Australia’s largest biotechnology company, Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL), will invest A$210 million to expand albumin production at its Broadmeadows manufacturing site (25 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre) to meet increasing demand for its global ‘ablumin’ critical care therapy. The planned manufacturing facility for the Broadmeadows site is expected to create up to 200 jobs during construction, with a further 190 manufacturing jobs once the plant is operational.

Aegis Services Australia has announced it will expand its business processing outsourcing operations in Victoria, creating 550 new jobs over the next two years. Aegis is a global outsourcing and technology company. The expansion will mean a doubling of the company’s existing local workforce and a substantial investment in training and up-skilling of employees. The company’s announcement underscores Victoria's strong reputation as a destination for global investment and business services centre.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 8:00pm
Location: Earl V. Moore Building
Organized By: School of Music, Theatre & Dance

This is a unique, largely improvisation-based group that invites interaction with other performance fields such as dance, theatre, and music technology.

Marcus Elliot, director

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 5:30pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Turn Up Turnout

Note: this is a virtual event open to students on all three University of Michigan campuses.

Public schools are run and funded by the government. The federal, state, and local governments all play a role in shaping education policy, but which areas of government influence different areas of policy in our schools?

Join Turn Up Turnout for a nonpartisan, educational presentation on Education Policy to find out. GIFT CARD for participants. *Please note that gift cards will not be sent immediately and will take a few weeks to process.*

Register here: https://sessions.studentlife.umich.edu/track/event/session/81566

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 4:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Please join Bank of America for a Recruiter Q&A. This is for our US students that are interested in intern or first year analystopportunities. This webinar is for students to ask questions from UR recruiters during the recruitment cycle. Once you register, if you are eligible, a link will be sent out closer to the event to join the webinar.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 4:00pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Engineering Career Resource Center

Are you worried about finding a summer internship? Feeling stressed with everything you have going on?

You are not alone—these concerns are common among students, even this early in the academic year!

Join Advisors from the Engineering Career Resource Center and the College of Engineering CAPS office to learn strategies for coping with stress and self-doubt, as well as discovering how you can stay focused and navigate your continued job search. There's plenty of time to find valuable opportunities, and we're here to help!

Join at the following Zoom Link: https://umich.zoom.us/j/93691826960

Registration in Engineering Careers, by 12twenty is encouraged but not required.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 3:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Are you looking at a future career in healthcare and need clinical experience?  If so, join us for our upcoming virtual info session to learn more about our medical scribe positions! If you are unable to attend this session, no worries we are offering severalother sessions throughout the month!  Click on the RSVP link above to find a time that works with your schedule! 

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 3:00pm
Location: Medical Science Unit II
Organized By: Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Mentor: Kristen Verhey

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Are you looking for a summer job? Are you interested in working for one of the largest Federal Government Agencies? Well, look no further. The Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program is an opportunity for current college students attending an institution of higher education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutes (MSIs) who are majoring in Intelligence and/or Cybersecurity-related areas of study. In this program, students may receive:• A paid fellowship• First-hand, practical experience in Intelligence and Cybersecurity disciplines• Participation in high-priority challenge projects• Training in core and technical competencies• Advice and support from mentors• Networking opportunities• Tuition assistance (if available) If you’re interested in learning more about the ICDFProgram, please join us for a recruitment roundtable on Thursday, November 14th at 1:00 pm EDT.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Are you an accounting major looking to learn more about theopportunities at KPMG? Are you unsure where you fall in KPMG’s recruiting timeline? If so, please join us for Accounting Chats with KPMG Recruiters!We at KPMG want to get to know you better and hear about your professional goals. During this virtual event, you will have the opportunity to meet with members of the KPMG recruiting team. We can review the KPMG recruiting process, discuss the various KPMG career paths for accounting students, and of course, answer any questions you might have.You are not required to attend the entire 2-hour event – stop by as your schedule allows!If you have any questions about the event, please don't hesitate to reach out. We hope you can join us!

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00pm
Location: Dental & W.K. Kellogg Institute
Organized By: Office of Research School of Dentistry

Oral Health Sciences Seminar Series

Leveraging Focused Ultrasound to Drive Tissue Regeneration via On-Demand Modulation of Microenvironmental Cues

Mario L. Fabiilli, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Radiology
Department of Biomedical Engineering

Thursday, November 14, 2024
12:00 – 1:00pm
DENT G550
Host: Dr. Renny Franceschi
Sponsored by TEAM

*CE credit will be given to the School of Dentistry Faculty. If you would like CE credit, please sign in at the seminar

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00pm
Location: Weiser Hall
Organized By: Center for Japanese Studies

Please note: This lecture will be held in person in room 1010 Weiser Hall and virtually via Zoom. This webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Once you've registered, the joining information will be sent to your email. Register for the Zoom webinar at: https://myumi.ch/RmN4G

The Korean scholar-bureaucrats (yangban) have been drawing public attention among Japanese intellectuals since the beginning of the 20th century. This lecture reviews how Japanese magazines represented yangban, tracing how their image changed from the evil noblemen that kept Korean society stagnant to the graceful embodiers of vanishing authentic Korean culture. Both these images, and even the transition from one to the other, were driven by a Japanese version of orientalism.

Shimpei Cole Ota is a sociocultural anthropologist trained both in Seoul National University (ABD, 2003) and Osaka University (Ph.D., 2007). His basic question focuses on what brings drastic changes to societies and cultures, especially before and after modernization, liberalization, and globalization in South Korea and Korean America.

This lecture is made possible with the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education Title VI grant.

If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at umcjs@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 11:30am
Location: Lorch Hall
Organized By: Department of Economics

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Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:00am
Location: Queens, New York, United States
Organized By: University Career Center

We would like to invite you to our in-person Mental Health Fair – Hiring Event, Hosted by Correctional Health Services/NYC Health & Hospitals. This event will take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 10AM to 2PM. Senior Psychiatrist (H+H) - Annual Salary $309,600- $329,600Education: M.D. orD.O. degree with active NY State license in good standing Completion of a4-year psychiatric residency training program Active certification by theAmerican Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in PsychiatryExperience:At least two years of post-residency experience working with individuals with mental illness in a criminal justice setting (jail, prison, probation and/or parole) or public health community setting At least one year of post-residency experience working with individualswith serious mental illness an equivalent and satisfactory combination ofeducation and experience may be considered.Psychiatrist - Annual Salary1. (Health +Hospitals)- Please visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/careers/2. (PAGNY)- Please visit https://www.pagny.org/careers/Graduation from an approved medical school Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York; and, Completion of three years of approved residency training in psychiatry; or fellowship in the specialty or sub-specialty and Board eligible or certified or Subboard eligible or certifiedClinical Supervisor (H+H) - Annual Salary $120,000Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Health Care Specialization, Social Work, Psychology or related field; and 1. Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in hospital or regulatory agency administration,with particular emphasis development and evaluation of mental health on delivery services; or2. Possession of a valid license and current registration to practice in a mental health field issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).Mental Health Clinician - Annual Salary(Health +Hospitals)- Please visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/careers/Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field. A valid License or Limited Permit issued by the New York State Education Department to practice as a Mental Health Counselor, New York State License in Social Work or licensure in PsychologyPAGNY- 2. Please visit https://www.pagny.org/careers/ Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field. New York State License in Social Work, License in Mental Health Counseling, or licensure in Psychology

Clinical functional proteomics of intercellular signalling in pancreatic cancer  Nature.com

This week's interview is with WSM Program Director and new co-host of the Spout, Ben Wulbern. Jayne will interview Ben to give all of you listeners a chance to get to know him, where he comes from and a few of his favorite things. The Crew also discusses their thoughts from the AOD Series. Email thespoutpodcast@gmail.com with any feedback or leave a review on iTunes. Like The Well - Spoutcast on Facebook, find us on Twitter: @thespoutcast, or add us on Instagram: @thespoutcast. Check back in with the Spoutcast each week for a new episode or search Spoutcast in iTunes to subscribe to this podcast. This week's music is from Hillsong UNITED’s album, Zion. Speaker: The Spoutcast Team

Road to the Cross by Master Peace Collection is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to N/A pcs

Starfish Space on Wednesday announced a new funding round that will allow it to complete development and build of three spacecraft that will be used for on-orbit docking and maneuvering […]

The U.S. Air Force plans to refine its concept for the future Increment 2 of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). “Increment 2–we are ‘danger’ close to getting started in earnest […]

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported decreases in commercial and residential air conditioning shipments year-to-date in the fourth quarter.

The aisles were packed for the 2015 edition of MCEE, a Canadian trade show and conference for the plumbing, hydronics, HVACR, electrical, and lighting industries. The two-day trade show and conference took place April 22-23 in Montreal.

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported that ductless split systems shipments had a major increase of 20 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Residential air conditioning showed an increase of 2 percent.

Paul Davis Restoration pledges $1 million to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This proactive donation ensures the Red Cross is equipped to meet the needs of those affected by disasters across the U.S. Discover how this significant contribution, along with volunteer efforts, supports disaster relief and community resilience. 

Wahl Instruments Inc. adds the HSI3000B to its line of Wahl Heat Spy Thermal Imaging Cameras.  This new thermal imaging camera for buildings “is the best equipped entry level device on the market – with the highest specification in its class."

The Crew Chief is the center of the Prochem restoration product line. The built in advanced power management can balance the equipment which optimizes the job site drying conditions.

Concrobium Broad Spectrum Disinfectant is a botanically-derived solution that provides proven disinfection and superior cleaning capabilities. 

11/17/2024 - 1:30 PM - Venue: Rawlings Library

Today's consumers are much more likely to focus on changing their snacking habits in order to achieve weight loss success.

Craft beer has revolutionized the industry and is moving out of microbreweries and into the main market. According to the Brewers Association, there were over 3,200 brewers in the United States as of November 2014.

The data is a day later than normal this week due to the US holiday on Monday.

The numbers via oilprice.com on Twitter:

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Expectations I had seen centred on:

• Headline crude +0.1 mn barrels
• Distillates +0.2 mn bbls
• Gasoline +0.6 mn

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This data point is from a privately-conducted survey by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

• It's a survey of oil storage facilities and companies
• The official report is due Wednesday morning US time.

The two reports are quite different.The official government data comes from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA)

• Its based on data from the Department of Energy and other government agencies
• Whereas information on total crude oil storage levels and variations from the previous week's levels are both provided by the API report, the EIA report also provides statistics on inputs and outputs from refineries, as well as other significant indicators of the status of the oil market, and storage levels for various grades of crude oil, such as light, medium, and heavy.
• the EIA report is held to be more accurate and comprehensive than the survey from the API

• An 'activist' approach means to cut less until it is clear inflation persistence has been purged
• I would be ready to cut rates in bigger steps when inflation risks have gone

As mentioned, she's arguably the most hawkish member on the policy committee. So, these comments need to be taken with that in consideration. Her comments are also reflected by her bank rate vote last week here, as she was the only member to dissent against the rate cut decision.

https://www.cpa.com/system/files/cpa/infographics/top-challenges-facing-firms-performing-pcr-services-onpoint-cpacom_0.pdf

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TASHKENT, 2 December 2015 - Effective criminal justice responses to terrorism, based on the rule of law, were the focus of a two-day seminar organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Action against Terrorism Unit, in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, which concluded today in Tashkent.

The seminar gathered about 30 representatives of national agencies involved in counter-terrorism and focused on the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s (GCTF) Rabat Memorandum on Good Practices for Effective Counterterrorism Practice in the Criminal Justice Sector. Experts in the field of criminal justice presented good counter-terrorism practices developed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the work the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) is pursuing in this area.

“This two-day seminar is a follow-up to an assessment visit by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UN CTED) in April this year, which the OSCE contributed to,” said the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Gyorgy Szabo in his opening remarks. “The seminar aims at promoting internationally recognized good practices that show how to balance rule of law concerns with effectively preventing and combating terrorism.”

Among other topics, the participants discussed the effective co-ordination between domestic government agencies and the importance of international co-operation, particularly when being confronted with terrorism. The seminar also highlighted the need to ensure the protection of sensitive intelligence and law enforcement information in terrorism cases, as well as for adopting incentives for suspects to co-operate with state authorities in the investigation and prosecution of terrorism offenses.

All OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation have committed to furthering international co-operative efforts in promoting effective and rule of law-based responses of their national criminal justice systems as part of a global strategy to counter terrorism.

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Thirty experts were trained to deliver specialized training courses for judges on how to review corruption–related disputes and prevent corruption in the judiciary during a two-day session, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and the National School of Judges on 5-6 July 2016 outside Kyiv.

The trainees, judges-lecturers of five regional branches of the School, enhanced their knowledge of anti-corruption legislation, including national regulations and relevant international conventions, major aspects of judges’ ethics, including the identification and prevention of real and potential conflicts of interest, and judicial review of corruption-related disputes. The purpose of the session was to create a pool of experts able to deliver training courses for their peers at the National School of Judges on a regular basis.

According to the Judicial Education Concept adopted by the School, the training methodology was based on interactive techniques and included discussions, case studies, mini-lectures, various exercises and role plays, and screenings of short simulation videos on the topic.

To ensure the sustainability of OSCE efforts, the training course on anti-corruption will be submitted for institutionalization at the National School of Judges by the end of the year. This course will form part of the School’s mandatory curriculum for every judge appointed to the post.

The training session was part of a project by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine to enhance the quality of judicial education and training.

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KYIV, 15 July 2016 – The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine today opened a new sphere of project assistance to Ukraine – improving democratic control of defence and security sectors – with a presentation of international experience and best practices at a conference in Kyiv.

The event, co-organized with the Parliament and the Ministry of Defence, brought together more than 120 parliamentarians, military and civilian representatives of various ministries, experts, and civil society activists to learn about the basic principles in this area, as well as practical examples from other countries.

During the conference, the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security and the OSCE Security Sector Governance and Reform Guidelines were presented. Ukrainian translations of these documents can be found at www.osce.org/fsc/41355  and www.osce.org/uk/secretariat/253156, respectively.

The participants discussed in detail the national models of parliamentary and civic control over the defence sectors of Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, and Norway.

“The ability of Parliament, and of society at large, to exercise control over its security services is a true litmus test for democracy and rule of law,” said Jeffrey Erlich, Senior Project Officer at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’s Office. “Such oversight contributes to a much more effective security sector by rooting out corruption, and by strengthening the bond between society and the armed forces.”

Igor Dolgov, Deputy Minister of Defence, said: “For me there is no question of whether it is possible to simultaneously deal with current crisis and implement reforms in defense sectors, including strengthening mechanisms of democratic control over armed forces. It is needed and it is already happening.”

Until the end of the year, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator will provide expertise in developing a concept paper and implementation plan for democratic oversight; assist in promoting dialogue between the military, parliamentarians, experts and civic activists; and contribute to raising awareness among the public by publishing relevant online resources.  Further assistance efforts will continue after 2016.

In partnering with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF), the project will also draw on their expertise.

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PODGORICA, 3 May 2016 – On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Janina Hrebickova, stressed the media’s crucial role in building and sustaining democracy.

 “Free, independent, and professional media are an indispensable resource in any democratic society,” Hrebičkova said. “Members of the media must be able to perform their duties in a free and safe manner. The Mission expresses its support to all journalists in Montenegro, in their efforts to practice independent and professional journalism.”

This year's World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the right of access to information.

“Access to information is a fundamental freedom and human right. It allows members of the media to seek and receive information on issues of importance to the public,” Hrebičkova said.

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Secretaries General and Deputy Secretaries General of Western Balkans parliaments, heads of human resources and information and communications technology departments, legal advisors and representatives of OSCE Missions in the region took part in a meeting on strategic and annual planning in parliaments in Podgorica, Montenegro on 1 and 2 June 2016.

The aim of the event, hosted by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Montenegrin Parliament, was to discuss current developments and exchange best practices and lessons learned in regard to planning in parliaments.  

Dan Redford, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, stressed the importance of developing the institutional capacity of parliaments to make them strong and self-reliant.

Suljo Mustafic, Secretary General of the Parliament of Montenegro, thanked the OSCE Mission to Montenegro for its support and co-operation in publishing the Parliamentary Lexicon - a collection of terms used in parliamentary life - which was presented at the meeting. Mustafic underlined the importance of transparency in the decision-making process and the benefits of planned development of parliamentary institutions regardless of the constant changes that parliaments underlie. 

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PODGORICA, 12 July  2016 - OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier concluded today a two-day visit to Montenegro, marking the 10th anniversary of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. “After independence, this country entrusted the OSCE with an important responsibility: to help advance security, democracy, the rule of law and human rights for Montenegrin citizens,” Zannier said.  

During his visit, the Secretary General met with President Filip Vujanovic, Parliament Speaker Darko Pajovic, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Minister of Interior Goran Danilovic, as well as representatives of civil society.

Zannier commended the Montenegrin authorities for their commitment to undertaking reforms and encouraged further progress, offering OSCE’s continued support in line with national priorities. “The OSCE remains one of the country’s key partners in helping to further develop independent, open and transparent institutions that enjoy wide public trust,” he stated.

Discussing preparations for the parliamentary elections on 16 October, the Secretary General commended the sense of responsibility already demonstrated by political parties in overcoming the recent political crisis through a broad political agreement adopted last April, which was important, above all, for the Montenegrin people.

“Political leaders managed to successfully bridge their differences by reaching a compromise, one that aims to serve the public interest,” said Zannier. “Now we need to see this agreement implemented in full, and in good faith.”

During his meetings, the Secretary General stated that the parliamentary elections will be an important test for the country, adding that the Mission to Montenegro is providing technical assistance to the State Election Commission until the end of 2016. “All actors involved in the preparation of elections should work together as closely as possible in line with their responsibilities as set out in the law. This is vital for having a credible election,” Zannier concluded.

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BISHKEK, 20 July 2016 - A series of three-day training courses for police investigators on investigating murders which were committed with the use of explosives, firearms and cold arms are being held from 14 July until 6 August 2016 in Bishkek, Balykchy and Osh cities by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s Interior Ministry and the Kyrgyz State Judicial Academy.

Some 150 officers will be trained during the courses, which will see them acquire knowledge and skills on techniques for crime scene screening, searches, questioning of suspects and witnesses, and other methods of investigation. Forensic expertise will also be covered.

“Investigative authorities have important law enforcement functions. The outcome of their work forms the basis for the consideration of criminal cases in court, the imposition of just punishments, and the fair administration of justice,” said Pavel Khalashnyuk, acting Head of the OSCE Centre’s Police Matters Programme. “The investigation of serious crimes requires high professionalism and the guarantee of mandatory enforcement.”

The courses are being organized as part of the OSCE Centre’s project on combating organized crime.

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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WARSAW, 6 August 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today criticized the call by the Prosecutor General of Tajikistan for the reintroduction of the death penalty, and expressed concern over recent discussions related to removing the bans on capital punishment in some other OSCE participating States.

“Countries in the OSCE have committed themselves to consider the complete abolition of capital punishment, not to reconsider that abolition,” the ODIHR Director said. “Yesterday’s call by the Prosecutor General in Tajikistan for the reintroduction of capital punishment in that country is completely out of place in a region where most of the countries recognize the inherently cruel, inhuman and degrading nature of a punishment that fails to act as a deterrent and makes any miscarriage of justice irreversible.”

Tajikistan’s Prosecutor-General, Yusuf Rahmon, told a press conference yesterday that perpetrators of premeditated murder, terrorists and traitors must be punished by death. His words followed similar statements by other leaders, among them President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and President Viktor Orban of Hungary, suggesting that the reinstitution of the death penalty should be opened for discussion.

Tajikistan suspended the application of the death penalty in 2004, while Turkey and Hungary completely abolished capital punishment, in 2004 and 1990, respectively.

“Rather than reversing its course, it is my hope that Tajikistan will take further steps toward the complete abolition of the death penalty,” he said. “It is also my hope that Turkey, remains with the vast majority of the OSCE participating States and will continue to  act as a strong advocate for the global abolition, as it has in recent years.”

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VIENNA, 21 July 2016 – The mass cancellation of broadcasting licenses, criminal investigations against, and dismissal of, hundreds of journalists at the state broadcaster, and blocked websites are the latest, severe challenges to freedom of expression and media freedom in Turkey, Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said today.

Fully aligning herself with the statement made by the Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier on 16 July, strongly condemning any attempt to change the democratic order of Turkey through the use of force (statement available at www.osce.org/cio/254431), the Representative said:

“Democratically elected governments must be safeguarded, but they in turn must protect media freedom and support the role journalists play in ensuring and strengthening democracies,” Mijatović said.  “Fully recognizing the difficult times that Turkey is going through, the authorities need to ensure media freedom offline and online in line with their international commitments.”

On 19 July, the Radio and Television Supreme Council of Turkey (RTÜK) cancelled the licenses of radio and television stations that allegedly support the Gulen movement. The following television channels are currently affected: STV, Samanyolu Haber, Samanyolu Haber Radyo, Can Erzincan TV, Kanal 124, Yumurcak TV, Hira TV, MC TV, Dünya TV, Kanal Türk, Bugün TV, Mehtap TV, Berfin FM, Kanal Türk Radyo, Burç FM, Samanyolu Haber Radyosu, Radyo Mehtap, Haber Radyo Ege, Dünya Radyo, Radyo Küre, Merkür TV, Esra Radyo, Tuna Shoping TV, and Radyo Anadolu.

“Using the full force of my mandate, I urge the authorities of Turkey to ensure that pluralistic debate, diverging views and safety of journalists are respected,” Mijatović said, adding that the deteriorating media freedom situation in Turkey have been subject to numerous interventions from her Office in the past few years (available at www.osce.org/fom).

Also on 19 July, the Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against 370 staff members of the state broadcaster TRT, for their alleged links to the Gulen movement.  

Further, the Representative expressed concern about the rapidly growing number of blocked websites in Turkey. In the past few days, dozens of websites suspected for endangering national security and public order have been blocked. More than 112.000 websites are reported being blocked in the country today.  

Mijatović noted with deep concern reports about death threats being made in social media against journalists critical to the authorities, and emphasized the importance of journalists’ safety. She also recalled warnings in several major media outlets announcing the possible arrests of members of the media on terrorism charges. She said that Turkey holds more journalists in prison than any other OSCE participating State – a fact her Office continuously raises attention to, by regularly publishing a detailed table on imprisoned journalists.

“Freedom of expression does not stop at views deemed appropriate by the government,” Mijatović said. “It remains the role of journalists to inform people of public issues, including highly sensitive ones, and it remains the role of the authorities to ensure that journalists can do so freely and safely.”

The Representative offered the continued assistance and expertise of her Office to the authorities in Turkey ensuring that media freedom and freedom of expression are protected, even under difficult circumstances.

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 at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom. 

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GENEVA / VIENNA, 28 July 2016 – Two top holders of media freedom mandates of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) today condemned the ongoing crackdown on journalists and the media launched by Turkish Government in the wake of the attempted coup.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, expressed alarm at recent measures adopted by the Turkish authorities. Dozens of journalists have been reportedly arrested and a large number of media outlets closed in the past twenty-four hours.

“The simultaneous arrests of independent journalists and shutdowns of print and broadcast media strike a major blow against public debate and government accountability,” the experts warned. “We strongly urge the Turkish authorities to reconsider these decisions and confirm their obligations to media freedom.”

Reports indicate that the Government ordered the closure of three news agencies, 16 TV channels, 23 radio channels, 45 papers and 15 magazines. Since the attempted coup, authorities have issued arrest warrants against 89 journalists and have already arrested several of them, blocked access to more than 20 news websites, revoked the licenses of 29 publishing houses, and cancelled a number of press accreditations.

Numerous academic institutions, schools, civil society organizations were also ordered to close down by decrees issued after the adoption of the “Statutory Decree Regarding Measures to be Taken Within Scope of State of Emergency and Regulation of Certain Institutes and Institutions” on 23 July.

“It is quite clear that this wave of restrictions against media groups does not meet the basic international standards concerning restrictive measures even in times of emergency,” Mijatović said. “The disregard for any assurance of due process is flagrant and only contributes to the extreme levels of insecurity affecting all those working to inform people of the ongoing crisis in the country.”

“The attempted coup cannot justify such a broad attack against almost all voices, not just critical ones but analytic and journalistic,” Kaye said. “The widespread and abrupt nature of the measures, lacking even the basic elements of due process, is shocking and unprecedented in recent times in Turkey.”

“The Government’s purging of personnel and institutions of what it perceives as being dissenting and critical voices, solely on the basis of allegations of membership in the Gülen movement, clearly violates standards of international human rights law,” he noted.

Both experts expressed their continued willingness to discuss their concerns with Turkish authorities. UN Special Rapporteur Kaye will be visiting Turkey on an official visit in November, at the invitation of the Government. OSCE Representative Mijatović reiterated her Office’s assistance in improving media freedom, including a visit to the country. 

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 at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.  

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Croatia from 9 to 10 May 2016. During her visit, Thors focused on promoting the effective implementation of the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities, in particular the provisions regarding languages and scripts; on education matters; and, on issues pertaining to national minorities and good neighbourly relations.

Concerned that marginalizing or stigmatizing national minorities poses a threat to the cohesion of society and to bilateral relations, Thors urged the systematic condemnation of discriminatory rhetoric or conduct.

“Divisive rhetoric has proven a dangerous path. The more diversity, the richer a society is, as different cultures are the shared wealth of all,” Thors said. “It is crucial to foster a sense of belonging for all members of society in order to effectively promote the integration process,” she added. Thors called for ensuring the protection of the rights of national minorities whilst avoiding polarization of the society along ethnic lines, consistent with The Ljubljana Guidelines on the Integration of Diverse Societies, published by HCNM in 2012.

The High Commissioner also emphasized the need for a renewed dialogue between all political and social actors to overcome difficulties, including those related to the protection of minority rights, in a consultative manner. In this context, Thors welcomed the thorough process of the curricular reform and reiterated her support to teaching of a common curriculum, regardless of the instruction language, as an effective way to integrate diverse societies and provide for common points of understanding.

Thors was encouraged by the prospect of further co-operation with Croatian institutions. She also welcomed the attention given to the existing joint bilateral inter-governmental commissions. “Co-ordination of efforts with neighbouring countries in this field and the active role played by all ministries under the auspices of the State Office of Croats Abroad could consolidate the shared European aspirations in the neighbourhood,” Thors noted.

The High Commissioner met a variety of key interlocutors in Zagreb. These included Zdravka Bušić, Deputy Foreign Minister; Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović, Minister of Public Administration; Predrag Šustar, Minister of Science, Education and Sports; Furio Radin, Milorad Pupovac, Ivan Radić, and Marko Sladojev, Chairperson and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human and National Minority Rights, respectively; Aleksandar Tolnauer, President of the Council for National Minorities; Lora Vidović, Ombudsman; Branko Sočana, Director of the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of the National Minorities; and Zvonko Milas, Head of the State Office for Croats Abroad.

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Addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 2 June 2016, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors described country engagement and highlighted the disturbing increase in hate speech.

The statement covered the High Commissioner’s activities since her last statement to the Permanent Council in November 2015. During this period Thors visited Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities. Thors called for renewed efforts to tackle hate speech in order to prevent tensions and to promote integration with respect for diversity.

Thors also informed the Permanent Council about the work her institution is doing together with researchers to identify best practices that highlight the bridge building potential of national minorities in diverse societies.

The full statement can be found here.

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Berlin/Vienna, 3 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today expressed deep sadness upon the passing of Holocaust survivor, peace activist and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel.

“We have lost one of the strongest advocates of peace, who raised his voice tirelessly against all forms of hatred. He fought intolerance and in all its manifestations and denounced oppression wherever it occurred”, said Steinmeier.

Zannier stressed: “In a time when racism, xenophobia and intolerance threaten increasingly divided societies across the OSCE region, Elie Wiesel’s legacy will remain an inspiration and forever remind us of our commitment never to relent in our fight against all forms of discrimination, racism and violent extremism.”

Steinmeier and Zannier extended their condolences to Mr. Wiesel's family and to the governments and people of the United States and Israel.

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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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