and practical solutions to make the digital world safe for children, and seeks to prevent online sexual abuse and long-term harm. The Internet Watch Foundation, co-funded by the EU, provides a hotline for reporting online sexual abuse content globally, and raises awareness through prevention campaigns.

European Parliament position

The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is currently working on the proposed revision of the Combating Child Sexual Abuse Directive. The draft report (rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers, EPP/Netherlands) was published on 16 April 2024. Ever since its first assessment in 2017, Parliament and its Children’s Rights Coordinator have called repeatedly for full transposition of the directive’s provisions, and urged action in several areas. Parliament has previously demanded better child protection and victim support and a greater focus on prevention and awareness-raising, stressed that information and communications technology companies and online platforms should take some responsibility in the fight against child sexual abuse material, and called for more national investment in digital education. Parliament has welcomed Europol’s prevention and awareness-raising work, and supported the establishment of an EU centre to prevent and counter child sexual abuse.

Read this ‘At a glance’ note on ‘European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Der Zürcher Kantonsrat will mit 500 zusätzlichen Medizin-Studienplätzen bis 2028 den akuten Mangel an Ärztinnen und Ärzte bekämpfen. Er hat am Montag die Regierung beauftragt, die dafür notwendigen Mittel zu berechnen.

Aujourd'hui dans l'Expresso : après son appel à Vladimir Poutine, Olaf Scholz sous le feu des critiques, le ministre tchèque des Affaires étrangères s’oppose à une suspension du dialogue avec Israël, les eaux portugaises connaissent une augmentation du trafic de navires russe.

La Grèce se sent menacée et mène elle aussi une course à l'armement, comme la plupart de ses voisins des Balkans. Le ministre de la Défense a présenté jeudi un vaste plan, qui prévoit notamment le développement d'un système de dôme de fer en coopération en Israël.

- Le fil de l'Info / Grèce, Défense, police et justice, Courrier des Balkans, Relations gréco-turques, Israël-Palestine , Une - Diaporama

Ils refusent d'aller combattre en Ukraine ou fuient les persécutions de Moscou. Des centaines de Tchétchènes et d'autres ressortissants du Caucase sont actuellement bloqués en Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la frontière avec la Croatie. Leur espoir : rejoindre l'Union européenne pour y demander l'asile.

- Articles / Ukraine, Radio Slobodna Evropa, Une - Diaporama, Croatie, Bosnie-Herzégovine, Défense, police et justice, Migrants Balkans

Ils refusent d'aller combattre en Ukraine ou fuient les persécutions de Moscou. Des centaines de Tchétchènes et d'autres ressortissants du Caucase sont actuellement bloqués en Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la frontière avec la Croatie. Leur espoir : rejoindre l'Union européenne pour y demander l'asile.

- Articles / Ukraine, Radio Slobodna Evropa, Une - Diaporama, Croatie, Bosnie-Herzégovine, Défense, police et justice, Migrants Balkans

Ils refusent d'aller combattre en Ukraine ou fuient les persécutions de Moscou. Des centaines de Tchétchènes et d'autres ressortissants du Caucase sont actuellement bloqués en Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la frontière avec la Croatie. Leur espoir : rejoindre l'Union européenne pour y demander l'asile.

- Articles / Ukraine, Radio Slobodna Evropa, Une - Diaporama, Croatie, Bosnie-Herzégovine, Défense, police et justice, Migrants Balkans, Une - Diaporama - En premier

Az elmúlt napok eseményei ismét a reflektorfénybe helyezték a kelet-európai feszültségeket. Oroszország újabb intenzív támadásokat indított Ukrajna ellen, amelyek hatásai a lengyel határig is elhatoltak. Válaszul a lengyel vezetés fokozott készültségi állapotot rendelt el, és nyíltan kijelentette: készek védeni légterüket az esetleges orosz fenyegetésekkel szemben.

A legfrissebb információk szerint a lengyel hadsereg vadászgépei fokozott járőrözést végeznek az ország keleti határain, és a légvédelmi rendszerek is készenlétben állnak. Cezary Tomczyk védelmi miniszter-helyettes hangsúlyozta, hogy amennyiben bármely orosz rakéta lengyel terület felé tartana, azt azonnal semlegesítenék.

A lengyel döntéshozók aggodalmát az is erősíti, hogy az elmúlt hónapokban már többször is történt, hogy orosz eszközök behatoltak a lengyel légtérbe. A szakértők szerint ez azt mutatja, hogy Oroszország hajlandó kockáztatni az eszkalációt, és a NATO keleti szárnyát is fenyegeti.

A lengyel vezetés álláspontja szerint a jelenlegi helyzetben elengedhetetlen a szövetségesek támogatása és a közös fellépés. A lengyel kormányfő, Donald Tusk is hangsúlyozta, hogy a telefondiplomácia önmagában nem elegendő az orosz agresszió megfékezéséhez, és a Nyugatnak erős, egységes frontot kell mutatnia Ukrajna támogatásában.

A lengyelországi események ismét felvetették a kérdést: mennyire stabil a béke Európában? És vajon képes-e a Nyugat megakadályozni, hogy az ukrajnai konfliktus tovább terjedjen?

The post Lengyelország Éber Szemei: Készenlétben az Orosz Fenyegetésre appeared first on Biztonságpiac.

Die EU-Außenminister werden am Montag (18. November) in Brüssel zusammenkommen, um einen umstrittenen Vorschlag des scheidenden EU-Chefdiplomaten Josep Borrell zu erörtern. Dieser hatte eine Aussetzung der politischen Gespräche mit Israel angeregt.