text:
Siraya people
Siraya
西拉雅族
Siraya couples
Regions with significant populations
Tainan City and Taitung county (Taiwan)
Siraya (formerly), Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien
Animism, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Taiwanese Aborigines
Siraya Boulevard in Tainan Science Park
The Siraya (Chinese: 西拉雅族; pinyin: Xīlāyǎ Zú) people are a Taiwanese indigenous people. The Siraya settled flat coastal plains in the southwest part of the island of Taiwan and corresponding sections of the east coast; the area is identified today with Tainan City and Taitung County. At least four communities make up the group: Mattauw, Soelangh, Baccloangh, and Sinckan. The first four communities correspond to the modern-day districts of Madou, Jiali, Shanhua, and Xinshi, respectively.
The Siraya are Taiwanese Plains Aborigines (Pingpu) — that is, occupants of flat coastal regions rather than mountain areas. Like other indigenous peoples of Taiwan they are ethnically and linguistically Austronesian. The name "Taiwan" (historically Taiouwang, 臺員 and other variants) originated from the Siraya language. The Austronesian language family from which Sirayan belongs includes some of the most spoken languages in the western Pacific particularly Bahasa Indonesia, Javanese, Tagalog (or standardized as Filipino), and Malay.[1]
Taivoan and Makatao used to be considered two communities of the Siraya but are now classified as independent indigenous peoples, based on the latest linguistic discoveries, cultural features, and the indigenous people's self-identification.
1 Modern history
3 Language
Modern history[edit]
After the port in the Siraya area of Taiwan was annexed in 1683 by Qing Dynasty China, a process of gradual acculturation led to the Siraya language falling out of use.[2] Its last recorded regular use was in 1908, after Taiwan was under Japanese rule.[1] The mother tongue of most Siraya families became Hokkien Chinese, with Japanese and Mandarin Chinese learned in schools as the government-mandated lingua franca.
The Siraya maintained many aspects of their culture despite this. A number of families in the Tso-chen, Kou-pei and Chiou-chen-lin of Sinhua Township in particular still identify themselves as Siraya. The family name Wan (萬), often encountered in the region, is a Chinese transliteration of Talavan, a common Siraya surname.[1] A Siraya Culture Association (台南縣平埔族西拉雅文化協會) was established in 1999. In 2002 the reconstructed Siraya language (see below) began to be taught in schools and used in new literature.[1] In 2005 the Tainan County (now part of Tainan City) government established a Siraya Aboriginal Affairs Committee (台南縣西拉雅原住民族事務委員會) and subsidised a glossary, released in 2008, containing entries for over 4,000 Sirayan words.[1]
Efforts have been under way by the Siraya and related plains aboriginal peoples to gain official recognition from Taiwan's national government. In 2010 the Siraya enlisted the aid of the United Nations. Siraya and Taiwan government representatives have noted a flaw in the language of the law: the Chinese term employed for indigenous peoples literally means "mountain people." A literal reading of the law excludes coastal groups from recognition automatically. Government officials have proposed changing the law to ensure accuracy and inclusion of all indigenous groups.[3][4]
Culture[edit]
Traditionally the Siraya lived in villages, which were in constant conflict with one another. Women handled agriculture and religion, while men handled hunting, warfare and decision-making. Married couples did not live together, with the wife living with her parents and the husband living in the men's quarters; if they wanted to see one another, the husband would have to visit in secret. The Siraya were unusual in that most women did not have children until their mid-thirties and if a woman became pregnant before this, an abortion would usually be performed by the village shaman, with most women having multiple abortions during their lifetime. This was because the Siraya held a belief that childbirth and child rearing had an adverse effect on success in warfare, thus childbirth was postponed until the husband retired from being a warrior (generally around age forty), with his wife being a few years younger than him and still having a few years of child-bearing left.[5]
Language[edit]
Main article: Siraya language
According to Taiwan Journal, Taiwan's Academia Sinica historians and linguistics announced, on 14 February 2006, that their team of researchers have deciphered up to 80% of the 187 so-called Sinckan Manuscripts (or Sinkang Manuscripts), a set of documents from 17th and 18th centuries written in the language spoken by the Siraya people using a system of romanization introduced by the Dutch in the 17th century. In order to convert the Siraya to Christianity, Dutch missionaries studied the Sirayan language, devised a romanized script in which to record it, taught the Siraya people how to use it, and began translating the New Testament into the Sirayan language. Copies of the Dutch missionaries' translation of the Book of Matthew into Sirayan have survived, and several of the manuscripts are bilingual, with side-by-side Sirayan and Chinese versions of the contents.[6]
Daniel Gravius - Siraya language scholar
^ a b c d e Crook, Steven (26 Sep 2008). "Taiwan Culture Portal - Pingpu tribe: We have not disappeared!". Culture.tw. Archived from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved 2013-01-23.
^ Adelaar, K.A. (1997). "Grammar notes on Siraya, an extinct Formosan language". Oceanic Linguistics. University of Hawai'i Press. 36 (2): 362–397. doi:10.2307/3622990. JSTOR 3622990.
^ Loa, Iok-sin (6 May 2010). "Pingpu activists ask UN assistance in Aboriginal claim". Taipei Times. p. 1. Retrieved 2013-01-23.
^ "CIP says Pingpu recognition requires law revision". Taipei Times. 27 May 2010. p. 3. Retrieved 2013-01-23.
^ Adelaar, Alexander. "The Austronesian languages of Taiwan, with special reference to Siraya." Online at http://www.soas.ac.uk/taiwanstudies/eats/eats2005/file24063.pdf (viewed 18 June 2019) (2005).
^ Excerpted from Taiwan Journal Archived 2006-02-19 at the Wayback Machine
Shepherd, John Robert (1995). Marriage and mandatory abortion among the 17th century Siraya. Arlington, Va.: American Anthropological Assoc. ISBN 9780913167717.
Lin Meng-ting (1 Feb 2015). "Siraya people to file suit to claim Aboriginal status". Taipei Times. p. 3. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Siraya people.
Siraya Culture Association (台南縣平埔族西拉雅文化協會) (Chinese)
Tainan Cultural Affairs Department (台南縣政府文化局) (Chinese)
Siraya National Scenic Area (西拉雅國家風景區). (Chinese, English)
National Museum of Prehistory, Taiwan (國立臺灣史前文化博物館) (Chinese, English)
Siraya Aboriginal Affairs Committee (台南縣西拉雅原住民事務委員會) (Chinese)
Taiwanese indigenous peoples
Nationwide Recognized
by the central government
Bunun
Hla'alua
Kanakanavu
Paiwan
Puyuma
Saisiyat
Sakizaya
Seediq
Tsou
Truku
Locally Recognized
by a local government
Makatao
Taivoan
Babuza
Hoanya
Arikun
Lloa
Kaxabu
Ketagalan
Basay
Luilang
Kulon
Pazeh
Qauqaut
Taokas
List of indigenous peoples of Taiwan
Plains indigenous peoples
Indigenous Area (Taiwan)
Retrieved from "http://en.turkcewiki.org/w/index.php?title=Siraya_people&oldid=904404544"
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Learn about the history and traditions of Chinese New Year, a festival where Chinese people come together with their families and friends to celebrate the start of the new year.
Subjects Chinese New Year -- Juvenile literature.
Audience Grade 4 to 6.


Separation Agreements are contracts between the parties that outline how the parties will divide their assets, debts, and property. These contracts are made court orders. These enforceable orders allow what was once marital property to be divided so the parties can take their portion of the marital estate and move on as separate autonomous individuals.
Parenting Plans are agreements which outline Parenting Time, Holiday Parenting Time, Vacation Parenting Time, Child Support, Tax Dependency Exemptions, Reasonable Communication with Parents and the Child, Extracurricular Activities, Decision-Making, Extraordinary Medical Expenses, Insurance, Out-of-State Moves, and more. These plans are made court orders and are enforceable. While parties can always agree to a different arrangement, the court ordered Parenting Plan is the default in the event of a disagreement. For this reason it is extremely important to have a strong Parenting Plan.
Copyright © 2019 Miller Family Law, LLC™, all rights reserved.


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I'm a busy full-time master's student, traveler, part-time link builder, blogger and a girlfriend so my days are very busy. However, somehow I manage to do everything I have to do and… I still have 40-50 minutes a day to do my workout, cook delicious meals and hang out with friends. In today's post I am going to show you how my regular day looks like. It's of course only an example and my meals, workout routine and activities keep changing and depend on my work and uni schedule.
When I am in a rush, I make a quick smoothie (banana + handful of spinach, almond milk or yogurt). If I have more time, I make my favourite porridge or semolina with nuts, chocolate nibs and fruits.
I usually have a fruit smoothie, a handful of nuts, chopped veggies with hummus or yogurt with fruits.
I usually have a lunch at work or at uni. I carry lunch boxes with me and warm my meals up in a microwave. My favourite lunch is smoked fish + steamed veggies + brown pasta/ couscous or brown rice.
I usually workout every 2 days. It takes me 40-50 minutes to complete one of online videos with Insanity training. Sometimes I feel like jogging so I jog for 1 hour or less depending on my mood.
Brown bread with veggies and a piece of fish – that is usually my dinner. I also have cottage cheese with salad and brown rice, tuna salad with couscous or Greek salad with jacked potatoes.
I prepare my meal in the evening – breakfast, 2 snacks, lunch and dinner. I put my food in plastic boxes and store them in the fridge. Once I wake up, I pack them and I'm off to go to work/uni.
I'm 26 🙂 but it's nice to hear that 🙂 thanks!
Thanks, sweetie :). I'm glad I could share that.
Oh I love these types of posts! It's great to see that even with a super busy schedule you still have time to eat healthy and workout! One of my daily workout goals is to get 10K steps a day, minimum–so I end up walking most places I go. I have to factor in extra time, but always feel better at the end of the day knowing at least I got 5 miles in!
Yes, there are so many beautiful parks here!
and they are so healthy too.
Those meals look tasty and pretty easy at the same time! Well done on getting so much accomplished in a typical day!
I'm a super busy person so I try to keep my meals easy, quick and yummy at the same time ;).
Wow you are incredibly organised. I wish I could say I fit in exercising, healthy meals, work and blogging every day, but in reality cycling to work and avoiding the biscuit tin is a good day for me !! Love reading about your healthy lifestyle (y).
Alex, try to prepare your meals a night before and you will see how quick it is to make 3 meals and 2 snacks – less than 30 in most cases :)!!


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text:
Haiti, Imperialism and the War Against Petrocaribe
Guest Post September 28, 2019
Flaming tires seen early on February 11, 2019, during a protest in the streets of Hinche in the center of Haiti. (Photo: VOA)
Haiti, perhaps the country most affected by the energy crisis derived from the embargo against Venezuela, is being used as a launch point of the offensive against the government of Nicolás Maduro.
(By Lautaro Rivara, Peoples Dispatch) For the last five weeks, Haiti has been experiencing a fuel shortage crisis and of other petroleum products. As a consequence, the population has been affected by the rise in prices of basic products, the partial stoppage of transportation, circulation of contraband and long lines at the gas stations. A gallon of gasoline or kerosene, which is used to light houses in many regions that lack electricity services, can cost two or three times its normal value. The government, commercial and civil activity is currently paralyzed or intermittent. The most affected have been, evidently, the toiling masses that survive with less than two dollars a day in the most impoverished and one of the most unequal countries of the hemisphere.
The absence of hydrocarbons has two central causes. On one hand the retention of fuel by the government, who has exerted pressure to justify the elimination of state subsidies and the increase in prices. This is what President Jovenel Moïse attempted to do in July last year, in accordance with the global policies of the International Monetary Fund. The policy towards Haiti was also replicated in distant countries like Equatorial Guinea and Egypt. This attempt in Haiti resulted in 1.5 million people mobilized in the streets across the country, the suspension of the unpopular measure and the forced resignation of the then Prime Minister, Jack Guy Lafontant.
Despite the fact that in this moment, the executive argued that it was not considering the price increase, it was disseminated in an internal memo of the National Police that called on the special forces of the CIMO (Intervention and Maintenance of Order Corps (Riot Police)) to deal with the eventual protests that would be generated by "the next price increase of petroleum products". Which is to say, that the principle security corps of the State assumed that the increase would happen a few days ago. At the same time, a reporter from Radio Ibo confirmed, after visiting a port terminal, that the 140 thousand barrels of petroleum that the State had in its possession, had not run out but they were being deliberately retained.
The other cause of the energy crisis is related directly with the regional geopolitics. The blockade and embargo that the United States sustains against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela impedes the free navigation of the cargo ships that previously supplied subsidized fuel and under preferential conditions to the Caribbean nation. Without access to cheap crude oil, Haiti has returned to an international market dominated by the North American transnational companies, which impose onerous and impossible prices paid for by the State.
The policy of the US State Department seeks to enclose the government of Nicolás Maduro, and inflict collateral damage to Cuba, that also has been experiencing a moderate lack of supply, and simultaneously weaken the alliance of the member countries of Petrocaribe. The platform of energy cooperation founded in 2005 under the instruction of Hugo Chávez Frias has since been a center piece of Venezuelan diplomacy in the region that the United States considers as mare nostrum, and has hit the commercial interests hard of giants like Chevron and Exxon Mobil.
As such, Haiti is the principle victim and the suicidal instrument of the interventionist policy in the Caribbean under the Trump administration. While Haiti is the most affected by the energy crisis derived from the embargo against Venezuela, it is used as a launch point of the offensive against the government of Nicolás Maduro. At the same time, the government of Jovenel Moïse, clearly preoccupied with the North American priorities, adds to the list of those who seek to weaken and fracture Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has given reiterated displays of autonomy in the treatment of the decisive Venezuelan question.
Meanwhile, the so-called "international community," the other countries that have interests in Haiti like France or Canada, and even international organisms that have active presence in the country like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, do not seem to acknowledge the gravity of the crisis. While they point out the supposed lack of democracy in countries like Venezuela and Cuba, it seems that they do not recognize the fact that Haiti lacks a stable government, in terms of functionality and with regards to its constitution, since July of last year. The failure of the eight civil and military international missions that act in the country since 1993 is all too clear. By merely looking at the drama in Haiti, one is forced to recognize the overwhelming international responsibility in the critical situation of the country.
Stabilization, reconstruction, pacification, and justice as objectives, have not even been remotely reached, as anyone who has visited Haiti can confirm or observe in the most elemental social and economic indicators. The next and umpteenth mission, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) which will replace the current MINUJUSTH on October 16, does not seem to offer greater guarantees in this sense. It is about perpetuating the international occupation of a country that today is considered, according to Article VII of the United Nations Charter, as a ridiculous "threat to international security". The other objective is to keep on hand an easy resource to new militarizations to repress and contain the massive protests that shake the country and demand the resignation of the president, if these manage to affect the geopolitical interests of the Western powers in the Caribbean.
oil embargo
Citizen Truth republishes articles with permission from a variety of news sites, advocacy organizations and watchdog groups. We choose articles we think will be informative and of interest to our readers. Chosen articles sometimes contain a mixture of opinion and news, any such opinions are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of Citizen Truth.
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Suspected Assassins of Haitian President Moïse Trained by US, Linked to Pro-Coup Oligarchy
Guest Post July 12, 2021
"Stop Interfering in Our Lives": Haitian Protesters Condemn US Support for Dictator
Guest Post February 15, 2021
Massachusetts Contact Tracing Program Handed to Clinton-Linked NGO with Questionable Past
Guest Post May 15, 2020
Experts Warn: Years of US Intervention Have Set the Stage for a Deadly Coronavirus Outbreak in Haiti
Guest Post April 21, 2020
by Guest Post, Citizen Truth

Haiti, Imperialism and the War Against Petrocaribe

by Guest Post, Citizen Truth
September 28, 2019

Haiti, perhaps the country most affected by the energy crisis derived from the embargo against Venezuela, is being used as a launch point of the offensive against the government of Nicolás Maduro.

(By Lautaro Rivara, Peoples Dispatch) For the last five weeks, Haiti has been experiencing a fuel shortage crisis and of other petroleum products. As a consequence, the population has been affected by the rise in prices of basic products, the partial stoppage of transportation, circulation of contraband and long lines at the gas stations. A gallon of gasoline or kerosene, which is used to light houses in many regions that lack electricity services, can cost two or three times its normal value. The government, commercial and civil activity is currently paralyzed or intermittent. The most affected have been, evidently, the toiling masses that survive with less than two dollars a day in the most impoverished and one of the most unequal countries of the hemisphere.

The absence of hydrocarbons has two central causes. On one hand the retention of fuel by the government, who has exerted pressure to justify the elimination of state subsidies and the increase in prices. This is what President Jovenel Moïse attempted to do in July last year, in accordance with the global policies of the International Monetary Fund. The policy towards Haiti was also replicated in distant countries like Equatorial Guinea and Egypt. This attempt in Haiti resulted in 1.5 million people mobilized in the streets across the country, the suspension of the unpopular measure and the forced resignation of the then Prime Minister, Jack Guy Lafontant.

Despite the fact that in this moment, the executive argued that it was not considering the price increase, it was disseminated in an internal memo of the National Police that called on the special forces of the CIMO (Intervention and Maintenance of Order Corps (Riot Police)) to deal with the eventual protests that would be generated by "the next price increase of petroleum products". Which is to say, that the principle security corps of the State assumed that the increase would happen a few days ago. At the same time, a reporter from Radio Ibo confirmed, after visiting a port terminal, that the 140 thousand barrels of petroleum that the State had in its possession, had not run out but they were being deliberately retained.

The other cause of the energy crisis is related directly with the regional geopolitics. The blockade and embargo that the United States sustains against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela impedes the free navigation of the cargo ships that previously supplied subsidized fuel and under preferential conditions to the Caribbean nation. Without access to cheap crude oil, Haiti has returned to an international market dominated by the North American transnational companies, which impose onerous and impossible prices paid for by the State.

The policy of the US State Department seeks to enclose the government of Nicolás Maduro, and inflict collateral damage to Cuba, that also has been experiencing a moderate lack of supply, and simultaneously weaken the alliance of the member countries of Petrocaribe. The platform of energy cooperation founded in 2005 under the instruction of Hugo Chávez Frias has since been a center piece of Venezuelan diplomacy in the region that the United States considers as mare nostrum, and has hit the commercial interests hard of giants like Chevron and Exxon Mobil.

As such, Haiti is the principle victim and the suicidal instrument of the interventionist policy in the Caribbean under the Trump administration. While Haiti is the most affected by the energy crisis derived from the embargo against Venezuela, it is used as a launch point of the offensive against the government of Nicolás Maduro. At the same time, the government of Jovenel Moïse, clearly preoccupied with the North American priorities, adds to the list of those who seek to weaken and fracture Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has given reiterated displays of autonomy in the treatment of the decisive Venezuelan question.

Meanwhile, the so-called "international community," the other countries that have interests in Haiti like France or Canada, and even international organisms that have active presence in the country like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, do not seem to acknowledge the gravity of the crisis. While they point out the supposed lack of democracy in countries like Venezuela and Cuba, it seems that they do not recognize the fact that Haiti lacks a stable government, in terms of functionality and with regards to its constitution, since July of last year. The failure of the eight civil and military international missions that act in the country since 1993 is all too clear. By merely looking at the drama in Haiti, one is forced to recognize the overwhelming international responsibility in the critical situation of the country.

Stabilization, reconstruction, pacification, and justice as objectives, have not even been remotely reached, as anyone who has visited Haiti can confirm or observe in the most elemental social and economic indicators. The next and umpteenth mission, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) which will replace the current MINUJUSTH on October 16, does not seem to offer greater guarantees in this sense. It is about perpetuating the international occupation of a country that today is considered, according to Article VII of the United Nations Charter, as a ridiculous "threat to international security". The other objective is to keep on hand an easy resource to new militarizations to repress and contain the massive protests that shake the country and demand the resignation of the president, if these manage to affect the geopolitical interests of the Western powers in the Caribbean.

This article first appeared on Citizen Truth and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Let's be honest: who hasn't dreamt about having perfect lines and those elegantly pointed ballerina feet?
A nice instep comes from good genetis and probably some of you is one of those gifted ones of the lucky ones with an ankle excursion as beautiful as Alina Cojocaru's (even if you never took a ballet/calisthenics/gymnastic class). But you should know that you can do a lot for your instep with some specific excercises: visible results are granted!
A little anatomic background: your foot is made of 26 bones kept together by 29 articulations. It consists of three parts: hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot which comprise muscles, articulations and bones.
1. Sit on the floor with straight legs and back. Flex and point your feet 8 times, focusing on extending and contracting your soles as much as you can.
2. Stand with your hands on the wall, then lift 8 times on your demi point. Repeat 8 times lifting on your toes.
3. Lift on your demi point then bend your knees and make little bounces keeping your hips straight. Repeat 8 times and do another repetition on your toes.
4. Stand with your hands on the wall again and work one foot before the other, going from demi point to point 8 times.
Don't think this routine is way too easy for you: it's a simple sequence, perfect for beginners, that guarantees good results avoiding feet injuries.
Beware of machines that promise miraculous results curving your forestep in unnatural positions: leave them to pros who know how to use them and already have a good flexibility!


ELDER, ROBERT CRAIG. Rank, Stoker Petty Officer, H. M. S. "Turbulent"; died, North Sea, May 31, 1916.
Source: Ireland's Memorial Records – World War I (1914-1918). Page 82. Published by Eneclann.
ELDER, JOHN. Reg. No. 12144. Rank, Sergeant, Royal Irish Regiment, 2nd Batt.; killed in action, France, May 20, 1918; born Shankhill, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
ELDER, FREDERICK HENRY. Reg. No. 41945. Rank, Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers, 1st Batt.; died of wounds, France, May 18, 1918; born Marylebone, Middlesex.
ELDER, CHARLES. Reg. No. 71585. Rank, Private, North Irish Horse; killed in action, France, November 7, 1918.
Andrew Stewart Elder (b: Nov 1864) died on 29 Dec 1864 aged 5 weeks at Blairstown, Killygordon, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal, Ireland. His father was recorded as Andrew Elder (Farmer). His death was registered on 31 Dec 1864.
Source: Register of Deaths (1864-?), Yr.: 1864, Vol.: 17, Pg.: 247.


text:
Spain's Leadership of the OSCE
210 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C., DC 20003
Official Transcript - SPAIN'S LEADERSHIP OF THE OSCE.pdf
Hon. Alcee Hastings
Testimony Hastings.pdf
Hon. Benjamin Cardin
Testimony Cardin.pdf
Hon. Louise McIntosh
Presiding Commissioner
Testimony McIntosh.pdf
Ranking Minority Member
Testimony Smith.pdf
H.E. Miguel Angel Moratinos
Chairman in Office
StatementbyOsceSrMoratinos.pdf
This hearing, which Louise McIntosh Slaughter presided over, discussed Spain's leadership of the OSCE, and took place shortly before the country hosted the OSCE Ministerial Meeting in Madrid. The contents of the hearing included the OSCE's unique role as far as the use of parliamentarians is concerned. The witness, Chair-in-Office H.E. Angel Moratinos, remarked on Spain's support of the OSCE to find a lasting formula for stability in the Balkans.
Other issues that Moratinos discussed were the human dimension, Kazakhstan's bid to chair the OSCE, the role of ODIHR, and Spain's prioritization of gender equality and freedom of the media and the fight against trafficking in human beings.
Alcee Hastings
Human Rights Seminar Returns to the OSCE with a Focus on Women and Girls
By Shannon Simrell, Representative of the Helsinki Commission to the U.S. Mission to the OSCE and Dr. Mischa E. Thompson, Director of Global Partnerships, Policy, and Innovation On November 16-17, 2021, for the first time since 2017, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Right (ODIHR) held its annual Human Rights Seminar on preventing and combating violence against women and girls. The event assessed participating States' implementation of OSCE commitments on preventing and combating violence against women, identified continuing challenges and successes in addressing the problem, and examined opportunities to further engage OSCE institutions and other stakeholders in finding solutions. Given continued efforts by some participating States to block the OSCE's human rights agenda, including Russia's successful blockade of the 2021 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, the return of the Human Dimension Seminar was lauded by Ambassador Ulrika Funered of the Swedish Chair-in-Office (CiO) and Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs UN Director Pawel Radomski of the incoming Polish CiO. Noting "the particular importance of regular gatherings in promotion of human rights" and the "unique meetings characterized by meaningful discussions between civil society and participating States," Director Radomski underlined Poland's staunch commitment to holding human dimension events during its upcoming 2022 Chairmanship. Other speakers at the hybrid event—hosted in Warsaw, Poland, as well as online—included ODIHR Director Matteo Meccaci; Special Representative of the OSCE Chairpersonship on Gender Liliana Palihovici; and Special Representative of the OSCE Parliament Assembly (PA) on Gender Issues Dr. Hedy Fry. Speakers underscored the prevalence of violence against women in political and public life; violence against women belonging to vulnerable groups, especially migrants, refugees, and persons with disabilities; and the impact of the pandemic on women and girls. Dr. Fry shared her alarm at recent violence targeting women in politics, from the January 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol that targeted Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to the physical and online violence targeting British parliamentarian Diane Abbott. She attributed the violence to the "boldness" of women daring to enter spaces traditionally dominated by men and the subsequent efforts by men to silence them. Dr. Mona Lena Krook, Professor and Chair of the Women & Politics Ph.D. Program at Rutgers University, highlighted the physical and psychological violence targeting women in politics and the subsequent but related dangers of women exiting politics to avoid harm to them and their families. The work of Edita Miftari, an alumna of TILN, the young leaders program organized by the Helsinki Commission and the German Marshall Fund, was highlighted by Adnan Kadribasic of the Bosnian management consulting company, Lucid Linx. In discussing the Balkan situation, he observed that female politicians experience discrimination and harassment but do not have reliable mechanisms for redress. Discussion panels and side events focused on the escalation of violence experienced by women during pandemic quarantines, the impact of the pandemic on women returning to the workforce, and strategies to protect migrant and refugee women. Several speakers raised the intersectional nature of violence against women, including increased violence towards women of color, and special circumstances faced by disabled women. Representatives of participating States showcased efforts to support women in leadership positions and programs to address violence. Civil society participants from Central Asian and other countries expressed concern about some participating States using women's initiatives to cultivate political favor instead of addressing issues of disparities and discrimination. Others noted that progress had been made but voiced ongoing concern about how the pandemic negatively affected gains made previously in the workforce and in addressing domestic violence. The event was attended by more than three hundred participants, including representatives from more than 50 OSCE participating States. Dr. Mischa Thompson attended on behalf of the Helsinki Commission.
Helsinki Commission Welcomes Confirmation of Michael Carpenter as U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE
WASHINGTON—Following the November 3 confirmation of Michael Carpenter as Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), and Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following joint statement: "We are delighted that the Senate has confirmed Michael Carpenter as our next ambassador to the OSCE. He is an expert on European security, has the ear of the president, and his confirmation clearly demonstrates the strong commitment of both Congress and the administration to upholding Helsinki commitments and the OSCE's concept of comprehensive security. "We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Carpenter to confront the threats to U.S. interests across the region and to realize the potential of our investment in a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Countering Vladimir Putin's dangerous behavior on the ground and within the OSCE itself is paramount. Russia's war against Ukraine, its illegal troop presence in neighboring countries, and its efforts to undermine the OSCE's human dimension require a robust response from the United States and our allies. "We further pledge our support to Ambassador Carpenter as he works to enhance the capacity of the OSCE to counter corruption, mediate conflicts, promote tolerance and non-discrimination, and address the alarming increase in political prisoners across the region." Ambassador Carpenter will lead the U.S. Mission to the OSCE, comprising a multi-agency team of more than 30 staff members, including a representative from the U.S. Helsinki Commission.
Fighting Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
By Arwen Struthers, Max Kampelman Fellow In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 2 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists to commemorate the lives of Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont, two journalists who were kidnapped and killed in a targeted attack on that day. Since their deaths, their killers have walked free with complete impunity; there is no justice in sight. Unfortunately, cases where authorities respond to crimes against journalists with impunity for the perpetrators rather than justice for the victims are not outliers. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that "in over eight out of 10 cases where a journalist has been targeted for murder, their killers go free." Impunity often extends beyond cases where journalists are murdered to failure to conduct a proper investigation into other crimes against journalists, such as threats and non-fatal attacks. Complete impunity is not uncommon and presents one of the greatest challenges for media freedom advocates and democratic states around the world today. Freedom of expression and free press are core democratic principles that protect individual liberties, promote discussion in public squares, and contribute to the spread of information. The harmful, cyclical nature of impunity endangers states and individuals as it impedes upon media freedom, violates human rights, and threatens democratic values. Natalya Estemirova Natalya Estemirova was a Russian investigative journalist and a leading defender of human rights in Chechnya for nearly two decades. Despite threats from local authorities, she dedicated her life to calling out injustice. She regularly reported on abuses and violations committed by authorities at the national and local level, and her work was published by sources like Novaya Gazeta and Kavkazsky Uzel. In 2006, she met with the Helsinki Commission to share her findings on human rights violations. On July 15, 2009, Natalya Estemirova was abducted and murdered. Over 12 years later, little has been done to bring her killers to justice. On August 31, 2021, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Russian government failed to properly investigate her murder. There has been no conviction and those involved in the murder of Natalya Estemirova continue to walk free. The Dangers of Impunity Across the globe, impunity jeopardizes journalists and the media environments in which they operate. It is both a symptom of broader systemic problems in states, as well as an environmental contributing factor which encourages further crimes against journalists. In an October 2021 Helsinki Commission hearing on media freedom in the OSCE region, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro explained that examining individual cases of crimes against journalists and addressing each as it arises is not enough. To best tackle the problems created by violations of media freedom and attacks on journalists, human rights advocates must examine the broader picture. When discussing cases of crimes against journalists, Ribeiro said, "All combined, they all create a landscape, an atmosphere, that silence[s] all the critical voices." Crimes against journalists are often efforts to censor journalists who are bringing attention to injustice and corruption. By examining the broader picture rather each individual crime against the press, deeply rooted issues – such as government corruption and authoritarianism - will be exposed. To protect journalists in the future, these issues must be addressed first. At the same hearing, Robert Mahoney, the Deputy Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, explained that the failure to administer justice not only creates a landscape where there are fewer voices expressing themselves, but also encourages more crimes against journalists in the future. "Impunity will only send a message that journalists' lives are cheap and that those – whether it's criminal gangs or whether it's governments – that want to silence them can, for a few thousand dollars, hire an assassin and get rid of the problem," he said. Impunity demonstrates to other journalists they may be freely targeted by those they criticize without any protection from the law. It creates a painful choice: are they bullied into silence or do they risk their lives? Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow One of the most important tools that can be used to help end impunity is multilateral, multi-level pressure. When international organizations and their members, such as the OSCE and its participating States, put pressure on those countries where authorities fail to adequately respond to crimes against journalists, they begin to break the dangerous cycle. Failing to call out impunity as injustice further feeds the emboldening cycle of impunity, but consistent pressure from outside forces can help that cycle crack. Domestic pressure also can have an impact. In February 2018, investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were killed in a targeted attack in Slovakia. In response, the people of Slovakia took to the streets in protest of his death, resulting in the resignation of several top government officials. A Slovakian Supreme Court decision in June 2021 overturned the acquittal of two suspects, ruling that the lower court did not properly examine the evidence. The government's response to the protests and pressure from the international community—its willingness to continue to prosecute those involved in the murders—demonstrates that external pressure works in putting a stop to impunity. In this case, there is hope that justice is on the horizon. When local communities, countries, and multilateral organizations all maintain pressure upon individual countries for their human rights and media freedom failures, governments who enable or are responsible for crimes against journalists begin to feel the heat. 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov, the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, dedicated his award to his slain colleagues, including Natalya Estemirova. In a 2009 Helsinki Commission briefing, Muratov said, "In any encounter with representatives of the Russian political establishment and government, please, bring up this meeting. Please ask these uncomfortable questions." Joining forces with other defenders of media freedom and human rights and calling attention in public spaces to the failings of countries is one way to effectively combat impunity and protect journalists. On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, supporters of media freedom should affirm their commitment to protecting the media and fighting against impunity crimes against journalists. To ensure that the work done by journalists around the world – the work done by Natalya Estemirova and others like her – will not be silenced, governments must lend their support and protection.
30th Anniversary of OSCE's Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's—OSCE—Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights—ODIHR—one of the world's most preeminent and comprehensive human rights protection bodies. In 1990–1991, during the signing of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe that created ODIHR, a spirit of ''profound change and historic expectations'' prevailed among the United States, nations of Europe, and the Soviet Union. Revolutionary for their time, heads of state and governments resolved to ''build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the only system of government of our nations.'' Further, by affirming that government's first responsibility is to ensure the ''protection and promotion of human rights,'' they explicitly linked the full attainment of those rights with ''the foundation of freedom, justice and peace'' and set the standard for relations and security within and among nations. Now, 30 years later, I am deeply concerned that the fundamental freedoms that ODIHR was founded to safeguard are in peril. Authoritarianism is on the rise in Europe. Credible reports allege there are more than 750 political prisoners in Belarus, many detained for participating peacefully in protest of the fraudulent elections of August 2020 and the brutal government crackdown that followed. In Hungary, Viktor Orban's administration continues its unprecedented consolidation of Hungary's media, even as opposition figures organize to resist him. In many countries across the OSCE area, we have witnessed an alarming rise in anti-Semitism, racism, religious and other intolerance, and violence against women. These scourges have worsened the conditions imposed by the COVID–19 pandemic that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our communities. With these and other challenges in mind, ODIHR's valuable work to assist nations to live up to their commitments is more relevant and more needed than ever. ODIHR is empowered by states to ensure respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to promote and strengthen democratic institutions and tolerance. ODIHR actively partners with OSCE's 57 participating states, civil society, and international organizations to support human rights defenders, enhance the independence of judiciaries, and promote human-rights-based policing. It offers legislative reviews and develops tools to support local government officials, including the Words into Action project, which enhances social inclusion within local communities and for which I proudly help secure funding. The most visible demonstration of ODIHR's collaboration with the United States is perhaps in the field of election observation, where its methodology is rightly seen as the gold standard in international election observation. Since its founding, ODIHR, the Department of State, and the U.S. Congress, through the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, have deployed thousands of American citizens and legislators to observe the conduct of elections across the OSCE area, including in the United States. Since OSCE states pledged in 1990 to hold free and fair elections, elections observation has been recognized as one of the most transparent and methodical ways to encourage states' commitment to democratic standards and is a hallmark of ODIHR's work. For nearly 30 years, ODIHR has organized Europe's largest human rights review conference, the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting—HDIM—gathering thousands of representatives of governments, parliaments, and civil society for 2 weeks around the same table to review progress on human rights commitments. Unfortunately, the HDIM did not take place this September. Russia blocked consensus to hold the meeting, thereby denying the OSCE region's nearly 1 billion citizens of a meaningful and sustained opportunity to hold their governments to account. In September, Russia also prevented ODIHR from deploying a full and independent election observation mission to observe its Duma elections. Likewise, Russia was responsible for the closure of OSCE's border observation mission, which provided valuable insight into the personnel and materiel flowing across Russia's border into the temporarily occupied areas of eastern Ukraine. ODIHR's work is more important and relevant than at any time since its founding at the end of the Cold War. I would like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt appreciation to ODIHR's 180 staff from 35 countries, upon whose dedication and professionalism we rely as we strive to realize an equitable and just future for all. ODIHR is not only the human rights arm of the world's largest regional security organization; it is also the independent body endowed to assist us as we pursue this important goal. The phrase ''Vancouver to Vladivostok'' is routinely invoked to describe the organization's broad geographical reach. However, it is perhaps ODIHR—and OSCE's—revolutionary and comprehensive concept of ''security,'' which includes military security, economic and environmental cooperation, and human rights, that is its defining characteristic and most important contribution to world peace and the reason why we should all be celebrating ODIHR's 30th anniversary this year and take steps to ensure its success for years to come.
Helsinki Commission to Hold Hearing on Upholding OSCE Commitments in Hungary and Poland
WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing: UPHOLDING OSCE COMMITMENTS IN HUNGARY AND POLAND Wednesday, November 3, 2021 2:30 p.m. Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 419 Watch live: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission Political leaders in Hungary and Poland—U.S. allies and members of the European Union—have for the past decade pursued policies that undermine democracy and the rule of law. In Hungary, the Fidesz government has weakened the country's democratic institutions, especially the free media and independent judiciary. Instead of strengthening the transatlantic bond, Viktor Orbán has sought closer ties with Russia and China. In Poland, the ruling coalition has taken steps to compromise judicial independence and limit free expression. Witnesses will examine the erosion of democratic norms in Hungary and Poland and discuss the implications for U.S. foreign policy. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify: Heather A. Conley, Senior Vice President for Europe, Eurasia, and the Arctic, Center for Strategic and International Studies Zselyke Csaky, Research Director, Europe & Eurasia, Freedom House Dalibor Rohac, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
In Pursuit of Truth
A free press is the lifeblood of democracy; without independent media, democracy is doomed, economies suffer, and peace is imperiled. In many of the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), autocrats exploit financial and legal means, alongside physical violence, to intimidate and silence independent media. Journalists and their associates are attacked both online and offline; jailed on phony charges; and even killed for the secrets they expose. Leaders undermine public trust in the press to hide their misdeeds. Disinformation—particularly lies related to the COVID-19 pandemic—continues to pollute the information landscape. In her first appearance before Congress, OSCE Representative for Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro assessed the state of media freedom across the OSCE region. Other expert witnesses discussed recent attacks on journalists and media outlets, the motivations that lead authorities to try and silence the press, global disinformation networks, and more. Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) opened the hearing by stating that media freedom is the bedrock of the democratic process, making it possible for citizens to make informed decisions on their political reality. He also addressed COVID-19 and disinformation, citing the need to safeguard fundamental freedom of expression while performing the vital task of reporting the truth. Chairman Cardin cited a Freedom House report showing a decline in democracy in some countries, often overlapping with a decline in media freedom, and expressed a concern over the silencing of media in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Turkey, and Russia to name a few. As a co-sponsor of the Global Press Freedom Act, Senator Cardin expressed his wish for the U.S. to become more involved in press freedom across the globe. The OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media (RFOM), Teresa Ribeiro, thanked the Helsinki Commission for the strong support for the RFOM as an institution and media freedom and expression. Ribeiro seconded Chairman Cardin's statement that free and independent media is a core pillar of democracy, adding that media is more than just a provider of daily news. Ribeiro addressed the steady decline of media freedom all over the OSCE region and decline in trust in the media. "We live in a time where accusing media outlets and individual journalists of false news has become the norm," she said. Key issues, according to Ribeiro, include rising violence against journalists, abuse of the legal system to silence their work, restrictions imposed by authoritarian governments on the media, declining trust in the media, as well as the power of social media companies and their ability to shape the media landscape. Ribeiro argued that governments have a positive obligation to protect both the freedom of expression and a free press that delivers truthful information to citizens. In her opinion, the best way to fight disinformation is not through restrictive laws, but rather by promoting independent journalists. Robert Mahoney, the deputy executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), reported on his organizations efforts to track media freedom across the OSCE region. He stated that journalists and media have come under attack in almost all OSCE countries. Some of these attacks are by private citizens, but most attacks on press freedom are carried out by governments such as those in Hungry, Poland, Tajikistan, Serbia, Turkmenistan, Belarus, or Russia. Specifically, Mahoney mentioned the number of journalists behind bars in Turkey and the use of foreign agent laws in Russia to sideline media. He also expressed concern over the targeted murders of journalists in the OSCE in countries including Ukraine, Slovakia, and Malta. Mahoney recommended fully implementing the 2018 OSCE ministerial council agreement on the freedom of the media, supporting the RFOM mandate and urging the mandate holder to challenge those countries with the worst press freedom records, implement the policies outlined in the 2020 resource guide by the RFOM on the safety of female journalists online, and considering the use of targeted sanctions to gold governments within the OSCE region accountable for their violations of press freedoms. Jamie Fly, President of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, gave an update on his organizations efforts to provide news and media to 27 countries across Eurasia. Much of his testimony was focused on Russia and Belarus, where the gravest violations of press freedom occur. In Russia, foreign agent laws are increasingly being used to violate the freedom of the press and fines connected to these laws (such as $4.4 million owed by RFE/RL to Russia) are used to pressure news outlets financially. Fly believes the Kremlin is seeking absolute control over the information space in advance of the end of President Vladimir Putin's current term in 2024. In Belarus, RFE/RL officers were raided, and equipment was confiscated. Meanwhile, many journalists threatened by the new government in Afghanistan are still hoping to evacuate and require outside support. Fly called for more advocacy for journalists in critical regions, funding for unbiased media to counter the large sums of money authoritarian governments spend on their biased media outlets, as well as pressure on those governments which jail journalists. Peter Pomerantsev, Director of the Arena Program and Senior Visiting Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, testified that the principles we use to defend journalists are being weaponized to attack journalists in other countries. He argued that the crushing of media voices happens not only through censorship, but also through the flood of disinformation. These mass inauthentic campaigns take away the fundamental right to receive information and know its origins, Pomerantsev said, and argued that the best way to counter such disinformation is through better transparency on the origins of content encountered online. Helsinki Commissioner Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) asked the witnesses about steps the United States could take to counter disinformation and misinformation, especially strategies that have been found to be successful in Europe. Ribeiro answered that media literacy and better training for journalists to become fact checkers are key. Additionally, building back trust between the media and the public is vital, and the local level is the best way to do so. Mahoney agreed, stating that local news is generally trusted more than the news at a national level, but the decline in local news outlets in the U.S. has pushed people towards getting news from social media. Acknowledging various levels of media freedom across the OSCE, Chairman Cardin asked what best practices are to protect the freedom of the media. Ribeiro replied that different tools need to be used in different countries. Some countries have strong rule of law, yet still have issues with media freedom. In her capacity as RFOM, her tools include voice, advocacy, and assisting participating states to improve media freedom. Chairman Cardin also asked what should be done to protect journalists against indiscriminate arrests, detentions, and physical violence. Mahoney answered that the number one focus must be on bringing those who murder journalists to justice. Too often the murderers go free, sending the signal to others that journalists can be silenced this way. Next, to pressure governments that imprison journalists, including calling them out at conferences on the international stage. Lastly, the OSCE and EU must lift their standards and prevent capture of the media by the state. Chairman Cardin thanked Mahoney for his comments and added that the Helsinki Commission and the U.S. Congress is happy to help, but needs specifics like names and stories, not numbers, to advocate for journalists across the world. Asked about where the United States needs to concentrate its priorities regarding RFE/RL in the OSCE region, Jamie Fly noted the importance of social media in reaching audiences, and therefore the power social media companies have over RFE/RL. Social media algorithms dictate which content users see, and often authoritarian regimes intervene and pressure social media companies to remove content critical of them because of supposed terms-of-service violations, as was the case with Navalny's election app in Russia. Fly affirmed the need for pressure and targeted sanctions on regimes violating press freedom, as well as support for journalist who cannot work safely in their home countries. Pomerantsev expanded on the issues of social media algorithms, explaining that understanding why an algorithm promotes some content over another is key to slowing disinformation. He emphasized that transparency, not regulation of content, is the best way to do so. Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) addressed the rising violence against journalists worldwide, including 29 killings in 2021, and increased imprisonment of journalists. Calling out Turkey, a NATO ally, for severe transgressions, Sen. Wicker asked if there is hope for improvement. Mahoney responded by saying the decline of press freedoms in Turkey has been happening for 20 years, but the coup attempt in 2016 worsened it. In his opinion, the OSCE and EU have been unsuccessful in attempting to bring change to media conditions in Turkey and must be more forceful in their critique of Erdogan and his regime. Chair Cardin closed the hearing by stating, "This commission stands ready to work with you to protect individual journalists as well as to put a spotlight on counties which are violating the freedom of the media." Related Information Witness Biographies
Helsinki Commission Mourns Death of Colin Powell
WASHINGTON—Following the death of former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), and Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following joint statement: "We mourn the loss of a thoughtful leader, respected diplomat, and dedicated public servant. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell actively supported the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its comprehensive definition of security, which includes respect for human rights. In 1990, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his leadership of the U.S. delegation to a seminar in Vienna on military doctrine demonstrated that when Moscow was serious about overcoming differences through the Helsinki Process, the United States was ready to collaborate, as is true today. "Secretary Powell's subsequent work in the OSCE on fighting anti-Semitism and championing election observation proved that he was not only a warrior and a diplomat, but also a steadfast advocate for human rights and a defender of the most vulnerable." Secretary Powell was one of the most active U.S. Secretaries of State in OSCE history, personally attending Ministerial Council meetings in 2001, 2003, and 2004. In 2001, he said: "We see our membership in the OSCE as complementing and reinforcing our strong bilateral ties with European and Eurasian countries, our membership in NATO, and our relationship with the European Union. This organization embraces a wide-range of ethnicities, traditions and histories. More importantly, it reflects our common embrace of democratic and market principals and our common commitment to peace and stability. In short, the OSCE encompasses the hopes that all of us share for a Europe that is fully whole and free."
Media Freedom Across the OSCE Region to Be Assessed at Helsinki Commission Hearing
WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing: IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH Media Freedom in the OSCE Region Wednesday, October 20, 2021 2:30pm Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 419 Watch live: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission A free press is the lifeblood of democracy; without independent media, democracy is doomed, economies suffer, and peace is imperiled. In many of the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), autocrats exploit financial and legal means, alongside physical violence, to intimidate and silence independent media. Journalists and their associates are attacked both online and offline; jailed on phony charges; and even killed for the secrets they expose. Leaders undermine public trust in the press to hide their misdeeds. Disinformation—particularly lies related to the COVID-19 pandemic—continues to pollute the information landscape. In her first appearance before Congress, OSCE Representative for Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro will assess the state of media freedom across the OSCE region. Other expert witnesses will discuss recent attacks on journalists and media outlets, the motivations that lead authorities to try and silence the press, global disinformation networks, and more. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify: Teresa Ribeiro, Representative on Freedom of the Media, OSCE Jamie Fly, President & CEO, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Robert Mahoney, Deputy Executive Director, Committee to Protect Journalists Peter Pomerantsev, Director of Arena Program and Senior Fellow, Johns Hopkins University; Author and Journalist
Cardin and Cohen Laud 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Award to Investigative Reporters
WASHINGTON—Following the award of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia "for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace," Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) and Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following joint statement: "We congratulate the winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, and applaud the Nobel Committee for recognizing the courage of these journalists and their contributions to democracy and peace. Maria, Dmitry, and their colleagues are beacons of truth—without a free press, democracy is doomed, economies suffer, and peace is imperiled. "That this award comes just after the 15-year anniversary of the murder of Novaya Gazeta journalist Anna Politkovskaya and three years after the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi solemnly reminds us of the dangers journalists face, particularly in authoritarian states." Later this month, the Helsinki Commission will hold a hearing to call attention to the growing attacks on free media and underscore the importance of investigative journalism. Muratov is the longtime editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, an independent Russian newspaper widely respected for its hard-hitting investigative journalism. Novaya Gazeta journalists routinely have been targeted by the authorities for their work and even murdered with impunity. Muratov dedicated his Nobel Prize award to his slain Novaya Gazeta colleagues Igor Domnikov, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Anna Politkovskaya, Stanislav Markelov, Anastasiya Baburova, and Natalya Estemirova. In a November 2009 Helsinki Commission briefing on violence against journalists and impunity in Russia, Muratov, who provided testimony, said, "I would like to ask you a huge favor. In every meeting, in any encounter with representatives of the Russian political establishment and government, please, bring up this meeting. Please ask these uncomfortable questions. Please try not to be too polite." Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist and co-founder and CEO of Rappler, a Philippine news website. Ressa was included in Time Magazine's 2018 Person of the Year as one of a collection of journalists from around the world, collectively branded "Guardians of Truth." In 2019, she was awarded the Sergei Magnitsky Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalist, presented by international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. In 2020, she was convicted of trumped-up "cyberlibel" charges by the Philippine government.
Helsinki Commission Leadership Condemns Russian Obstruction of OSCE Human Rights Work
WASHINGTON—In response to Russian intransigence blocking the annual OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM), Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), and Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following joint statement: "We are extremely disappointed that the HDIM failed to start this week as planned, due solely to Russian intransigence blocking the meeting. The Kremlin has reached a new low in its efforts to undermine the OSCE's work to promote human rights and democracy. "Russia clearly fears criticism of its worsening human rights record and fraudulent elections from the OSCE, other OSCE participating States, and civil society. The HDIM, through its thorough review of states' human rights records and its inclusion of civil society, is a crown jewel of the OSCE's human rights work. "We urge Russia to change its position and we expect the HDIM to be held in accordance with the agreement adopted in Helsinki in 1992 by the heads of state of all OSCE participating States—including Russia—that established the HDIM. For our part, we will continue to speak out when we see human rights violations, including in the Russian Federation." The OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting is the region's largest annual human rights conference, and typically brings togethers hundreds of government and nongovernmental representatives, international experts, and human rights activists for two weeks to engage in a comprehensive review of the participating States' compliance with their human rights and democracy-related commitments. The meeting is held in Warsaw, Poland, where the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights is headquartered.
Repression in Belarus Focus of Upcoming Helsinki Commission Hearing
WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing: SEEKING JUSTICE AND FREEDOM IN BELARUS Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:30 p.m. Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 419 Watch live: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission More than a year has passed since mass protests against the fraudulent election of Alexander Lukashenko shook Belarus. In the meantime, Lukashenko and his illegitimate regime cling to power by committing ever more serious acts of repression against advocates of democracy and free expression. Hundreds of political prisoners languish in pre-trial detention or have been sentenced to years in prison during closed trials. The regime has effectively criminalized independent journalism and peaceful assembly; no independent justice system exists to hold those in power accountable. As Lukashenko lashes out at the West—even engineering the forced landing of an EU flight to abduct a journalist and sending overwhelming numbers of migrants into the EU via Belarus—the exiled leader of democratic Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has been engaging the world on her country's behalf, calling for new elections, the release of political prisoners, and accountability for the repressive regime. Expert witnesses will provide updates on the current situation in Belarus, including the state of media, the plight of political prisoners, the international legal ramifications of Lukashenko's violence, and U.S. policy responses and options. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify: Serge Kharytonau, Media Expert, International Strategic Action Network for Security (iSANS) Tatsiana Khomich, Coordination Council Representative for political prisoners, Viktar Babaryka Team Coordinator, and sister of political prisoner Maria Kalesnikava David J. Kramer, Senior Fellow, Florida International University Siarhej Zikratski, Representative on Legal Affairs, Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Chairman Cardin Joins Bipartisan Resolution Highlighting First Anniversary Of Fraudulent Election in Belarus
WASHINGTON—Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) today joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce a resolution on the one-year anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus through which Alexander Lukashenko seized power for a sixth term. The resolution, led by Helsinki Commissioner Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), calls for free and fair elections, reaffirms bipartisan support in the Senate for the pro-democracy movement, free media, and the Belarusian people, and condemns Lukashenko's recent acts of transnational repression. "A year after the people of Belarus were deprived of their democratic aspirations and desire for change, the United States is taking significant action to target those officials and companies propping up and supporting the Lukashenko regime," said Chairman Cardin. "Over 600 political prisoners are unjustly detained. Independent media outlets have been raided and shuttered, and Belarusian authorities are attempting to silence NGOs and vital members of civil society, and even Belarusians abroad face intimidation and the threat of kidnapping. I support the Biden administration's sanctions today, and I am proud to join my colleagues in the introduction of this significant, bipartisan resolution." "This resolution reflects the important bipartisan work underway in Congress in support of the pro-democracy movement in Belarus and in fierce repudiation of Lukashenko's continued aggression. Our message is clear: we are watching and there will be consequences for actions that violate the rights of Belarusians, wherever they occur," said Sen. Shaheen. "Our bipartisan message from the Senate comes on the one-year anniversary of Belarus' stolen election and as the Biden administration has rightly announced additional sanctions, in coordination with our UK and EU allies, for human rights abuses and increasing acts of transnational repression. The U.S. will not be silent as Lukashenko's tyrannical regime escalates crackdowns against the Belarusian people and obstructs the pro-democracy movement and freedoms that the Belarusian citizenry are fighting so hard to secure." "As the first official act of the Free Belarus Caucus, this resolution is a strong first step to show the world the U.S. Senate stands with the Belarusian people in their fight for freedom and new elections that are free and fair," Sen. Wicker said. "I urge my colleagues to support this resolution as we work to promote democracy and oppose the ongoing abuses of the Lukashenko regime." Helsinki Commissioners Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) and Sen. Marco Rubio also joined the resolution, alongside Sen. Ron Johnson (WI), Sen. Dick Durbin (IL), Sen. Rob Portman (OH), Sen. Chris Murphy (CT), Sen. Tim Kaine (VA), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD), Sen. Ed Markey (MA), and Sen. Bill Hagerty (TN). On Friday, Sen. Shaheen and Sen. Wicker announced the formation of the Free Belarus Caucus in the Senate, which includes a bipartisan group of seven other senators with the purpose of advocating for democracy and free and fair elections in Belarus.
Helsinki Commission Summer 2021 Digital Digest
OSCE SHDM on Digital Technology and Human Rights
OSCE Conference on Risks and Opportunities Posed by Digital Technologies On July 12 and 13, 2021, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) held the third Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM) of the year, titled "Digital Technologies and Human Rights - Opportunities and Challenges." The virtual conference included representatives from 45 OSCE participating States; a dozen OSCE missions and institutions, including the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly; more than 140 academic, national, and non-governmental human rights institutions; and international organizations like the Council of Europe, European Union, and the United Nations. Digital technologies affect human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law, and in her opening remarks, Swedish Foreign Ministry Director-General for Political Affairs Elinor Hammarskjöld stressed the nexus between digital technologies and Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office (CiO) priorities. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how the digital divide disproportionately affects women and girls, she explained, and stressed the threat that widespread use of digital technologies can pose to fundamental freedoms if used indiscriminately by authorities. Panelists highlighted opportunities for digital technologies to benefit societies and human rights defenders, as well as dangers they can pose to human rights. Maia Rusakova, associate professor of sociology at St. Petersburg State University, warned that data collection technologies have facilitated online recruitment by human traffickers. However, facial recognition, artificial intelligence, and tracking blockchain financial transactions and social media activity could play a role in combatting the digital threats of human trafficking. Susie Alegre, an associate at the human rights NGO Doughty Street Chambers, highlighted how cutting-edge data collection can raise awareness of threats to human rights, support investigations, facilitate positive social change, and support human rights defenders. Examples include Data 4 Black Lives, eyeWitness to Atrocities, Forensic Architecture, and Bellingcat. Elif Kuskonmaz, a lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, cautioned that misuse of facial recognition technology could pose threats to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, and that it could be exploited to wrongfully detain citizens. To prevent such abuse, she recommended that participating States adopt adequate legal frameworks concerning the collection, use, storage, and sharing of personal data. She urged all participating States to review the Council of Europe's Convention 108+, which addresses personal data collection in a national security context. Other panelists explored the capacity of artificial intelligence systems to reinforce existing structural inequalities through algorithms and the subsequent human rights implications. Civil Society Concerns about Government Use—or Abuse—of Digital Technology Civil society participants shared human rights concerns related to governmental use of digital technologies. Many urged the OSCE to call out repressive behavior and help participating States establish adequate legal protections against misuse. Several urged the United States and the European Union to target sanctions against the worst offenders. Many participants also took the opportunity to raise human rights concerns directly with government officials, and alleged misuse of data collected by government agencies to persecute human rights defenders, social activists, and their families. For example, civil society activists from Kazakhstan accused the government of conducting digital surveillance and censorship on NGOs and activists, and they complained that mandatory "security certificates" allow the government to monitor and block use of non-government-controlled social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Other NGOs raised concerns about Spain's treatment of protesters in Catalonia, Greece's treatment of Turks in Western Thrace, and Russia's occupation of Ukraine, including Crimea. A German NGO called for the abolition of facial recognition technology due to its use by law enforcement to profile specific ethnic groups and minorities, including Roma and Sinti. Civil society participants also expressed concerns over participating States' use of digital technology to target dissent by deploying spyware against individuals, spreading misleading government-sponsored content, and silencing protest groups and democratic movements. Several NGOs argued that their governments exploited conditions imposed by the pandemic to use surveillance camera footage, geolocation data, and contact tracing as part of a domestic surveillance campaign to discourage public political dissent. Participants highlighted how technology has been used to spread racist messaging, including the racist abuse of English football players following the recent Union of European Football Associations Euro 2020 matches. Many voiced their dismay that social media companies do not hold accountable individuals who spread racist content. Participants recommended that social media companies implement more robust algorithms to detect racist remarks. Participating States Respond Several participating States addressed the use of technology. The European Union recognized the importance of addressing human rights abuses that arise from the misuse of digital technologies. Turkey responded by touting its 2016 law on data protection and emphasizing its multiculturalism. The Holy See responded that it is necessary to improve education in proper use and effects of technology. The Holy See also called for international regulations to guarantee the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to private personal electronic communication.


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Is it a fruit or vegetable?
Part 1; The history of rhubarb
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a plant name for the many different species of Rheum. This lovely plant with its huge, crinkled, heart shaped leaves and red-tinted stalks, is one of our earliest spring vegetables. Yes, I said vegetable, actually a close relative of garden sorrel, and therefore a member of the vegetable family.
If rhubarb were a person, its identity crisis would be responsible for years of therapy. It is often referred to as an "uncommon vegetable", even the cookbook "The Joy of Cooking" says this about rhubarb "Only by the wildest stretch of the imagination can rhubarb be included in this [fruit] chapter, but its tart flavor and its customary uses make it a reasonable facsimile, when cooked, of fruit."
The earliest records of this bitter vegetable dates back to 2700 B.C., growing in the wild in the mountains of the Western and North-western provinces of China and in the adjoining Tibetan territory, where it is prized for it's medicinal qualities.
In Oriental medicine it is used as a laxative, antiphlogistic, and haemostatic in the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, jaundice, gastro-intestinal hemorrhage, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis, traumatic injuries, superficial sores and ulcers. It is also applied externally for thermal burns. In TCM terms it drains heat and accumulations from the Yang-ming level, clears damp heat, cools the blood, invigorates blood, eliminates stagnant blood and clears toxic heat and purges knotted heat and stool from the colon.
Even without using it as a medicine, a person eating rhubarb in the spring would obtain a few health benefits. After a long cold winter when many people are low on vitamin C, our bodies quickly absorb rhubarb's high vitamin C levels. In today's world, where food is quickly transported from one region to another, this may not sound important. But, in the days before air travel; winter often meant months without fresh fruit and little sunlight, perfect conditions for developing scurvy. Rhubarb is like a spring tonic, supplying the body's need for vitamin C; while it's high fiber rids an often-sluggish body of winter's ills.
A planting of rhubarb is recorded in Italy in 1608 and 20-30 years later in Europe. In 1778 rhubarb is recorded as a food plant in Europe. The earliest known usage of rhubarb as a food appeared as a filling for tarts & pies. Some suspect that this was a hybrid of the Chinese variety of rhubarb; which is still used in Asian medicine.
It was not until the 18th century that rhubarb was grown for culinary purposes in Britain and North America. Early records of rhubarb in North America identify an unnamed Maine gardener as having obtained seed or rootstock from Europe in the period between 1790-1800. He introduced it to growers in Massachusetts where its popularity spread and by 1822 it was sold in produce markets
Over the last two hundred years, we have come to see rhubarb reach great popularity. It has a unique flavor; you either love or hate it. Bakers enjoy mixing rhubarb with different types of berries; turning them into delicious tarts, pies and cakes. As children, most of us remember picking rhubarb stalks and chewing on them till our lips went numb and tingly.
We where warned at an early age that rhubarb leave are poisonous, but how poisonous are they? All parts of rhubarb contain oxalate, but the leaves have the highest amounts, around 0.5%. A 145 lb. person would have to eat quite a large serving, like 5 kg. (11 lbs.), to get the 25 grams of oxalic acid that would cause death. While the stalks do have a bit of oxalate it is such a small amount that they are considered safe.
It is good to remember that children are smaller and it would take a lot fewer rhubarb leaves to kill a child or pet, even livestock have died after grazing on these deadly leaves and while it takes quite a bit to kill, even a very small amount will make both grownups and children ill.
Symptoms of Oxalic Acid Poisoning
The first thing you might notice is total body weakness, burning in the mouth, difficulty breathing, burning in the throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Advanced reactions on the nervous system are convulsions, coma and could result in death from cardiovascular collapse.
Here are a few precautions for rhubarb gardening
1.Trim leaves from stalk immediately.
2.Don't use stalks from frost bitten plants.
3.Wash the stalks well.
4.Children should be taught to eat only the rhubarb stalks, preferably under supervision
Other uncommon uses for rhubarb;
Rhubarb used as a hair dye: Simmer three tbsp. of rhubarb root in two cups of water for fifteen minutes, let stand over night, strain, and rinse through hair. It supposedly gives a golden tone to those with light-brown or blond hair, although I've never tried it myself.
Whether you call it a vegetable or a fruit, rhubarb has gained so much popularity that people around the world are celebrating its tangy sweet flavor during their annual Rhubarb festivals which have become popular from small town Colorado to the Gold Coast of Australia.


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That means when you have the flu, a headache, earache, or anything of similar nature which will most likely disappear inside a couple days, don't bother going. Once the ideal spot is determined, think outside of the box. This is surely an indispensable service if you are house bound and unable to travel.
From the time it opens to enough time it closes, a pharmacy team is busy. My heart ached for the children because their doctors were only hurting them by increasing their dosages and allowing them to become so influenced by drugs. During the holiday season, Meadow's stocks a range of beautiful holiday ornaments and home decor.
The national average beginning salary to get a pharmacy tech is just a little over $26,000. With the recommendations of acclimation online system, the decree and non decree anesthetic and drugs are cautiously brought to customers. The information must be checked for accuracy, including being completed correctly or interpreting physician's medication order for processing.
Also, look for the bargain table near the front of the store full of items approximately 50 percent off the regular price. Insurance is confusing in the first place, and yes it is constantly changing. Use those outlines like a roadmap to aid you study for the pharmacy tech certification test.
The popular email "God's Pharmacy" presents a list of twelve items detailing certain fruits and vegetables. I was paying $10 to get a thirty day supply through my dog's vet's office. There is surely an exception to the pharmacist tech training program.


But for the past 12 months, the durable stroller has been relegated to gathering dust in the garage, prompting me to finally, reluctantly, advertise it for sale.
It is of no use to us any longer.
And yet — emotionally — I'm not quite ready to let go, a realization I am just now fully absorbing as I stand in my driveway with this complete stranger.
I glance at the woman's newborn napping peacefully in the car seat, her tiny mouth locked in a rhythmic sucking motion, unaware that her pacifier dislodged somewhere along the way and now rests between the duck-covered feet of her bright yellow sleeper. "Your baby is beautiful," I say, trying to quell the unexpected pang of jealousy I feel rising up inside of me.
She is a brand new mom, the tell-tale signs impossible to miss: those weary, sleep-deprived eyes; the dots of escaped breast milk just beginning to dampen her shirt; the rookie struggle to master my stroller's three-point harness and collapsing mechanism. Motherhood stretches before her like an infinite highway, an endless horizon. And I am unmistakably envious.
Still, I consciously resist the urge to articulate what I long to convey to this woman, refusing to allow such trite words to flow from my tongue. Instead, I silently will my pithy plea toward her, even as I bristle a bit at the utter cliché: Cherish every moment.
In the same instance, I recognize — I remember — just how difficult it can be to embrace that mantra while rooted in the trenches of parenting young children. When each day is defined by valiant attempts to balance newborn needs with toddler tantrums, one 24-hour span dragging into the next. When the joy we are supposed to feel gets blurred by mounds and mounds of laundry, and all we want to do is rest our weary heads upon the piles of onesies and inhale their sweet Dreft scent. All the moments we wonder if we will ever figure out how to possibly do all of this, much less do it right.
But then our surprise blessing arrived, forever altering the tapestry of our lives — and changing everything I thought I knew about motherhood.
It's not that I love one child more than the others, or that I wasn't passionate about raising my first two; I was. But somehow the third has made me treasure the experience in a completely new and profound manner.
I sometimes wonder if this transformation stems from having added a late-in-life baby to the family; is it a byproduct of maturity, an appreciation magnified only by the lens of 20/20 hindsight?
Maybe it's more like a mommy do-over, a chance to do it better?
Or perhaps it's simply the consequence of being unable to disguise the fact that I'm getting older, a somber awareness of my imminent mortality.
Regardless, the awareness prompted me — when my daughter was just an infant — to promise to savor every last stage with her. I vowed not to give in to the all-too-natural parental yearnings to be transported to some future moment, as I had done at times with my boys —wishing my child was more independent, more self-reliant, better able to communicate.
I still remember the moment precisely; I was power walking with my BOB through the neighborhood park, observing scores of other mothers as I paced. Some were dutifully pushing babies on swings, others chasing toddlers through the sand, a few watching from a safe distance as older kids maneuvered across jungle gyms. And as I envisioned Aubrey at these various ages, I consciously pledged to be present in every moment with her.
There would be plenty of time for all the activities I was looking forward to — for dance recitals and horseback riding lessons, sandcastles and sleepovers. Cherish every moment, I told myself. Embrace every last stage.
But what I never anticipated, what I had failed to experience with my first two children, would be the ache to go back. That after we played pat-a-cake and read Goodnight Moon, after we discarded the pacifiers and Sippy cups, after the strollers and car seats had been outgrown, I would be left with such an overwhelming desire to stop the clock— anything to keep my baby, my last child, from growing up right before my eyes.
Five years ago. The first Christmas of my last baby. There she is, so pink and new and perfect, all decked out in those adorable red and white striped jammies with the Santa Claus feet. I can still smell that newborn aroma, sweet and unmistakable. I can still feel the soft wisps of blonde peach fuzz that grazed her perfect little head.
Four years ago. She has her back to me, her face pressed up against the fence at the baseball field. Her tiny fingers are looped through the chain link while she watches in awe as her big brother warms up in the bullpen.
Two years ago. That endearing snapshot of her crashed out on the floor, using the Golden Retriever as her naptime pillow, two pals bonded in slumber.
Damn you, Facebook. If you really cared about me, then you would know not to have retrieved those precious memories, those ruthless reminders of just how quickly time is marching on.
It terrifies me that I will blink, and my daughter will be 10. And then 15.
Indeed, this little person who enthusiastically tells me she loves me dozens of times a day, so freely offering bear hugs and tender kisses, will one day morph into a teenager. And while I imagine there will be highlights of that phase, as well — swapping clothes, shopping for prom dresses, the requisite college tours — I can't help but grieve the precious moments slipping away far too fast.
There are mornings I am pressed with work projects when I momentarily envy the parents who cruise through the school drop off line with kids that bound out of their cars, eager to race to the playground. My own, by contrast, still clings to my hand and insists that I wait in line with her until the very last moment when she and her classmates file through the door to their transitional kindergarten classroom.
Yet I quickly shrug off any desire to drop and go, instead relishing the little hand clasped inside of mine.
Because I can already feel what I know will be a crushing against my heart when the day comes and she insists on going through the school gate alone. Without me.
I wonder if this new mom will one day experience this same nagging sense of loss, the one that envelopes me now as I watch her scoop up my trusty BOB, place it into the back of her SUV and drive away.
Just like my little girl, those three faithful wheels are moving on to new adventures, and I have no choice but to say goodbye — goodbye to the stroller I swore I could never go back to, but ironically, now wish I didn't have to let go.