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Verde Farms Unveils “Beef From A Better Place” Brand Redesign

The goal of the rebrand is to engage directly with health-conscious consumers as they increasingly seek high-quality and ethically sourced beef products. 




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Bumble Bee Seafoods' New Packaging Wins 'Best Package Design' at Chief Marketer's Pro Awards

Created by PKG Brand Design, the new brand logo connects directly to the Bumble Bee company heritage.




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FlexXray Opens Foreign Material QA Hold Resolution Facility in South Carolina

The new facility features technology that expands the company’s ability to provide dependable inspection and QA Hold resolution services with shorter shipping times and reduced freight charges to the Southeast region.




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Domino customers celebrate ‘Best-in-Class’ designation at TLMI Awards Dinner

The TLMI Printing Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding printing and converting achievements in the North American Label and Packaging Industry.




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Deribit and SignalPlus Launch $200,000 Winter Trading Competition

Deribit, the world’s premier Bitcoin and Ethereum options exchange, in partnership with SignalPlus, a leading options trading dashboard and analytics hub, is excited to unveil the second edition of the Winter Trading Competition 2024.

This year's competition offers participants a $200,000 USDC prize pool, along with various prizes such as iPhones, PlayStation 5s, and other rewards. Additionally, participants will benefit from valuable learning opportunities and insightful trading sessions designed to enhance their skills and strategies, making this the biggest and most rewarding crypto trading contest of the year.

The Winter Trading Competition 2024 is open to all retail participants who utilize their Deribit accounts to trade cryptocurrency options, futures and spot on the SignalPlus platform. Registrations are open and will remain open until December 9th 2024. The competition begins today November 4th to December 9th, 2024, spanning 35 days of intense trading action.

US Election Registration Bonus As an added incentive, traders who register by November 5 will receive a US Election Option, available as part of a limited-time bonus. Registrations remain open until December 9, 2024.

Luuk Strijers, Chief Executive Officer at Deribit, “We’re thrilled to launch the second edition of our trading competition in collaboration with SignalPlus. Following the remarkable success of last year’s iteration, we are excited to raise the bar even higher this time. The growth and enthusiasm we witnessed have inspired us to expand the competition, offering even more opportunities for participants to showcase and expand their skills.”

Competition Highlights:

  • Prizes and Rewards: Compete in both individual and team categories, with special bonuses for team leaders and daily prize draws.
  • Referral Program: Up to 10,000 USDC in rewards is available through a referral program for inviting others to register and trade on Deribit.
  • Sign-Up Incentives : Bonuses are available for all registrations, first trades, and inviting friends, with participants eligible for prizes that range from cash rewards to tech products.
  • Luxury and Variety: Participants have the chance to win various rewards, including iPhone 16s, iPads, Apple Watches, cash prizes in USDC, and travel to Thailand.
  • Prestigious Recognition: Top individual winners will earn honorary certificates, while winning teams will take home trophies.
  • Learning opportunities: Participants will also gain access to six master-level options AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions) and Deribit’s product training hosted by industry experts, available absolutely free. These sessions are designed to elevate trading skills.

Chris Yu, Co-Founder of SignalPlus, added: “We’re excited to collaborate with Deribit on this landmark trading competition. At SignalPlus, our mission is to enhance the trading experience through innovation, and this event reflects that commitment. By combining our advanced technology with Deribit’s robust platform, we’re offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to engage with crypto options in fresh, dynamic ways, pushing the boundaries of strategy and skill.”

Competition Rules and Rewards:

  • Individual Race: Individual participants will compete through semi-final and final stages, with prizes awarded to the top 35 traders. The highest-ranking trader will earn up to 5,000 USDC.
  • Team Contest: The top five teams will win prizes ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 USDC. Additionally, each day for 35 days, one team member will win a luxurious trip to Thailand.
  • Daily Draws: For 35 consecutive days, 111 lucky participants will win cash rewards daily.
  • Daily Lucky Ranks: Every day, 9 special traders will receive prizes ranging from 10 to 300 USDC.
  • Extra Incentives: Over 10,000 bonus prizes are available for registering, inviting friends, and making your first trade – the rewards keep flowing!

Key Details:

  • Prize Pool: 200,000 USDC.
  • Registration Period: October 23rd – December 9th, 2024.
  • Competition Period: November 4th – December 9th, 2024.

Seize the opportunity to compete with top traders globally and start your journey toward exciting prizes today!

About Deribit

Deribit (https://www.deribit.com/) is a centralized, institutional-grade crypto derivatives exchange for options and futures trading. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, Deribit offers instantaneous price discovery, low-latency trading, advanced risk mitigation services, and deep liquidity through a network of top-tier market makers. Led by a team with decades of experience in options trading across all markets, Deribit facilitates a significant majority of all crypto options trading and adheres to robust proof of assets and liabilities procedures to ensure the highest standards.

About SignalPlus

SignalPlus provides a world-class options trading dashboard that covers risk tracking, profit/loss attribution, strike and theta analysis. Users can execute multi-legged orders with embedded algorithms to minimize slippage and conduct in-depth profit/loss and exposure assessments using simulation tools and scenario analysis. SignalPlus also automates delta hedging across varying market conditions and offers real-time trade notifications through Telegram, empowering traders with the insights and tools needed for successful trading.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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NAB Statement on Designation of Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC Chair

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today's announcement by President Joe Biden that Jessica Rosenworcel will serve as acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:




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NAB Launches Campaign Spotlighting Broadcasters Through First-Person Storytelling

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the launch of “Voices From the Field,” a new digital campaign highlighting stories of local broadcasters through first-person accounts. The campaign, part of NAB’s “We Are Broadcasters” initiative, will spotlight how broadcasters are using their expertise, experience and dedication to local broadcasting to serve their audiences and uplift their communities.




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NAB Statement on Inclusion of Vaccine Awareness Campaign in Coronavirus Relief Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the inclusion of $1 billion for a vaccine awareness campaign in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the following statement may be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith: 




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NAB Statement on FCC Order Regarding Foreign Sponsorship ID Rules

WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) adoption of new rules mandating disclosures for foreign government-sponsored programming, the following statement can be attributed to NAB Senior Vice President of Communications Ann Marie Cumming:




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Award-winning Actor and Host Nick Cannon Confirmed For Two NAB Show Signature Events




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Media Organizations File Petition Challenging FCC Rules Mandating Foreign Sponsorship ID Disclosures




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NAB Launches New Ad Campaign Emphasizing the Importance of Trusted, Local Broadcast Journalism

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today launched new spots underscoring the importance of fact-based broadcast radio and television journalism at a time when misinformation is running rampant on social media.




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NAB Launches On-Air Campaign Opposing Performance Fee on Local Radio

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Radio Board of Directors voted unanimously on Friday, March 18 to approve an on-air campaign to educate listeners on the significant harm of legislation that would impose a performance fee on broadcast radio.




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National Association of Broadcasters Launches Campaign Supporting Ukrainian Children

Washington, D.C.– The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the launch of a public service campaign to further support children displaced by the war in Ukraine. The campaign will run on World Refugee Day (June 20) and all proceeds will be donated to UNICEF USA to support UNICEF’s emergency response and humanitarian work in Ukraine and neighboring countries.




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NAB Statement on Court Ruling Regarding Petition Challenging Foreign Sponsorship ID Rules

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated the Federal Communications Commission’s foreign sponsorship identification rule that had required radio and TV broadcasters to undertake independent investigations by searching federal government databases for information about the sponsors of programming. As NAB argued, the Court held that federal law only authorizes the Commission to require stations to obtain sponsorship identification information from their own employees and from program sponsors, not from any other sources.




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NAB Statement on Signing into Law of the Low Power Protection Act

Washington, D.C. -- In response to President Joe Biden signing into law the Low Power Protection Act, which provides eligible low power television stations a long-overdue opportunity to obtain interference protections, the following can be attributed to NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




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NAB Statement on FCC's Hearing Designation Order

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today at the NAB State Leadership Conference, President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt expressed concern with the implications of the FCC’s decision to refer the Standard General-Tegna merger to the agency’s administrative law judge. The following statement can be attributed to him:




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NAB Launches New “We Are Broadcasters” Ad Campaign

The National Association of Broadcasters today announced the launch of new spots focused on the enduring value of local broadcasting and the commitment of TV and radio stations across the country to deliver trusted information in convenient, modern and familiar ways.




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NAB Launches “Depend on AM Radio” Campaign

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today a new campaign highlighting the importance of AM radio in the car for news, community engagement, entertainment and vital public safety information. The campaign includes a website with a grassroots call to action and new tools for stations to highlight the importance of AM radio. NAB is urging all radio stations to participate in reminding listeners what makes AM radio unique.




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NAB Promotes Josh Miely to Vice President, Content Design and Development

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters today announced the promotion of Josh Miely to vice president of Content Design and Development within the organization's Global Connections and Events department – the team that produces NAB Show. Miely will assume the role on April 27 and report to NAB Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Global Connections and Events Chris Brown.




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NAB Releases New Spots for Broadcasters for "Depend on AM" Campaign

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters today released new radio spots and digital ads highlighting the importance of AM radio in the automobile. These tools include a direct call to action for consumers to contact Congress and will further enhance NAB's advocacy efforts to keep AM radio in the car dashboard.




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NAB Launches 2023 Congressional PSA Campaign Featuring Over 150 Members of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the launch of the 2023 NAB Congressional PSA Campaign, which promotes important messages in local communities across the country. Public service announcements filmed in NAB’s state-of-the-art studio featuring over 150 members of Congress and their families are available to local television and radio stations across the country through their Extreme Reach inbox.




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Study Finds TV And Radio Broadcasters Significant Contributors to Nation’s Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The local commercial broadcast television and radio industry generates $1.23 trillion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.52 million jobs through direct and stimulative effect on the American economy, found a new study by Woods & Poole Economics with support from BIA Advisory Services.




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NAB Launches "You Belong Here" Campaign to Recruit and Grow Talent in Broadcasting

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today, in partnership with its Leadership Foundation, launched "You Belong Here," a multifaceted campaign to help broadcasters find, hire and grow talent in their stations. This campaign marks a significant milestone in the broadcast industry’s journey towards a more diverse, dynamic and inclusive future for local stations.




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Design Contest

One of the many things that I do outside of teaching is organize a local race called the Bucket of Blood Races. Great name no? While it is a great name we do not have a great logo... yet.




I found this website recently and starting today we are going to use it to try and crowd source a logo for our races. If it turns out well I can think of a few other things in my music world that could use some graphic design help.


Want to see how the contest is going find it here: http://99designs.com/logo-design/contests/help-bucket-blood-races-logo-124461




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Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 Establishing a Framework for the Setting of Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Products

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

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Delaware Office of Highway Safety Kicks Off The Safe Family Holiday Campaign

DUI checkpoints in place on Wednesday, Nov. 21, ahead of Thanksgiving weekend DOVER, DE (Nov. 19, 2018) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has announced the kickoff of The Safe Family Holiday Campaign and the theme “It’s The Most Dangerous Time of the Year”, running through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.  The awareness campaign […]




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Don’t Push Your Luck This St. Patrick’s Day – Designate a Sober Driver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Cynthia Cavett, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, (302) 744-2743 Kellie Boulware, MDOT MVA, 410-762-5188 Brandy Brubaker, Virginia DMV, 804-367-6834   Joint Effort Targets Impaired Drivers Along US 13 and US 113 in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia   Dover, DE (March 15, 2019) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Maryland Department […]




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Stanford Medicine experts help Nobel winner custom design proteins for COVID-19 therapy

Custom designing proteins — a breakthrough recognized by the latest Nobel Prize in chemistry — could yield treatments that stop the worst of COVID-19 before it begins.

The post Stanford Medicine experts help Nobel winner custom design proteins for COVID-19 therapy appeared first on Scope.




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Biodesign cultivates community partnerships to broaden understanding of health equity

Biodesign program aims to ensure all trainees have a better understanding of health equity and appreciate the ways in which new technologies can widen or narrow the gaps in access to care.

The post Biodesign cultivates community partnerships to broaden understanding of health equity appeared first on Scope.




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esign Principles for Process Driven Architectures - Part 5

The authors of "Design Principles for Process-driven Architectures Using Oracle BPM and SOA Suite 12c" talk about what they learned in writing the book.




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esign Principles for Process Driven Architectures - Part 4

A panel of experts discusses the most common questions they get from their clients.




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Design Principles for Process Driven Architectures - Part 3

A panel of experts discusses the most common questions they get from their clients.




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Design Principles for Process Driven Architectures - Part 2

In the design of process-driven architectures, where are organizations getting it wrong? Where are they getting it right? A panel of experts compares notes.




ign

Design Principles for Process Driven Architectures - Part 1

The authors of "Design Principles for Process-driven Architectures Using Oracle BPM and SOA Suite 12c" discuss their book in the context of the current enterprise environment.




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#358: On Microservice Implementation and Design

Microservices are a hot topic. But that's exactly the wrong reason to dive into designing and implementing microservices. Before you do that, check out what this panel of experts has to say about what makes microservices a wise choice.

View the complete show notes.




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Designing Offices for Hybrid Work




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How Regenerative Design is Shaping the Future of Facilities




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Understanding the Benefits of Human-Centric Design




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OSCE PA human rights committee Chair Ignacio Sanchez Amor issues statement on developments in Turkey

COPENHAGEN, 18 July 2016 – In response to the attempted coup in Turkey and subsequent developments in the country, Ignacio Sanchez Amor (MP, Spain), Chairperson of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, today issued the following statement:

“I regret the violent events that took place in Turkey on the night of 15 July, especially the loss of human lives, and reiterate OSCE PA President Christine Muttonen’s condemnation of the attempt to overthrow Turkey’s elected leaders. I was relieved by the restoration of constitutional order and the rapid resumption of parliamentary activity, as well as the agreement of the major parties on the constitutional legitimacy of institutions.

“However, I am concerned by some subsequent developments, including mass arrests of judges and other members of the judiciary. Legitimate legal responses to the coup must not lead to reprisals or hasty purges, and a responsible approach must be taken to safeguard democratic institutions. Indeed, it is particularly at times of crisis that democratic approaches and institutions must be upheld.

“I call for the calm and prudent use of state powers, and for Turkish authorities to ensure that the constitutional order is consolidated through respecting human rights and the independence of democratic institutions.”

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OSCE PA human rights committee Chair Ignacio Sanchez Amor follows up on developments in Turkey

COPENHAGEN, 25 July 2016 – In response to the measures taken by the Turkish authorities following the attempted coup, Ignacio Sanchez Amor (MP, Spain), Chairperson of the OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, issued the following statement today:

“I remain concerned by the developments which have been taking place in Turkey since the attempted coup, as expressed in an earlier statement. As I joined the rest of the international community in offering strong support to the restoration of constitutional order, I also warned against reprisals and hasty purges and underscored the need to safeguard democratic institutions.

“Unfortunately, the sudden dismissal of thousands of judges, prosecutors, academics, and journalists across the country has challenged human rights standards, due process, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of expression. As underlined by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Turkey’s response to these unconstitutional events should seek to reinforce, not undermine, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and media freedom.

“I once again call on the Turkish authorities to follow a responsible approach to ensure that the constitutional order is reinforced through the respect of human rights and the independence of democratic institutions in line with OSCE commitments.”

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ODIHR Director Link and IHRA Chair Constantinescu, on day to commemorate genocide against Roma and Sinti, say greater efforts needed to protect endangered memorial sites and ensure dignity of victims

WARSAW / BUCHAREST, 2 August 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu, Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), called today for greater efforts to protect endangered memorial sites related to the Roma and Sinti genocide during World War II.

Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the liquidation of the “Gypsy family camp” at Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944, when the close to 3,000 remaining Roma and Sinti in the camp were murdered, they stressed that states have to do more to demonstrate their sincere and strong commitment to education about and remembrance of the genocide.

“Positively, we have seen increasing attention in recent years on the part of OSCE participating States to commemorate the Roma and Sinti genocide, and to educate people about this horrible event. This practice and these experiences should be widely shared and replicated,” Director Link said. “Promoting understanding of the Holocaust and its effect on different communities can help to create empathy and promote equality and non-discrimination for all.”

“Accurate and ethical education about the Holocaust includes the respectful and dignified preservation of memorial sites,” said Ambassador Constantinescu. “States have to take resolute action to protect endangered memorial sites and continue to do more to commemorate the Roma and Sinti victims. The history of these endangered sites should be included as part of broader efforts to educate about the consequences of indifference to racism.”

They called on governments to ensure that endangered memorial sites for Roma and Sinti victims are preserved and protected, to include this history as an integral part of civic and human rights education in their countries. They stressed that current developments, including a disturbing rise in xenophobic public rhetoric and racism, mean it is even more essential to build strong alliances among different communities.

In 2003, with the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area, the OSCE participating States committed themselves to strengthen education about the Roma and Sinti genocide. Through its Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, ODIHR promotes knowledge about and recognition of the plight of Roma and Sinti during the Holocaust to counter present-day discrimination and racism, and to promote tolerance. According to ODIHR’s recent publication Teaching about and Commemorating the Roma and Sinti Genocide: Practices within the OSCE Area, seven OSCE participating States officially commemorate the Roma and Sinti genocide on 2 August, while a larger number of states commemorate the Roma and Sinti victims on the International Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is an inter-governmental organization and the foremost international network of political leaders and professionals advancing and shaping Holocaust education, remembrance and research. Its 31 member countries are committed to the tenets of the Stockholm Declaration. The IHRA Committee on the Genocide of the Roma aims to increase the commitment of IHRA Member Countries to educate, research and commemorate the genocide of the Roma.

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OSCE seminar promotes traffic safety awareness campaigns in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT, 16 June 2016 – Officials from the Traffic Control Inspectorate of Turkmenistan’s Interior Ministry and representatives of a local public organization dealing with road safety discussed good practices for promoting road safety awareness at an OSCE-organized three-day seminar that concluded today in Ashgabat.

Shpresa Mulliqi from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo who conducted the seminar talked about the significance of the legal framework for traffic safety, the main factors influencing the road infrastructure and behaviour, including education and culture, as well as ways to raise public awareness about road traffic safety.

The seminar placed special emphasis on the involvement of children and youngsters in awareness-raising activities for pedestrians.

 “Promoting traffic safety is essential for guaranteeing the health and harmonious development of all citizens, including the youngest who represent a group of risk at roads,” said Radovan Znasik, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“Our seminar highlights the importance of awareness raising activities in ensuring traffic safety and we hope that the event will be of practical use for the relevant bodies of Turkmenistan as it is committed to upgrading its efforts in the area of promoting traffic safety and designing awareness raising campaigns.”

Participants exchanged views on the role of educational institutions, public organizations and media in raising public awareness on traffic safety. The seminar also covered the main content of traffic safety education, which includes general traffic safety knowledge, and the skills for analyzing and solving problems in traffic activities.

As part of the practical exercises, the participants developed traffic safety awareness messages for different target groups taking into account identified needs, the legal framework, the cultural context and financial implications.

Prior to the seminar, the OSCE expert visited the Traffic Safety School for Children of the Interior Ministry and was familiarized with national road safety campaigns.

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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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ODIHR Director Link and IHRA Chair Constantinescu, on day to commemorate genocide against Roma and Sinti, say greater efforts needed to protect endangered memorial sites and ensure dignity of victims

WARSAW / BUCHAREST, 2 August 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu, Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), called today for greater efforts to protect endangered memorial sites related to the Roma and Sinti genocide during World War II.

Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the liquidation of the “Gypsy family camp” at Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944, when the close to 3,000 remaining Roma and Sinti in the camp were murdered, they stressed that states have to do more to demonstrate their sincere and strong commitment to education about and remembrance of the genocide.

“Positively, we have seen increasing attention in recent years on the part of OSCE participating States to commemorate the Roma and Sinti genocide, and to educate people about this horrible event. This practice and these experiences should be widely shared and replicated,” Director Link said. “Promoting understanding of the Holocaust and its effect on different communities can help to create empathy and promote equality and non-discrimination for all.”

“Accurate and ethical education about the Holocaust includes the respectful and dignified preservation of memorial sites,” said Ambassador Constantinescu. “States have to take resolute action to protect endangered memorial sites and continue to do more to commemorate the Roma and Sinti victims. The history of these endangered sites should be included as part of broader efforts to educate about the consequences of indifference to racism.”

They called on governments to ensure that endangered memorial sites for Roma and Sinti victims are preserved and protected, to include this history as an integral part of civic and human rights education in their countries. They stressed that current developments, including a disturbing rise in xenophobic public rhetoric and racism, mean it is even more essential to build strong alliances among different communities.

In 2003, with the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area, the OSCE participating States committed themselves to strengthen education about the Roma and Sinti genocide. Through its Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, ODIHR promotes knowledge about and recognition of the plight of Roma and Sinti during the Holocaust to counter present-day discrimination and racism, and to promote tolerance. According to ODIHR’s recent publication Teaching about and Commemorating the Roma and Sinti Genocide: Practices within the OSCE Area, seven OSCE participating States officially commemorate the Roma and Sinti genocide on 2 August, while a larger number of states commemorate the Roma and Sinti victims on the International Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is an inter-governmental organization and the foremost international network of political leaders and professionals advancing and shaping Holocaust education, remembrance and research. Its 31 member countries are committed to the tenets of the Stockholm Declaration. The IHRA Committee on the Genocide of the Roma aims to increase the commitment of IHRA Member Countries to educate, research and commemorate the genocide of the Roma.

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Restrictions on foreign broadcasters in Moldova breach international standards on media freedom, OSCE Representative says

VIENNA, 13 July 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said that media laws under consideration by the Parliament in Moldova run counter to international standards on media freedom.

On 7 July the Parliament adopted, in the first reading, three amendments to the Audio-visual Code of the Republic of Moldova. All three amendments aim to limit broadcasts in foreign languages or those originating from abroad.

“It is counterproductive to try to limit speech through excessively restrictive legislation,” Mijatović wrote in a letter yesterday to the Chairperson of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Andrian Candu. “In my view it seems excessive and may be ineffective.”

The reasoning given for introducing the restrictive provisions banning broadcasts or rebroadcasts of certain content is that it originates from states that are neither members of the European Union, nor are parties to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. 

“I trust that the draft laws will be carefully reviewed by the members of Parliament before being adopted in the second reading, ensuring that the regulation does not pose undue limits on free expression and free flow of information,” Mijatović said.

The Representative also pointed to the recommendations of her Office’s non-paper “Propaganda and Freedom of the Media” published in 2015 (available at www.osce.org/fom/203926).

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 Mission to Montenegro-supported campaign on benefits of composting kicks-off in Pljevlja

A campaign highlighting the benefits of composting household waste, supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, was launched on 1 July 2016 in Pljevlja, by the Montenegrin Sustainable Development and Tourism Ministry, the Municipality of Pljevlja and the Eco-Centre Dolphin NGO.

Some 40 participants - representatives of the Sustainable Development and Tourism Ministry; the municipal authorities of Berane, Bijelo Polje and Pljevlja; local public utility companies from Pljevlja and Kotor; and NGOs as well as citizens, attended the campaign launch.

“Composting household waste is just an element of broader waste management, one of the most current issues facing Montenegrin authorities in their efforts to bring the relevant policy, strategy and legislative frameworks in line with the international standards and requirements of the advancing integration processes,” said Programme Manager at the OSCE Mission Vladimir Ragozin.

President of the Municipality of Pljevlja Mirko Đačić said: “Our municipality is actively involved in enhancing the local environment, especially regarding air quality improvements.”

State Secretary at the Sustainable Development and Tourism Ministry Daliborka Pejović stated that the primary waste separation is unquestionable and the educational campaigns are crucial bearing in mind the State’s plan of 50-70% of waste to be primary separated d until 2020.

“The waste should be perceived as a resource that can be further used through development of recycling and composting industry,” said Director of Eco-Centre Dolphin NGO Ljilja Radunović. “It is recommended, under the EU Directive on Landfills, to consider the policy of the closure of landfills starting from 2020 because they proved to be unsustainable.” 

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Restrictions on foreign broadcasters in Moldova breach international standards on media freedom, OSCE Representative says

VIENNA, 13 July 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said that media laws under consideration by the Parliament in Moldova run counter to international standards on media freedom.

On 7 July the Parliament adopted, in the first reading, three amendments to the Audio-visual Code of the Republic of Moldova. All three amendments aim to limit broadcasts in foreign languages or those originating from abroad.

“It is counterproductive to try to limit speech through excessively restrictive legislation,” Mijatović wrote in a letter yesterday to the Chairperson of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Andrian Candu. “In my view it seems excessive and may be ineffective.”

The reasoning given for introducing the restrictive provisions banning broadcasts or rebroadcasts of certain content is that it originates from states that are neither members of the European Union, nor are parties to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. 

“I trust that the draft laws will be carefully reviewed by the members of Parliament before being adopted in the second reading, ensuring that the regulation does not pose undue limits on free expression and free flow of information,” Mijatović said.

The Representative also pointed to the recommendations of her Office’s non-paper “Propaganda and Freedom of the Media” published in 2015 (available at www.osce.org/fom/203926).

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 Centre signs long-term agreement on co-operation with Kyrgyz State Committee on National Security

BISHKEK, 19 July 2016 – The OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the State Committee on National Security (SCNS) signed a long-term agreement with the aim of increasing co-operation to support the country's security sector.

The signing of this agreement will expand and boost co-operation between the OSCE and the Kyrgyz government in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. It will also contribute to promoting joint efforts in combating internal and external threats with the aim of protecting peace and stability in the country and the region.

“In recent years, due to the increasing threat of terrorism in the world and particularly in Central Asia, close co-operation between the OSCE and the SCNS in countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism is becoming an urgent task,” said Sergey Kapinos, Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “Signing of a long-term cooperation agreement is an important step towards addressing this issue. The OSCE Centre highly values co-operation with the SCNS, and expresses its great appreciation for collaboration and willingness to continue active co-operation in countering terrorist threats."

Deputy Chairperson of the SCNS and Director of Anti-terrorism Centre (ATC) of the SCNS Rustam Mamasadykov highlighted the OSCE Centre’s significant contribution to the development and strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and its efforts to enhance the capacity of state authorities in effectively preventing and responding to terrorism and extremism.

“Co-operation between SCNS and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek has resulted in significant counter-terrorism capacity building and the strengthening of the national security agencies and other relevant state agencies in responding to terrorist attacks,” said Mamasadykov.

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek is also supporting the SCNS and the Kyrgyz government to carry out comprehensive security sector reform and in ensuring the implementation of the provisions of international treaties, UN Security Council resolutions, and OSCE decisions in the areas of defence, security and counter-terrorism.

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