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Sandesh Rao and Sai Penumuru on the Community and Technologies at Sangam 2019

From the Archives | December 2019 | Sangam 19, Hyderabad, India

Jim Grisanzio talks with Sandesh Rao and Sai Penumuru about the technology announcements at Sangam 2019 in Hyderabad and also the Sangam and OGYatra development community. In the discussion, Sai and Sandesh covered all the technology announcements Oracle made at the event, and all the community development activities that were taking place at the time. 

Video from the 2019 Interview
https://youtu.be/xvIlOlK0lek 

Sai Penumuru, President, AIOUG
https://twitter.com/sai_penumuru

Sandesh Rao, VP, AIOps, Oracle
https://twitter.com/sandeshr 

All India Oracle Users Group
http://www.aioug.org/ 

Sangam 19 Conference Website
http://www.aioug.org/sangam19/ 

Images from Sangam 19
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJYoaz3 

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 




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Josh Long on Fast, Scalable, Cloud Native Services in Java

JavaOne 2022 Speaker Preview

In this conversation Oracle's Jim Grisanzio talks with JavaOne 2022 speaker Josh Long from San Francisco.

Josh is a Java Champion and a Spring Developer Advocate. In this conversation he previews upcoming session on Kubernetes Native Java. He also talks about his experiences becoming a developer and working with the Java community around the world.  

JavaOne 2022 October 17-20 in Las Vegas

Josh Long, Java Champion & Spring Developer Advocate

Java Development and Community

Duke's Corner Podcast Host

  • Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Java Developer Relations, @jimgris




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Sirisha Pratha: Java is my Superpower!

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Sirisha Pratha, a Java developer from the Pittsburgh Java User Group, about software development, the benefits of using Java, the dynamics of the Java community, and contributing to Open Source projects. Find Sirisha on Twitter @sirishapratha and Jim @jimgris on Twitter as well.




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Sharat Chander: Tis the season of thanks!

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Sharat Chander, Sr. Director, Java Product Management & Community Engagement, about the Java community. The conversation explores Shar's beautiful summary of his experiences with the Java community in 2023 that he published on Inside Java:

https://inside.java/2023/12/21/seasons-thanks/

Shar on Twitter: @Sharat_Chander
Jim on Twitter: @jimgris




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Elias Nogueira: Share Everything you Know!

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Elias Nogueira, a Java Champion and an Oracle ACE Pro from The Netherlands who loves the Java community and sharing everything he's learned. The conversation ranges from Elias’s early experience learning Java and many other programming languages, his desire to improve his career opportunities, moving from Brazil to The Netherlands, learning a new language, and contributing to Java user groups around the world. There are so many beautiful things about the Java community, he says. Yep, we agree. 

Elias on X https://x.com/eliasnogueira
Jim on X https://twitter.com/jimgris




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Cesar Hernandez: Sharing with the Community

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Cesar Hernandez, a Java Champion, a teacher, and long time contributor to multiple Open Source projects from Guatemala. The conversation ranged from how Cesar blew up his dad's computer to start his computer science career, teaching Java to university students, the benefits of Java technology, and participating at Java User Groups and conferences. And most importantly, Cesar talked about his passion for sharing everything he knows with the community.

Cesar Hernandez https://x.com/CesarHgt
Jim Grisanzio https://x.com/jimgris

Duke's Corner Java Podcast https://dukescorner.libsyn.com/




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How Regenerative Design is Shaping the Future of Facilities




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Report Shows AI's Impact on Facilities Management




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Washington DC Begins Recovery from Flooding




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Plumber Finds Cash, Checks Inside Walls of Joel Osteen's Church




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'Legionella Is Flourishing': GSA Confronts Deadly Bacteria




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OSCE supports workshop on risks-oriented approach in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism in Kyrgyzstan

ISSYK-KUL, Kyrgyzstan, 8 July 2016 – A five-day training course supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on a risk-oriented approach in supervising activities related to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism concluded today in Bosteri village, in the Issyk-Kul region.

The aim of the workshop, which was organized by the State Financial Intelligence Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (SFIS) in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was to update the relevant State agencies and financial institutions on the practical aspects of a risks-oriented approach in their work. Some 46 officials from law enforcement agencies, supervisory agencies and financial institutions took part.

“A risks-oriented approach is the process which allows the countries to identify, assess and understand risks to effectively combat money laundering and financing of terrorism,” said Nana Baramidze, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek fully supports the efforts of the Kyrgyz Government in its attempt to establish effective systems to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”

Chyngyz Kenenbayev, Head of the Organizational and Legal department of the SFIS, said: “We are holding this educational seminar to train representatives of national authorities and the private sector so that we can successfully pass the second round of the evaluation by the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). In order to fulfil international obligations under the EAG, the Kyrgyz Republic is to conduct a mutual assessment of its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism system. From 28 November to 9 December 2016, a visiting mission of EAG evaluators will conduct this assessment within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiative."

The training course, which was conducted by two IMF experts and three SFIS officials, was part of the OSCE assistance to the Kyrgyz Government in preparing for the second round of the FATF evaluation.

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OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan

The fourth in a series of five OSCE-supported training seminars for women entrepreneurs working in the field of green technology started on 29 July 2016 in Arnasai village, Central Kazakhstan.

The training seminar, organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in close co-operation with the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development brought together some 20 participants from rural areas of the Central Kazakhstan region to raise their awareness on the use of modern green technologies in effective horticulture, such as energy and water-saving methods, drip irrigation, solar greenhouses and vermicultivation.

“We believe that the role of women in promoting green businesses in the rural areas is crucial and enormous. This is due to the fact that most of them are involved in agriculture and household management activities, which nowadays remain one of the few opportunities to support the family and community in remote regions,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Thus, the Office stands ready to provide its continuous expert support to such initiatives aiming at better information- and technology-sharing.”

The event is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to promote green growth, environmental security and women’s empowerment in economic activities.

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports armed forces to maintain security of small arms and light weapons in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 18 March 2016 – Some 20 military personnel from the Northern Regional Command and the Southern Regional Command of the Kyrgyz Armed Forces completed an OSCE-supported one-week training-course on maintaining an electronic database system for the management, record-keeping and tracing of small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition.

Organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the General Staff of Armed Forces and Kyrgyz State Committee on Defence Affairs, the course was held in a specialized computer classroom within the premises of the Military Institute of the Kyrgyz Armed Forces for which the OSCE Centre and the British Embassy provided equipment last year.

In 2014 the OSCE Centre in Bishkek signed five agreements with the Kyrgyz Defence Ministry as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the OSCE on Small Arms and Light Weapons and a Stockpile of Conventional Ammunition Programme.

The event is part of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek’s Politico-Military Programme on strengthening the capacity of the Kyrgyz Republic toward the physical security and stockpile management of small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition. This project is being implemented by the OSCE Centre since February 2012. 

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OSCE confidence- and security-building measures must be adapted to current security challenges, says Polish Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State

VIENNA, 13 April 2016 – As Poland takes over the rotating Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC), Under-Secretary of State with the Foreign Ministry Marek Ziółkowski said that one of the main tasks of his country will be to strengthen confidence- and security-building measures by revitalizing the Vienna Document 2011. Moving this process forward and including regional perspectives into the security dialogue with the focus on some areas including the Baltic Sea region, Central and Eastern Europe are the priorities of Poland’s Chairmanship of the FSC.

Opening the 815th meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation Ziółkowski said: “Poland believes that risk reduction is one of the pillars of the Vienna Document-based co-operation. And nowadays the relevance and usefulness of risk reduction mechanisms are growing.”

He noted in particular the proposal made jointly by Poland and other OSCE participating States to improve co-operation regarding hazardous incidents of a military nature.

Poland’s Chairmanship will put an emphasis on regional perspectives in the security dialogue in the OSCE area. Political-military aspects of security in Georgia and Tajikistan as well as Montenegro’s Demilitarization Programme (MONDEM) will also be topics of discussion.

Regarding the crisis in and around Ukraine, the Under-Secretary of State drew attention to the lack of progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements and further deterioration of the security situation in Donbas. “The OSCE must retain its focus and resolve to facilitate a peaceful and lasting resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. We see room for the FSC to play a more prominent role here. For example, the applicability of the existing set of confidence- and security-building measures could be re-examined and further explored,” Ziółkowski said.

Poland is taking over the Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation from the Netherlands and preceding Portugal. Ambassador Adam Bugajski of Poland will chair the FSC till the end of the summer recess.

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To mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports public awareness raising campaign

BISHKEK, 30 July 2016 – To mark today’s World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the OSCE Centre in Bishkek supported a public awareness-raising campaign and held a public discussion with academic representatives in Bishkek and Osh.

On 29 July, in co-operation with the State Service on Migration, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and local partners, the OSCE Centre raised public awareness about the risks of human trafficking in Bishkek and Osh.

Information material such as pocket calendars with the hotline number and contact information of the Kyrgyz Embassies in the five top migrant destination countries were distributed among the public. Illustrated silhouettes of people, symbolizing victims of trafficking, were displayed on posters in public places with stories in the Russian and Kyrgyz languages narrating their experience of human trafficking.

“Public awareness campaigns play an important role in the prevention of trafficking in human beings,” said William Leaf, OSCE Senior Field Representative in Osh. “The OSCE works to assist the government in improving its education and outreach efforts at the local and central levels in line with its commitments to prevent and combat all forms of human trafficking.”

In addition to the awareness-rising campaign, today the representatives of five local universities in Osh participated in a roundtable discussion organized by the OSCE Centre in co-operation with the Centre for Support of International Protection. The discussion focused on the ways of promoting inter-disciplinary research efforts among students and professors on the scope, tendencies and root causes of human trafficking in southern Kyrgyzstan.  

“As trafficking in human beings is a complex phenomenon, it requires a multi-disciplinary approach, covering, among others, socio-economic, legal, migration, human rights, gender and law enforcement aspects,” said Akylbek Tashbulatov, Director of the Centre for the Support of International Protection. “The academic community have the necessary research potential and tools to positively contribute to the development of such an assessment.”

The events were organized as part of the OSCE Centre’s project on addressing human trafficking in Kyrgyzstan through grassroots initiatives and multi-agency cooperation.

 

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OSCE promotes Central Asian Leadership Program for young environmental leaders

Seminar
Mon, 2016-09-19 (All day) - Tue, 2016-09-27 (All day)
Almaty, Kazakhstan
The OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the United Nations Environmental Programme, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), Foreign Affairs Ministry of Norway, the European Union, the USAID.
OSCE Programme Office in Astana
Central Asia
Environmental activities

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana will support the seventh annual training seminar under the Central Asian Leadership Programme on environmental governance. Some 40 young environmental leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan will discuss the ways to reinforce regional cooperation on water governance, the rational use of water resources, the climate change implications for the Central Asia and Afghanistan and sustainable energy management. The participants will be engaged in a comprehensive assessment of the issues related to sustainable development in the context of global challenges across the Central Asian region and beyond and ways to promote the regional cooperation and networking among the emerging like-minded leaders.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year activities to enhance the role of young leaders in the environmental decision-making and promote the green economy principles in the regional and national frameworks.

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports Women Leadership School

Training
Tue, 2016-08-23 (All day) - Sat, 2016-08-27 (All day)
Batken city, Kyrgyzstan
OSCE Center in Bishkek, UN Women and Women Support Centre NGO
OSCE Centre in Bishkek
Central Asia
Gender equality
Good governance

30 female local council candidates from Batken and Osh regions will participate in a training course on methods, procedures and legislation held in the framework of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek-supported Women Leadership School, organized by the United Nations Women Programme and Women Support Centre.

The event aims to promote capacity building, raising awareness of women in elections and provide them with legal and mentorship support. The training will be focused on the election system and legislation, women leadership, strategic planning, political pre-election platforms, campaigning, analytical reports and other issues.

The local council elections are planned for this coming fall.

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OSCE supports workshop on communications and information cooperation for the press officers of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz Republic

Workshop
Mon, 2016-08-08 (All day) - Wed, 2016-08-10 (All day)
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
OSCE Center in Bishkek, General Staff of the Kyrgyz Republic,
OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz General Staff, Kyrgyz Border Service, Kyrgyz National Guard and State Committee for Defence,
OSCE Centre in Bishkek
OSCE Centre in Bishkek
Central Asia
Media freedom and development
Politico-military dimension

OSCE supports workshop on communications and information cooperation for the press officers of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz Republic. The workshop will be conducted by an international media trainer and attended by 15 press officers of the General Staff, Border Service, National Guard and State Committee for Defence. It is expected that within the framework of the workshop, participants will practice skills of effective communications with the media and practice a mechanism of information coordination during emergencies.

The workshop is the last part of a professional development programme developed and conducted for 45 commanders of the General Staff. The first two trainings were delivered in Bishkek in Osh in June and July 2016. During the workshops, the commanders improved their skills of communication with mass media and practiced public speaking skills, such as interview skills and participation in talk show. The commanders also participated in a discussion led by an international trainer on the importance of maintaining unified information policy and cooperation with the press service.

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports first Internet Governance Forum in Central Asia

BISHKEK, 22 June 2016 – The OSCE Centre in Bishkek supported a two-day Internet Governance Forum in Central Asia, the first of its kind, which concluded today in the Kyrgyz capital.

Some 100 specialists in the field of internet governance and development, including representatives of the Central Asian state authorities, telecommunication experts, internet service providers, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations from Europe and Central Asia, discussed issues related to cyber security and regulations, the development of the Domain Name System (DNS) industry, as well as global and national approaches to accessing the internet.

“Kyrgyzstan ceased to be a ‘dead-end’ country in terms of the Internet in 2015 and has opened connections to countries in South-East and South Asia,” said Ernis Mamyrkanov, Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Transport and Communication. “This enhances the role of Kyrgyzstan in the issue of regional transit. Now we need a platform where all participants can discuss relevant issues and this Forum is intended to take that place.”

Daniele Rumolo, acting Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said that governments have a role to play when it comes to regulating the Internet. “This responsibility extends to the protection from harmful content, and fighting cybercrime. However, governments must ensure that all stakeholders, including civil society, business actors, and internet-users, are consulted and continuously involved in these efforts.”

The Forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Communication and the Civil Initiative on Internet Policy Public Foundation, supported by the SecDev Foundation (Canada), Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Internet Society, the United Nations Development Programme in Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The Forum is part of the OSCE Centre’s project on promoting national dialogue and capacity building on the information security needs of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

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Bavaria conference reinforces German OSCE Chairmanship’s emphasis on an outcomes-based Transdniestrian settlement process

BAD REICHENHALL, Germany, 14 July 2016 – A two-day conference on confidence-building measures in the Transdniestrian settlement process was held in the town of Bad Reichenhall in Germany on 12 and 13 July 2016. As in past years, the conference, which traditionally takes place in the German state of Bavaria, brought together political representatives of the sides and international 5+2 partners in an informal setting to address the challenges at hand and advance confidence-building measures that would strengthen the process.

“The past few months have witnessed intensified dialogue between the sides, thanks in no small part to the unparalleled efforts and consensus among the mediators and observers,” noted Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt, Special Representative of the German OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.

During 5+2 talks on 2 and 3 June in Berlin, the sides committed to undertake concrete steps within a set timeframe, including in the fields of ecology, education, transportation and telecommunications.

“Of the commitments included in the Berlin protocol, the sides have completed an agreement on ecology and exchanged lists on the issue of criminal cases,” said Ambassador Michael Scanlan, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “The Bavaria conference’s informal setting provided a unique opportunity for the sides to continue working towards the remaining agreements in order to deliver important benefits for people on both banks and to strengthen the settlement process.”

“As a confidence-building measure in support of the formal process, I’m happy to say that the conference succeeded in promoting the emphasis on an outcomes-based process that the German Chairperson-in-Office and our international partners believe is a precondition for progress,” concluded Ambassador Meier-Klodt.

The conference is a multiyear initiative funded by the German government and was organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

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OSCE Mission to Skopje organises workshop on hate crime for police managers

The OSCE Mission to Skopje organized a workshop on 23 June 2016 for 35 police managers from the Sector of Internal Affairs on identification, prevention and investigation of hate crimes.

The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of police officers to identify hate crimes and provide responses in line with democratic policing principles and international human rights standards. 

This workshop complemented other previous and ongoing activities of the Mission in this area which are implemented in co-operation with national authorities.

The event was the first in a series of eight workshops which will be held in each sector for internal affairs in the country.

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OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes workshop for national Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination

The OSCE Mission to Skopje on 28 June 2016 launched a two-day workshop for 22 members of the Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination with the aim of advancing the position of women in police services and increasing gender sensitivity among police officers.

The workshop focused on areas of gender-based discrimination in employment, education, health and family, explaining what gender inequality is and how it is addressed in international and domestic legislation and in practice.

Participants will learn how to identify harassment and sexual harassment as forms of discrimination, as well as workplace bullying. The legal protection, prevention and measures against such bullying will be illustrated through real cases.

This workshop is part of the Mission’s programme to support the democratization of the Police and is in line with the Mission’s efforts to encourage gender equality in all segments of society.

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OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policing

The OSCE Mission to Skopje, in co-operation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, organized a two-day workshop in Ohrid on policing in a multi-ethnic society on 11 and 12 July 2016. Some forty police officers of different ethnicities working in Ohrid and Bitola police stations attended the event and exchanged information and experiences related to multi-ethnic policing.

The workshop also served as a platform for generating ideas on future measures to foster effective functioning of ethnically mixed police units and ensure the acceptance and equal treatment of police officers coming from smaller communities.

The workshop is one of the ways the Mission is supporting efforts to strengthen police capacities and build trust across multi-ethnic communities. 

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OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan

The fourth in a series of five OSCE-supported training seminars for women entrepreneurs working in the field of green technology started on 29 July 2016 in Arnasai village, Central Kazakhstan.

The training seminar, organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in close co-operation with the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development brought together some 20 participants from rural areas of the Central Kazakhstan region to raise their awareness on the use of modern green technologies in effective horticulture, such as energy and water-saving methods, drip irrigation, solar greenhouses and vermicultivation.

“We believe that the role of women in promoting green businesses in the rural areas is crucial and enormous. This is due to the fact that most of them are involved in agriculture and household management activities, which nowadays remain one of the few opportunities to support the family and community in remote regions,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Thus, the Office stands ready to provide its continuous expert support to such initiatives aiming at better information- and technology-sharing.”

The event is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to promote green growth, environmental security and women’s empowerment in economic activities.

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OSCE Project Co-ordinator lights up central Tashkent with 20 solar-powered street lamps

TASHKENT, 29 July 2016 - A central area of Tashkent is to be lit by 20 autonomous street light systems fully powered by solar energy as part of a pilot project officially launched today by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The Co-ordinator is supporting the host country in the area of green economy policies, including the analysis of costs and benefits in using environmentally-friendly and sustainable systems in street lighting and urban planning.

Senior Project Officer at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator Hans-Ullrich Ihm said that urban street lighting powered by solar energy is one of many possibilities that contribute to preserving our environment by reducing the consumption of fossil fuel and emissions. He added that the Project Co-ordinator strives to support the government in implementing policies advocating for such technologies.

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek trains defence lawyers and prosecutors on right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention

BISHKEK, 28 July 2016 – A two-day training conducted by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek for 14 defence lawyers and 12 officers from the Prosecutor’s office on the right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, ended today in the Kyrgyz capital.

The workshop focused on the international framework for measures of restraint, as well as the internationally recognized constitutional right to institute proceedings in cases of violations.

The detention of minors, persons with disabilities, women with children, or defendants in need of continued medical treatment and hospitalization were among the topics discussed, and participants learned more about their specific concerns to ensure that the restraint measures taken comply with human rights standards.

“The right to liberty is a basic fundamental right, protected by international human rights law and enshrined in the Kyrgyz Constitution,” said Anete Erdmane, acting Senior Human Dimension Officer at the OSCE Centre. “To ensure that restrictions on liberty are applied in compliance with the law and that other human rights are not violated as a result of the deprivation of liberty, it is important that prosecutors and lawyers are aware of the relevant standards and obligations. In line with its mandate, the OSCE Centre works to improve the administration of justice and strengthen the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan.”

The course was delivered by Ulugbek Azimov, a well-known national expert in the field, while  Sergey Poduzov, an international human rights law expert from Russia, also led a training session.

The training course is part of the OSCE Centre’s project on promoting a comprehensive approach to the rule of law, administration of justice, prevention of torture, and capacity building. 

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek hosts regional discussion on Security Sector Governance and Reform

BISHKEK, 28 June 2016 – The OSCE’s role and activities in Security Sector Governance and Reform in Central Asia, and the challenges and opportunities in the field, are the focus of a three-day regional seminar hosted by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, which began today in the Kyrgyz capital.

Taking part are some 50 representatives of OSCE field operations in Central Asia and regional partners, government officials from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as civil society and academia. As well as providing a platform for regional networking among national and international partners, the discussion will explore challenges within police reform, border management and security, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, justice sector reform among others.

“By reviewing the government’s budget and reports on its execution, adopting laws, establishing a working group to monitor enforcement of the laws and parliamentary decisions, we can make the reforms possible,” said Ainuru Altybaeva,  Kyrgyz member of parliament and member of the parliamentary Committee for International Relations, Defence and Security.

Security Sector Governance and Reform is increasingly recognized by OSCE participating States as an essential element in conflict prevention, early warning, crisis management and peace-building.

Daniele Rumolo, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “Effective security sector reform processes have to be carried out in full consultation with all affected sides, including civil society and independent experts, as well as with the support of international organizations. The new OSCE guidelines on Security Sector Governance and Reform are designed to lead us and all other stakeholders and partners, in upholding these principles.”

Professor Erica Marat of the National Defense University in Washington D.C. said that while there are challenges for reform processes in the region, there are also tremendous opportunities which can be supported by a well-educated population, empowered women, ethnic and religious diversity, and a vibrant civil society.

The regional seminar is part of an extra-budgetary project that aims to support, build capacity and raise awareness on Security Sector Governance and Reform within the OSCE. The project is supported by Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship, as well as Switzerland, Slovakia, Serbia and Austria. A similar regional event is planned for later this year in South-East Europe. 

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OSCE facilitates consolidation workshop on Regulatory Reform Roadmap for Armenia

The finalization of a Regulatory Reform Roadmap for Armenia was the focus of a workshop co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), the Ministry of Justice of Armenia and the OSCE Office in Yerevan on 27 and 28 May 2016 in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia.

The workshop provided an opportunity for participants from the executive branch, the legislature, civil society and international organizations to exchange views on how to improve the overall process of lawmaking in the country. Topics discussed included policy-making and legislative planning, public consultations and regulatory impact assessment, as well as monitoring and evaluation of legislation.

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss recommendations for reform from previous thematic lawmaking workshops, conducted in Armenia in 2015, and from OSCE/ODIHR’s 2014 report on the “Comprehensive Assessment of the Legislative Procedure in Armenia”. These recommendations were consolidated in a draft Regulatory Reform Roadmap with concrete action points in early 2016, and this draft provided a basis for workshop discussions.

"The recommendations in the draft Regulatory Reform Roadmap focus on identifying workable solutions and were developed by key Armenian stakeholders during a series of discussions," said Alice Thomas, Chief of ODIHR’s Legislative Support Unit. "The draft Roadmap thus constitutes a home-grown plan for action to address weaknesses identified in the Armenian lawmaking system during discussions at our 2015 workshops."

Arsen Mkrtchyan, First Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia, said: "We have already begun initiating reforms as indicated in the draft Roadmap. This workshop will help us finalize this document, which will be very useful in helping us plan and implement additional reform processes to make our legislative process less burdensome and more planned, transparent, and participatory."

The consolidating workshop begins the final stage of the process of drafting a Regulatory Reform Roadmap for Armenia, as envisaged by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between OSCE/ODIHR and the Ministry of Justice in 2014. Once ready, the Roadmap will form the basis for future reforms of the legislative process in the country.

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OSCE workshop in Kosovo focuses on improving the recording of hate crimes

A two-day workshop on  ways to improve the recording of hate crimes  was organized on 11 and 12 July in Prishtinë/Priština by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Police.

In addition to reinforcing their understanding of the OSCE’s approach to hate crime, workshop participants identified a series of additional improvements in the way local authorities monitor and record hate crimes. Participants also agreed to establish a permanent national mechanism to co-ordinate hate crime data collection.

"Police recording is the key point of entry for information about hate crimes into the criminal justice system. But, the police cannot operate alone," said Ales Giao Hanek, ODIHR Hate Crime Officer. "Co-ordination between all the agencies concerned is crucial, and political support will be required to make the changes identified and agreed upon by participants."

Workshop participants included Kosovo Police specialists responsible for recording and managing crime statistics from all eight policing districts. Police and Prosecution Service focal points on hate crimes took part, as well as representatives from the Kosovo Judicial Institute.

This workshop follows up on an event held in May 2015, which mapped hate crime data collection in Kosovo.

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  • Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
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OSCE Representative condemns murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Ukraine

VIENNA, 20 July 2016 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today condemned the murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Kyiv, Ukraine.

This morning, Sheremet, a journalist with Radio Vesti and the Ukrainskaya Pravda online media outlet, was killed in a car explosion.

“This killing and its circumstances must be swiftly and thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice,” Mijatović said, noting President Petro Poroshenko’s strong condemnation of the act and immediate action to investigate. “We have lost a prominent and dedicated journalist and my sincere condolences go out to Sheremet’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Sheremet, originally of Belarus and recipient of the 2002 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Prize for Journalism and Democracy (www.osce.org/pa/54293), worked as a journalist in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia during his career.

“This morning’s gruesome incident reminds us all that the safety situation for journalists in Ukraine must be addressed effectively and timely,” Mijatović said.  

The Representative recalled the murder of the prominent Ukrainian journalist Georgyi Gongadze in 2001, the founder of Ukrainskaya Pravda, and reiterated her call on the authorities to fully investigate that crime.                                              

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom

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Students Share Mixed Reviews on Childhood Show Reboots

Show reboots can be a hit-or-miss when released because they may not live up to the original. Students share their opinions on reboots they have watched and whether they support the continuation of reboots being produced.

The post Students Share Mixed Reviews on Childhood Show Reboots appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.




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OSCE supports workshop on risks-oriented approach in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism in Kyrgyzstan

ISSYK-KUL, Kyrgyzstan, 8 July 2016 – A five-day training course supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on a risk-oriented approach in supervising activities related to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism concluded today in Bosteri village, in the Issyk-Kul region.

The aim of the workshop, which was organized by the State Financial Intelligence Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (SFIS) in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was to update the relevant State agencies and financial institutions on the practical aspects of a risks-oriented approach in their work. Some 46 officials from law enforcement agencies, supervisory agencies and financial institutions took part.

“A risks-oriented approach is the process which allows the countries to identify, assess and understand risks to effectively combat money laundering and financing of terrorism,” said Nana Baramidze, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek fully supports the efforts of the Kyrgyz Government in its attempt to establish effective systems to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”

Chyngyz Kenenbayev, Head of the Organizational and Legal department of the SFIS, said: “We are holding this educational seminar to train representatives of national authorities and the private sector so that we can successfully pass the second round of the evaluation by the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). In order to fulfil international obligations under the EAG, the Kyrgyz Republic is to conduct a mutual assessment of its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism system. From 28 November to 9 December 2016, a visiting mission of EAG evaluators will conduct this assessment within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiative."

The training course, which was conducted by two IMF experts and three SFIS officials, was part of the OSCE assistance to the Kyrgyz Government in preparing for the second round of the FATF evaluation.

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Episode 39 - Interview with Sheri Miksa

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Sheri Miksa, former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation shares her insight and experiences of brand management and operations in the food service industry.




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Episode 40 - Sheri Miksa Presentation - Part 1

Sheri Miksa, Former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation, shares her thoughts and experiences on her 25 years of experience working in the food service and hospitality industry. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 41 - Sheri Miksa Presentation - Part 2

Sheri Miksa, Former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Sheri also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 101 - Interview with Ed Wedbush

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Ed Wedbush, Founder of Wedbush Securities talks about the founding of his company and the valuable insights he gained through his many years of experience.




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Episode 102 - Ed Wedbush Presentation - Part 1

Ed Wedbush, Founder of Wedbush Securities, talks about the elements of executive leadership and policies implemented in the workplace to help foster a better working environment. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 103 - Ed Wedbush Presentation - Part 2

Ed Wedbush, Founder of Wedbush Securities, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ed also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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[WA] Quilton 3-Ply Toilet Paper 36-Pack $14.99 @ Spudshed, Jandakot

Since we all love tp, especially Quilton tp.
New-look launch offer at Jandakot store. $0.416 per roll.




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[Switch] Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl $6.99 @ Nintendo eShop

Brawl it out as your favorite Nickelodeon characters in bombastic platform battles! With a power-packed cast of heroes from the Nickelodeon universe, face-off with all-stars from SpongeBob Squarepants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House, Danny Phantom, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, The Wild Thornberrys, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, and more to determine ultimate animation dominance.

With unique move sets and attacks inspired by their personalities, each character has an individual style of play enabling endless action for Nickelodeon’s legion of fans. Select your favorite and then let the intense brawls begin with online and local multiplayer action.




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Extra 10% off + Shipping @ Fragrance-Free Products

Fragrance-Free Products (Toiletries without fragrances) are currently closing down with everything set to or below wholesale price.

Enjoy an extra 10% off with the code "OzBargain"
https://www.FragranceFreeProducts.com.au/

Ecostore – Laundry Liquid Ultra Sensitive 1L RP$10.99 now $6.95
Ecostore – Ultra Sensitive Dish Liquid 1L RP$8.95 now $6.95
Ecostore – Ultra Sensitive 3X Concentrate Laundry Liquid 480ml RP$15 now $8.95
White Magic – Eco Eraser Original Sponge RP$7.95 now $3.95
White Magic – Eco Eraser Big Sponge RP$9 now $5.95
White Magic – Eco Eraser King Sponge RP$14 now $7.95
White Magic – Eco Eraser Extra Power Sponge 4Pk RP$7.20 now $5
Envirocare earth – Sensitive Body & Hair Cleanser 500ml RP$14.95 now $9.50
Envirocare earth – Sensitive Body & Hair Cleanser 1L RP$20.85 now $13.95
Envirocare earth – Sensitive Body Wash 500ml RP$16.55 now $10.95
Envirocare earth – Sensitive Body Wash 1L RP$20.85 now $13.95
Envirocare earth – Baby Sensitive Bath & Shampoo 500ml RP$18.20 now $11.95
Envirocare earth – Baby Sensitive Bath & Shampoo 2L RP$39.95 now $21.50
Bexters – Soda Crystals 800g RP$9.95 now $6.95
Bee Natural – Lip Balm Stick – Original Unscented RP$7.50 now $3.95
Grants of Australia – Flavour Free Natural Toothpaste RP$6.95 now $4.95
Happy Turtle – Organic Cotton & Bamboo Cotton Buds RP$6.49 now $1.99
Natures Child – Organic Cotton Reusable Baby Wipes RP$29.95 now $11.95
Natures Child – Certified Organic Face Wipes RP$12.95 now $4.95
Henry Blooms – Kids Probiotic Toothpaste Flavour Free RP$7 now $4.95
Abode – Baby Laundry Liquid 1L RP$14.95 now $9.95
Abode – Laundry Liquid Zero 1L RP$15.95 now $9.95
Abode – Dish Liquid Zero 500ml RP$9.95 now $6.95
Abode – Fabric Softner Zero 1L RP$19.95 now $13.20
Grahams Natural – C+ Cream (Eczema & Dermatitis Relief) 120g RP$31.95 now $19.95
Grahams Natural – Scalp Relief Cream 60g RP$20 now $12.95
Dermeze – Treatment Ointment 100g RP$12 now $8.95
Eco Turtles – 2PK Non Scratch Cellulose Sponge RP$6 now $3.30

Shipping starts at approximately $7-$11 this depends on your order's total weight and location. Shipped from Melbourne VIC, and you can choose from Australia Post, Sendle, or Aramex for delivery. (Sendle & Aramex exclude PO Boxes)

We also offer flexible payment options through AfterPay, PayPal, Klarna, and ZipPay-allowing you to spread out your payments weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

We close on the 1st of December 2024 or until stock lasts.

Thank you for your support! It’s been a pleasure providing fragrance-free options, especially to help those with Fragrance Sensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity to find suitable products.




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[Prime] Minisforum NAB6 Lite i5-12600H, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2x 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Win11 $539.98 Shipped @ Minisforum Amazon AU

Looks like an even better deal SPECIFICALLY for Amazon Prime members than the one on offer in May 2024 (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/848019).

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D2HDV8T9

Have to be logged in to Amazon Prime account to see the $539.98 pricing.




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$5 Bonus Cashback (Min $20 Spend, Activation Required) @ Cashrewards

Check your emails - likely targeted.

*Valid for members that activate bonus prior to shop and make a qualifying transaction of $20 or more by 19/11/2024 11:59pm AEDT. Online only.




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[Used] Dell UltraSharp U3419W 34" UWQHD IPS 60Hz Curved Monitor (NO STAND) 3M Warranty, $199 + Del / $0 C&C @ BPC Tech

Ridiculous value for a monitor with these specs, even with no stand and shipping costs - paid $38 for StarTrack to Brisbane area, so $237 total, ordered Sunday arrived today.

Should go without saying it's not an ideal monitor for gaming, but honestly it would be plenty enjoyable for many titles imo (just not competitive shooters etc).

The screen was well packed and works perfectly, has a great picture and there were no scratches or dead pixels on my unit.

Specs:

Size & Resolution: 34-inch, UltraWide, 3440 x 1440 (WQHD)
Aspect Ratio: 21:9
Panel Type: IPS
Colour Coverage: 99% sRGB
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Ports: USB-C (with power delivery up to 90W), HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, audio out
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Features: Built-in KVM switch, Picture-by-Picture, Picture-in-Picture
Weight: 8.2kg without stand

Pros:

  • good bit newer than popular U3415W from recent deals
  • decent brightness at 300 cd/m²
  • USB-C with solid power delivery at 90W
  • USB hub and KVM switch
  • excellent overall value

Cons:

  • 60Hz peasantry
  • useless "fast" overdrive mode (visible overshoot like if mouse trails were enabled, just don't)

Before anyone has a sook about the "free shipping over $199" like on that last thread, it's a pretty heavy unit at 8.2kg (not incl. packaging) and the exclusion is clearly stated on BPC's shipping policy page.

Cheers for the mad bargain BPC, couldn't be happier.




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Bodyslam scraps 2 shows after ‘Toon’ surgery

Thailand's famous rock band Bodyslam has cancelled two shows this week as lead singer Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai is recovering from minor surgery carried out on Sunday.