There were numerous Fed speakers on Tuesday, US time:

• Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue
• Fed's Barkin: Fed in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy evolves
• Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook

and we get one more today in Asia:

• 2200 GMT / 1700 US Eastern time - Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Patrick Harker speaks on "Fintech, AI and the Changing Financial Landscape".

Which doesn't sound too promising for remarks from him on the economy or monetary policy. But, perhaps we'll get a mortsel thrown to us in any Q&A.

***

As for the data agenda, it's a bit of a yawn, none of it likely to move around major FX upon release.

From Japan we'll get an update of wholesale inflation - the PPI for October. The Producer Price Index (PPI) in Japan is also known as the Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI)

• its a measure of the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output
• is calculated by the Bank of Japan

Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the price change that consumers see for a basket of goods and services, the CGPI focuses on the change in the prices of goods sold by companies.

The PPI reflects some of cost pressures faced by producers

• its based on a basket of goods that represents the range of products produced within the Japanese economy, including items such as:
  • raw materials like metals and chemicals
  • semi-finished goods
  • and finished products
  • different weights are assigned to each category within the index based on its contribution to the overall economy.
• it does not account for the quality improvements in goods and services over time, which might lead to overestimation of inflation
  • additionally, it reflects only the prices of domestically produced goods, leaving out the impact of imported goods

The PPI can be used as a guide to inflationary pressures in the economy:

• If producers are facing higher costs, they may pass these on to consumers, leading to higher consumer prices.

***

From Australia we'll get wages data for Q3. Wage growth is expected to keep slowing (y/y) in Q3 2024. With the labor market softening, upward pressure on wages has been easing over recent quarters.

In Commonwealth Bank of Australia's preview they cite their internal data as indicating a quarterly wage growth of around 0.9%, a notable decrease from the 1.3% growth seen in the same quarter last year, which had been boosted by a significant 5.75% increase in award and minimum wages. As a result, the annual wage growth rate is projected to fall to 3.6%, bringing it closer to a level compatible with sustainable, in-target inflation.

While the labour market softening, but from strong levels, the RBA is eyeing wage growth as a factor helping keep inflation sticky. A moderation in growth for wages will be welcomed by the bank if it translates into softening price pressure also.

• This snapshot from the ForexLive economic data calendar, access it here.
• The times in the left-most column are GMT.
• The numbers in the right-most column are the 'prior' (previous month/quarter as the case may be) result. The number in the column next to that, where there is a number, is the consensus median expected.
• I’ve noted data for New Zealand and Australia with text as the similarity of the little flags can sometimes be confusing.

The major US stock indices are all closing lower. No new records today.

The final numbers are showing:

• Dow Industrial average -382.15 points or -0.86% at 43910.98
• S&P -17.36 points or -0.29% and 5983.99.
• NASDAQ index -17.36 points or -0.09% at 19281.40.

The small-cap was 2000 with a decline of -43.13 points or -1.77% at 2391.84.

CPI data from the US due today, Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Greg popped up a preview earlier:

• US CPI to be released tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Expectations are for 0.2% MoM

In a recent note, BMO previewed the data also. Analysts at the bank suggest that any significant influence from recent storms on inflation data is likely limited, meaning market reactions to any deviation in core inflation—either upward or downward—may be pronounced.

The consensus forecast calls for a steady +0.3% rise in core CPI for the month, with expectations leaning toward a possible upside surprise.

A +0.4% reading or higher would make waves, particularly against the backdrop of the recent election results. The logic suggests that if inflation was already ticking up before the GOP’s victory, the added impact of tariffs and potential trade conflicts could fuel further inflationary momentum. However, BMO analysts also point out that while targeted tariffs may not universally drive up prices, this assumption currently shapes US rates market sentiment. With this market outlook in mind, BMO expects that an upside surprise in October’s inflation numbers could have a meaningful impact on yields, increasing their upward trajectory.

At present, actual inflation data is seen as the most direct factor that could push 10-year yields beyond the 4.50% threshold. A softer-than-expected core CPI reading could trigger a rally in the Treasury market, though there appears to be a limit to how much the market will temper expectations for inflation following Trump’s victory. Instead, BMO anticipates the market will continue to define a trading range in this post-election landscape, characterized by a mix of cautious optimism and prevailing skepticism.

0945 GMT / 0445 US Eastern time - Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann is a panellist on the Female Central Bankers panel organised by BNP Paribas’ Global Markets

*

The Bank of England cut last week

• Forexlive Americas FX news wrap 7 Nov: FOMC/BOE cuts by 25 basis points

Expectations are for slower cuts ahead:

• More gradual Bank of England rate cuts = support for GBP

At 10 am Sydney time on Thursday, November 14, 2024,

• Panel Participation by RBA Governor Michele Bullock, at the ASIC Annual Forum, Sydney
• that's 2300 GMT, 1800 US Eastern time on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Perhaps we'll hear something on wages data from earlier today:

• Australia data - Wage Price Index for Q3 2024: +0.8% q/q (expected +0.9%, prior +0.8%)

But, probably not:

• Australia - "Wage inflation is moderating as expected"

The RBA next meet on December 9 and 10 and no change to the cash rate is widely expected.

Later today, Wednesday, 13 November, we get the US consumer inflation data for October 2024

• due at 1330 GMT, which is 0830 US Eastern time

Previews posted already:

• US CPI to be released tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Expectations are for 0.2% MoM

• US CPI data due Wednesday - possible upside surprise.
• US inflation data this week expected to show core CPI moving sideways - risk ahead higher

OK, what to expect. This snapshot from the ForexLive economic data calendar, access it here.

Taking a look at the range of expectations compared to the median consensus (the 'expected' in the screenshot above) for the key data points:

CPI Headline y/y, expected 2.6% with the range showing:

• 2.3% - 2.7%

CPI Headline m/m expected 0.2% with the range showing:

• 0.1 to 0.3%

CPI excluding food and energy (the core rate of inflation) y/y expected 3.3% with the range showing:

• 3.2 - 3.4%

CPI excluding food and energy (the core rate of inflation) m/m expected 0.3% with the range showing:

• 0.2 to 0.4%

***

Why is knowledge of such ranges important?

Data results that fall outside of market low and high expectations tend to move markets more significantly for several reasons:

• Surprise Factor: Markets often price in expectations based on forecasts and previous trends. When data significantly deviates from these expectations, it creates a surprise effect. This can lead to rapid revaluation of assets as investors and traders reassess their positions based on the new information.

• Psychological Impact: Investors and traders are influenced by psychological factors. Extreme data points can evoke strong emotional reactions, leading to overreactions in the market. This can amplify market movements, especially in the short term.

• Risk Reassessment: Unexpected data can lead to a reassessment of risk. If data significantly underperforms or outperforms expectations, it can change the perceived risk of certain investments. For instance, better-than-expected economic data may reduce the perceived risk of investing in equities, leading to a market rally.

• Triggering of Automated Trading: In today’s markets, a significant portion of trading is done by algorithms. These automated systems often have pre-set conditions or thresholds that, when triggered by unexpected data, can lead to large-scale buying or selling.

• Impact on Monetary and Fiscal Policies: Data that is significantly off from expectations can influence the policies of central banks and governments. For example, in the case of the inflation data due today, weaker than expected will fuel speculation of nearer and larger Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) rate cuts. A stronger (i.e. higher) CPI report will diminish such expectations. the December meeting is in focus right now.

• Liquidity and Market Depth: In some cases, extreme data points can affect market liquidity. If the data is unexpected enough, it might lead to a temporary imbalance in buyers and sellers, causing larger market moves until a new equilibrium is found.

• Chain Reactions and Correlations: Financial markets are interconnected. A significant move in one market or asset class due to unexpected data can lead to correlated moves in other markets, amplifying the overall market impact.

We had Fed speakers on Tuesday US time, Kashkari watered down the prospect of a December rate cut ... didn;t rule it out but he sounds shaky:

• Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue
• Fed's Barkin: Fed in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy evolves
• Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook

The agenda ahead includes another three. The times below are GMT/US Eastern time format:

• 1435/0935 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Lorie Logan gives opening remarks before hybrid "Energy and the Economy: Meeting Rising Energy Demand" Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City
• 1800/1300 Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President Alberto Musalem speaks before an Economic Club of Memphis luncheon
• 1830/1330 Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeffrey Schmid gives luncheon keynote before hybrid "Energy and the Economy: Meeting Rising Energy Demand" Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City

Broader markets are still largely clinging on to the post-election sentiment this week. However, today will add something different to the mix as we will have the US CPI report in focus. While inflation numbers haven't been too important in recent months, it is one that could still impact trading sentiment. That especially if the disinflation process meets a couple of bumps along the way.

And looking at the expectations for today's report, that might shape up to be the case at least for the October estimates.

Core monthly inflation is expected to nudge up by ~0.30% while headline monthly inflation is expected to nudge up by ~0.21%. Meanwhile, core annual inflation is expected to hold at 3.3% - similar to September. As for headline annual inflation, it is expected to come in a little higher this time at 2.6%.

According to Goldman Sachs, we should be seeing less disinflationary pressures from previously softer components such as airfares and used cars prices. Their estimates show the former increasing by 1.0% this month with the latter up 2.5%. So, that's one part of the argument.

At the balance, the report today should not provide a major reaction if within estimates. I reckon the balance of risks at this point is favouring an outsized reaction on an upside surprise, as compared to a downside miss.

Fed funds futures are showing ~63% odds of a 25 bps rate cut for December and that has been toned down since last week. If there is any upside surprise, the scope for a materially bigger shift in odds there is much wider as compared to a downside miss. So, that's the key consideration now.

Here's Goldman Sachs' playbook in terms of the S&P 500 reaction:

Welcome to the US CPI Day! Inflation is back at the top of market's focus after the Fed's 50 bps cut in September, the acceleration in the US data and Trump's victory.

If we look at the markets, there's been already some pre-positioning/hedging into a potentially higher than expected CPI print, so there's some risk of a "sell the fact" reaction. Of course, a bigger than expected upside surprise would be much more straightforward.

The market is currently pricing a 63% chance of a 25 bps cut in December and basically two more 25 bps rate cuts in 2025 which is already much less than the four projected by the Fed in September.

13:30 GMT/08:30 ET - US October CPI

The US CPI Y/Y is expected at 2.6% vs. 2.4% prior, while the M/M measure is seen at 0.2% vs. 0.2% prior. The Core CPI Y/Y is expected at 3.3% vs. 3.3% prior, while the M/M figure is seen at 0.3% vs. 0.3% prior.

At the latest Fed’s decision, Fed Chair Powell said that they expect bumps on inflation and that one or two bad data months on inflation won’t change the process. This keeps the 25 bps cut in December in place even if we get higher inflation readings.

The market though is forward-looking, and the rise in Treasury yields showed that the market sees risks to the inflation outlook. Moreover, the red sweep could increase those fears if the progress on inflation stalls, or worse, reverses.

Therefore, higher inflation readings might not change the near-term monetary policy outlook, but I personally see it changing the market’s outlook and eventually the Fed’s one.

Central bank speakers:

• 09:45 GMT - BoE's Mann (hawk - voter)
• 14:35 GMT/09:35 ET - Fed's Logan (neutral - non voter)
• 18:00 GMT/13:00 ET - Fed's Musalem (neutral - non voter)
• 18:30 GMT/13:30 ET - Fed's Schmid (hawk - non voter)

• Eurostoxx -0.3%
• Germany DAX -0.2%
• France CAC 40 -0.1%
• UK FTSE +0.1%
• Spain IBEX flat
• Italy FTSE MIB -0.2%

There's some push and pull in the opening stages but the changes here don't take away from the heavy selling yesterday. As mentioned since last week, the outlook for European indices remain challenging considering the more dour economic outlook in the region. So far today, US futures are also a little more subdued with S&P 500 futures down 0.3%.

Washington, D.C.— Registration is now open for NAB Show New York, scheduled to take place October 24-26, 2023, with exhibits running from October 25-26, at the Javits Center. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and once again co-located with the AES New York 2023 Convention, NAB Show New York is the most efficient and diverse event experience on the East Coast where thousands of content economy professionals reconnect, evaluate and rediscover ways to get more creative with new-to-market tech and existing tools.

Could the holidays get any busier? Between your regular work schedule, family commitments and holiday gatherings - who has time to think about safe driving? You do! The Office of Highway Safety would like to remind everyone that safe driving should never take a holiday.

It’s a wonderful time of the year. The time of year when we celebrate our accomplishments, consider our challenges, and join friends and family in welcoming the New Year. By the same token, celebrating the holidays also calls for balance between having fun and being mindful of the safety of our families and those around us. The Office of Highway Safety reminds us of how we can have a safe family holiday.

OHS wants to remind motorists as they travel this holiday season to buckle up, be patient and slow down, and always use a designated driver.

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 […]

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 […]

NHTSA Region 3 and Law enforcement Agencies Kick Off CLICK IT OR TICKET and MOVE OVER LAW DAY Campaign also reminds drivers of mandatory “Move Over Laws” to protect law enforcement doing their jobs roadside FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:  Cynthia Cavett, Delaware Office of Highway Safety (302) 744-2743 DOVER, DE (May 16, 2019) — As the […]

dklaughman has added a photo to the pool:

Georgetown, during Return Day.
More info at this website: www.returnday.com/

Panelists respond to audience questions in this live recording from Oracle Technology Network Architect Day in Toronto, April 2011.

The panelists respond to an audience question about what happens when data in the Cloud crosses international borders.

The panel discusses public versus private cloud as the best strategy for small or start-up businesses.

The panel responds to an audience question about how cloud computing changes performance testing paradigms.

The panelists respond to an audience questions about disruptive trends beyond cloud computing and about the importance of data strategy.

The panelists respond to audience questions with an extended dialog about data modeling and standards.

The panel responds to audience questions about Oracle VM, and about the Exabus I/O subsystem in the Oracle Exalogic Elastic Cloud.

Rick Greenwald, Dom Lindars, and Mike Lehman shed light on the Oracle Database and Oracle Java Cloud Services, with details on how you can get a 30-day free trial.

Hackmakers: Part 1: Jim Grisanzio talks with Franco Ucci, Sr. Director for Oracle Cloud Platform Strategy for Australia and New Zealand. Franco outlines Oracle's involvement in the Hackmakers World Innovation Day Global Hackathon in April 2021, where thousands of developers came together to build solutions to help people. This is part one of a multipart series about this major developer event.

Franco Ucci opens the series of discussions with an explanation of the event and the focus of the projects -- which was health, education, and economic growth. All of these areas have experienced serious challenges due to the ongoing pandemic that started in 2020. Franco also outlined some of the important activities that led up to the event, such as meetings with UNESCO and other United Nations officials about human rights, displaced refugees, and bioethics.

Oracle and other organizations sponsored the event in collaboration with UNESCO and UNEP as developers worldwide participated in building solutions to solve human needs. The areas of focus for the projects included health, education, and work -- all based on the larger list of United Nations world development goals.

Franco Ucci, Sr. Director for Oracle Cloud Platform Strategy, @FrancoUcci

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

Hackmakers: Part 2: Jim Grisanzio talks with Jason Lowe about his experiences participating at the Hackmakers World Innovation Day​ Hackathon in April 2021. Jason spoke about the people, skills, and software technologies that Oracle contributed to the event and some of history and upcoming hackathons as well. Developers and non-developers alike came together to work on projects to help support the people in need around the world -- and in the process they learned valuable new skills they can use in their careers. The experience was a continuum of learning for everyone.

Oracle and other organizations sponsored the event in collaboration with UNESCO and UNEP. The areas of focus for the projects included health, education, and work -- all based on the larger list of United Nations world development goals. 

Jason Lowe, Master Cloud Specialist Engineer, Oracle, @jlowe000

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

Hackmakers: Part 4: Jim Grisanzio talks with Amanda Bennett, Tamara Orth, and Alistair Hofert, about their experiences being mentors at the Hackmakers World Innovation Day Hackathon in April 2021. The conversation ranged from what tools and platforms were used, what projects were worked, who the participants were, and the overall passion everyone brought to the event. Oracle and other organizations sponsored the event in collaboration with UNESCO and UNEP. The areas of focus for the projects included health, education, and work -- all based on the larger list of United Nations world development goals.

• Amanda Bennett, Innovation Specialist, Qrius Alliance
• Alistair Hofert, Co-Founder, Synapse Squared
• Tamara Orth, President, QUT BANDS
• Jim Grisanzio, Sr. Community Manager, Oracle
• Hackmakers

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

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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SOFIA, 30 JUNE 2016 – OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Madina Jarbussynova, concluded a three-day trip to Bulgaria on Wednesday with a visit to the Busmantzi Centre for irregular migrants, and commended the country’s ongoing action to fulfil the Organization’s anti-trafficking commitments.

The government-run camp serves as a detention centre for people on the move who are being returned to their home countries.

“We appreciate the support of Bulgaria to the work of the OSCE in addressing trafficking in human beings as a serious transnational threat, as an integral part of organized crime and a gross violation of human rights,” Jarbussynova said.

During the visit, the Special Representative also met with a number of key officials and spoke at a Discussion Forum on migration and human trafficking.

Bulgaria is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking. It is also affected by the ongoing migration crisis, with large numbers of refugees from Syria and elsewhere currently in the country.

“I know Bulgaria is under particular strain due to the influx of migrants and refugees through its border with Turkey, and recently Serbia, and I am glad to support the authorities in building their capacities to identify potential and actual victims of trafficking among migrants and asylum seekers, and provide adequate protection, in particular to children on the move, including unaccompanied minors,” the Special Representative said.

She discussed these issues with the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Commission to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, Meglena Kuneva, Deputy Interior Minister Tsviatko Georgiev, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Maria Shishkova, Chair of the State Agency for Child Protection, Ofelia Kaneva, General Secretary of the General Labour Inspectorate Executive Agency Georgi Milchin, and several others, including representatives from international organizations and NGOs. Further co-operation with the Office of the Special Representative, including in training initiatives, was welcomed by the Bulgarian authorities. 

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VIENNA / WARSAW, 29 July2016 – To combat human trafficking,  a comprehensive, co-ordinated and victim-centred approach that includes creating opportunities for regular and safe migration, as well as protecting the human rights of migrants, is urgently needed by all state actors, civil society and multilateral organizations, said senior OSCE officials today ahead of World Anti-Trafficking Day on 30 July.

Multiple and complex security challenges such as armed conflict, the spread of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism and climate change, have recently pushed millions of people into mass, mixed migration flows throughout the OSCE region, putting an increasing number of  them at risk of being trafficked.

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier emphasized that “effective and early identification of potential victims and the fight against the impunity of perpetrators need to be at the core of any resilient security governance strategy. This is particularly important within the context of mixed migration flows, which expose already vulnerable individuals to trafficking syndicates.”   

“Human trafficking is a grave violation of the human rights of its victims – human beings who are exploited, most often for profit,” said Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “A victim-centred approach, placing the protection of all human rights at the heart of efforts to prevent and end trafficking, is essential if we are to ensure that anti-trafficking measures do not further threaten the safety, dignity and rights of those we are responsible to help and protect.”

OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Madina Jarbussynova stressed that crisis situations are placing strenuous challenges on already vulnerable groups within and around the OSCE region. “As we join the efforts of the United Nations on this World Day against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness and promote the protection of rights and dignity of all, any protective measures should first and foremost be conducted in the best interest of potential victims, especially amongst irregular migrants, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and unaccompanied minors.” Focusing on the complex nexus between trafficking and conflict situations, Ambassador Jarbussynova will on Monday start a week-long official visit to Ukraine to raise awareness of human trafficking threats.  

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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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SKOPJE, 7 April 2016 - Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje Nina Suomalainen today congratulated the Roma community in the country ahead of the International Roma Day on 8 April, and expressed her wish for harmony and co-existence amongst all communities.

“International Roma Day is not just about celebrating Roma culture, it is a day when societies should look into the everyday challenges Roma people face in all areas of life.” said Suomalainen.

“The Mission commends the efforts of national institutions, as well as other initiatives aiming at investing in the Roma community so that Roma women are guaranteed equal rights, Roma youth are equipped with employable skills and all Roma children complete mainstream education.

“Let me highlight that cohesion amongst communities and particularly the inclusion of Roma is not a task for the government only but a task for all citizens. I encourage the state authorities to work together in order to achieve the goals set in the adopted National Strategy for Roma,” she concluded.

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BERLIN/WARSAW, 8 April 2016 – Political leaders must play a primary role in in countering discrimination and prejudice against Roma and Sinti and improving their situation, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister, and Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said today, on the occasion of International Roma Day.

“Political leaders at all levels must be at the forefront of efforts to end the systematic discrimination and racism that have long afflicted Roma and Sinti communities and individuals in many countries in the OSCE region,” OSCE  Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier said. “They have to lead both by word, in delivering positive messages and not resorting to negative stereotypes and scapegoating, and by example, in ensuring the implementation of policies at all levels of government to promote the integration and full political, economic and social participation of Roma and Sinti in their societies.”

In particular, they condemned the use by some politicians of racist language and messages aimed either at promoting hatred towards Roma and Sinti or reinforcing negative stereotypes.

“Alarmingly, we still see instances where politicians resort to the politics of fear and hatred for their own perceived gain, thus stoking unfair and dangerous prejudice against Roma and Sinti. This contributes to an atmosphere in which members of Europe’s largest minority are in danger of being targeted with hate crimes, including violent assaults, and even murder,” Director Link said. “Leaders must not only refrain from such statements, but take a step further – they must publicly condemn racist speech and acts against Roma and Sinti, and counter racism and discrimination in a systematic way.”

The subject of racist, anti-Roma rhetoric used by politicians was addressed at a side event organized by ODIHR and the Central Council for German Sinti and Roma, during the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw, on 30 September 2015, at which participants highlighted the important role of state institutions in overcoming racism.

The Organization’s work in this area is guided by the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE Area, adopted in 2003, which includes measures to combat racism and discrimination, to promote greater public and economic participation, and to ensure equal access and opportunities in the areas of education, employment, housing and health services.

“The blueprint for addressing racism and discrimination against Roma and Sinti and for improving their situation already exists, in the form of the Action Plan,” said Mirjam Karoly, Chief of ODIHR’s Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues. “Greater political will and leadership are vital to making this a reality.”

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SARAJEVO, 8 April 2016 – On occasion of International Roma Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized several events in Tuzla, Prnjavor and Zivinice to raise public awareness on serious economic, social and political challenges the Roma community continues to face in BiH.

Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Ambassador Jonathan Moore underlined the importance of protecting, promoting and advancing the rights of Roma and other national minorities in BiH. “For more than a decade we have been assisting the authorities to address the marginalization and discrimination of Roma and to ensure equality of opportunity for Roma in access and treatment in areas of education, housing, health care, and public participation. We are grateful to many persons in BiH for their positive contributions.”

At the diploma ceremony to most accomplished Roma students from Tuzla Canton held today in Zivince, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Canton Tuzla Zlatan Muratovic applauded all efforts leading toward including Roma people in the education system and gender equality. “Our priority is to include all Roma people in the education system of the Tuzla Canton and to continue promoting Roma enrolment in elementary and secondary schools and universities. We want the Roma people to be socially active and economically independent.”

President of the Association “Euro Rom” Nedzad Jusic expressed his gratitude for being a part of such an important celebration for Roma people. “I hope we will be able to further improve the position of Roma people in Tuzla Canton, working together to implement joint policies and activities.”

At a roundtable held in Prnjavor participants discussed the good practices and challenges in the implementation of Roma Action Plan. “Today, we would also like to express our appreciation to dr. Siniša Gatarić mayor of the Municipality Prnjavor for supporting development of Local Roma Action Plan adopted in October last year,” said President of Roma NGO Romani Cej Snjezana Mirkovic.

The OSCE Mission to BiH continues to support the implementation of the Roma Action Plan for Housing, including by monitoring the selection of beneficiaries and mediating between local authorities and the Roma community when the need arises. Since 2008 more than 750 housing units for Roma have been built in BiH.

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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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CHISINAU, 25 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is traveling to Moldova and will have talks in Chisinau and Tiraspol on 26 July 2016.

As the Spokesperson of the German Federal Foreign Office said in Berlin today, the visit to Moldova aims at strengthening the momentum that has recently been reinvigorated in the negotiation process on the settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict. On 2-3 June 2016 in Berlin the negotiators of the 5+2 Process met for the first time after a period of two years, and committed to undertaking concrete steps, including in the fields of ecology, education, transportation and telecommunications.

“We hope that there is a chance to bring this long-standing conflict step by step closer to a settlement,” said the Spokesperson.

In Chisinau, Steinmeier will meet with Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Political Representative Gheorghe Balan.

In Tiraspol, the Chairperson-in-Office will meet a representative of the Transdniestrian leadership, Pavel Prokudin, Speaker of the Supreme Soviet, Vadim Krasnoslesky and the Transdniestrian Political Representative, Vitaly Ignatiev.

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SKOPJE, 7 April 2016 - Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje Nina Suomalainen today congratulated the Roma community in the country ahead of the International Roma Day on 8 April, and expressed her wish for harmony and co-existence amongst all communities.

“International Roma Day is not just about celebrating Roma culture, it is a day when societies should look into the everyday challenges Roma people face in all areas of life.” said Suomalainen.

“The Mission commends the efforts of national institutions, as well as other initiatives aiming at investing in the Roma community so that Roma women are guaranteed equal rights, Roma youth are equipped with employable skills and all Roma children complete mainstream education.

“Let me highlight that cohesion amongst communities and particularly the inclusion of Roma is not a task for the government only but a task for all citizens. I encourage the state authorities to work together in order to achieve the goals set in the adopted National Strategy for Roma,” she concluded.

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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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PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 3 May 2016 – Respectable standards of freedom of press have been achieved in Kosovo over the years, creating a vibrant and diverse media scene - but these efforts need to continue in order to address remaining challenges, said Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jean-Claude Schlumberger today on World Press Freedom Day.

“Freedom of the media in Kosovo is periodically violated, when journalists face intimidation, threats and sometimes even physical attacks. There were 27 cases of violence against journalists in 2015 and at least five cases during the first quarter of 2016,” he said.

Ambassador Schlumberger called on the law enforcement structures and the institutions of justice to enhance the level of priority given to countering intimidation against journalists and reach tangible results in processing cases of violence against journalists without delay.  

“Unfettered and professional media are the cornerstone of democracy,” he said. “On this day, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo acknowledges the importance of the media for building a democratic society. We also take the opportunity to commend the hard work and dedication of many journalists in Kosovo who reflect the spirit and values of media freedoms and professionalism. At the same time, we call on all institutions to do their utmost to further the respect for press freedoms and the right of the public to be informed.”

Schlumberger urged media regulators to ensure a conducive media environment and follow up closely on any breaches of ethical codes of conduct by audio-visual, print, and online media.

“To mark World Press Freedom Day, the Mission will support three televised debates promoting freedom of expression and freedom of media, in Albanian and Serbian languages,” said Schlumberger.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It is helping to safeguard the freedom of the media and freedom of expression and supports media development.

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner meaning the holiday season is upon us. PGM shares some reasons to celebrate the joy of the holidays.

The post Staff Ed: PGM Rings in the Holiday Season appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.

KYIV, 16 April 2015 – The Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine Alexander Hug will hold press conference today in Mariupol.

Hug will talk about the Mission’s recent activities, security and the humanitarian situation in and around Shyrokyne.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference today, 16 April, at 18:00 (Kyiv time) at the conference room of the Reikartz Hotel in Mariupol. Any possible changes in timing and location will be communicated via social media (@OSCE_SMM, www.facebook.com/oscesmmu).

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://ustre.am/1jT6S.

For any further details please contact the SMM’s Senior Press Assistant Iryna Gudyma by phone on +380674021716 or via e-mail: Iryna.Gudyma@osce.org

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ANKARA, 6 May 2015 – On the occasion of the formal opening of the limited election observation mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the 7 June parliamentary elections in Turkey, the mission will hold a press conference in Ankara on Thursday.

Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR limited election observation mission, will introduce the role of the mission and its upcoming activities. The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the authorities of Turkey.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference at 15:00, Thursday, 7 May, in the Kavaklidere 1 conference room of the Ankara Hilton Hotel: Kavaklidere 1, Kavaklıdere Mh., Tahran Caddesi No. 12, Ankara.

For further information, please contact Pietro Tesfamariam, Media Analyst with the limited election observation mission, at +90 312 4650513 (Ankara office) or +90 539 9246000 (Ankara mobile) or at pietro.tesfamariam@odihr-turkey.org.

or

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile) or at thomas.rymer@odihr.pl.

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BELGRADE, 16 March 2016 – On the occasion of the formal opening of the limited election observation mission deployed by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the 24 April early parliamentary elections in Serbia, the mission will hold a press conference in Belgrade on Friday, 18 March 2016.

Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR limited election observation mission, will introduce the role of the mission and its upcoming activities.

The limited election observation mission and the OSCE Mission to Serbia operate independently, under separate mandates.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference at 14:00, Friday, 18 March, at the Media Centre, Terazije 3, 11000, Belgrade.

For further information, please contact Marek Mracka, LEOM Media Analyst, at + 381 63 289 071

(mobile)or Marek.mracka@odihr.rs (e-mail).

Or

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR Spokesperson at: +48 609 522 266 (mobile) or thomas.rymer@odihr.pl

(e-mail).

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SKOPJE, 30 March 2016 – On the occasion of the formal opening of the election observation mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the early parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, scheduled for 5 June, the mission will hold a press conference in Skopje on Thursday.

Ambassador Jan Petersen, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, will introduce the role of the mission and its upcoming activities. The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the authorities.

The OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission and the OSCE Mission to Skopje operate separately and independently under their own mandates.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference at 14:00, Thursday, 31 March, in the Congress Hall 2 of the Aleksandar Palace Hotel, Bul. 8-mi Septemvri br.15, 1000 Skopje.

For further information, please contact Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst with the election observation mission, at +389 2 3222 558 (Skopje office) or +389 72 422 746 (Skopje mobile), or at egor.tilpunov@odihr.mk.

or

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile), or at thomas.rymer@odihr.pl.

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MOSCOW, 5 August 2016 – On the occasion of the formal opening of the election observation mission (EOM) deployed by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the 18 September State Duma elections in the Russian Federation, the mission will hold a press conference in Moscow on Monday, 8 August 2016.

Jan Petersen, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, will introduce the role of the EOM and its upcoming activities.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference at 15:00, Monday, 8 August, at Interfax, 1-ya Tverskaya-Yamskaya ul., 2 Moscow, 127006.

For further information, please contact Inta Lase OSCE/ODIHR EOM Media Analyst, at +79166214710 (mobile) or Inta.Lase@odihr.ru

or

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile) or at thomas.rymer@odihr.pl.

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Al Gore, Founder and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project on Trump winning: “In a moment such as this, it is important to remember that all major reform efforts, from civil rights to the climate movement, suffer dark days. And this is surely one.” Via Gore’s email list on November 6, 2024