end

ECB's Rehn: Rate cuts will depend on our overall assessment at each meeting

  • Euro area growth is projected to be sluggish
  • Sees downside risks to growth
  • Waiting on December projections for a better picture of where we stand

So far, he's not saying anything to jolt market pricing. And that's the other main consideration for any of their communications before making policy decisions. As such, a 25 bps rate cut in December remains the likeliest option at this stage. EUR/USD remains down 0.2% on the day at 1.0626 currently.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.




end

USDCHF extends above the 200 day MA

The USDCHF has moved up to a high of 0.88357. That is just short of a high swing area on the daily chart above at 0.88379. Get above that level and stay above, opens the door for more upside momentum.

ON the downside, the closest risk is the 200 day MA, but more conservative risk would be the 50% of the move down from the May high at 0.87986. I would think that short term traders seeing a move above the 50% and the 200 day MA would want to see both those technical levels remain broken.

If not, there could be some disappointment on the failed break and more downside corrective probing.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.




end

Economic calendar in Asia - Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - Fed speaker

There were numerous Fed speakers on Tuesday, US time:

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.
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




end

Legend of Arcadia: Redefining Community-Driven Operations

Legend of Arcadia (LoA), a new card-based RPG set in an expansive universe inspired by Kingdom Hearts, is bringing a community-driven operational model to Web3 gaming. With a focus on sustainable growth, LoA aims to establish itself as a leading platform by integrating blockchain technology, unique NFT mechanics, and community-centric features that foster long-term player engagement.

As the Web3 gaming industry is forecasted to grow to $305 billion by 2030, LoA stands out by addressing key sustainability issues that have previously limited the success of Web3 gaming ventures. Many blockchain-based games have struggled with player retention and engagement, often due to unsustainable reward systems. LoA’s approach, built on years of gaming experience from its team’s work with industry leaders like Tencent, Hero Entertainment, and Seasun Studios, centers on creating an inclusive, feedback-driven community.

Community-driven growth and operations

Legend of Arcadia (LoA), a card-based RPG game built on a vast story universe inspired by Kingdom Hearts, has a strong vision for reimagining live operations in Web3, called community-driven operations. The formula combines building a sticky and vocal community driven by a strong feedback loop and nimble implementation of the ideas. This has helped LoA stand out from others.

The team has spent the past two years perfecting the formula based on their decade-long experience in driving high DAU and retention at leading game companies such as Tencent, Hero Entertainment, and Seasun Studios. At the same time, building a 60k+ strong community with users that actively interact with the team and provide them with feedback.

The right feedback loop between the community and the developer has led to innovative tactics for driving community engagement.

For example, rather than hosting traditional alpha tests, the team mixed the idea of esports and competition and invited people to form their own teams to compete during the test. This led to a brand-new Guild called Alter Ego Guild being formed in the community, and they remain some of the game’s biggest supporters, helping new players onboard and get deep into LoA.

During its three-month campaign, LoA had 100,000+ registered users with minimal marketing spend. It also has very high next-day and 7-day retention of 75% and 56%, respectively, higher than many traditional games' 50% and 20%. As it moves towards its TGE and official game launch, the community continues to provide feedback and support the team.

With backing from 10+ investors, including Animoca Brands and OKX Ventures, LoA can further develop the game's vastness, ensuring the community is constantly engaged with new content and utilities of its native token, $ARCA. This ranges from the endless possibilities of different NFT heroes to the countless actions and ways to earn $ARCA tokens.

Innovative NFT Mechanics and Extensive Gameplay

In LoA, each NFT hero is unique, with randomized genetic traits such as appearance and abilities drawn from a large gene pool of over five trillion combinations, including over 48 types of basic attributes, 40,000+ skill combinations, and more than 28 million gene combinations. This ensures that no two NFT heroes are the same.

The game team, supported by AI, has also created countless words and storylines, shaping different toy characters and enriching the stories of LoA. It also enhances player retention by implementing seasonal demands created by the in-game mechanics, which will eventually boost the trading volume.

$ARCA Token Distribution and Roadmap

In LoA, players can earn tokens through a variety of activities and strategies involving their NFT heroes. Inspired by a system commonly used in web2 games, by combining White Ores from mining with Black Ores earned in battles, they can produce $ARCA tokens. Heroes can also be customized through special events and features, which not only alter their appearance but can also provide gameplay advantages, such as enhanced mining power when using event-specific skins.

Players can also participate in PvE content by clearing dungeons and defeating bosses for valuable loot or diving into PvP battles to compete against others for rewards and climb seasonal leaderboards for even greater gains. To further boost their earnings, players can stake $ARCA tokens, unlocking additional rewards like free NFTs or a share of profits from NFT sales, adding another layer of value to their in-game investments.

In addition to earning tokens through in-game monetization, LoA further enhances sustainability by distinguishing between in-game and external economic factors. This structure allows players to monetize external elements, such as staking $ARCA tokens for special privileges and rewards or sharing in proceeds from NFT assets. This approach aims to foster long-term value creation over short-term speculative gains.

LoA will have a total supply of 40,000,000 $ARCA tokens that are distributed among seven pools where each pool will be further subdivided into different rank tiers based on the amount of Gacha Points earned.

With countless opportunities and activities in the world of LoA, the game constantly rejuvenates the excitement of its community and players, which will ensure its sustainability in the long run. The game also has plans for extensive single-player content (PVE mode) and multiplayer modes where players can form teams and challenge others in real-time battles. Legend of Arcadia is currently set to launch in November 2024.

About Legend of Arcadia

Legend of Arcadia (LOA) (https://legendofarcadia.io/) is a card-based RPG game built on a vast story universe inspired by Kingdom Hearts. LOA is built with the latest technology for the modern gamer, powered by blockchain. Players can enjoy the game for free, on the go, on a mobile device, and socialize in real-time with gamers from across the globe through immersive PvP game modes and by trading highly composable NFTs.

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




end

It's a bare economic calendar for the session ahead

European trading will be a bit of a snoozer as such with a lack of headlines. But perhaps we might get some interesting market moves to talk about in the run up to the US CPI report. USD/JPY is now inching just above 155.00 for the first time since end July while EUR/USD is looking heavy near the April low of 1.0601. Those will be two of the more interesting charts in play currently.

Elsewhere, US futures are pointing lower with gold back up slightly just above $2,600 and Bitcoin is down to below $87,000 after briefly brushing up against the $90,000 mark overnight. So, there are some mixed moves in there for the time being.

In terms of data releases, there's just the US MBA mortgage applications at 1200 GMT. With rates having shot higher post-election, that is likely to keep sentiment in a more dour spot after last week's report here.

As for euro area releases, there's nothing on the agenda for today.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.




end

Research Shows Mounting Enthusiasm Among NAB Show Attendees to Return in Late 2021




end

Attendance Announced for 2022 NAB Show

Las Vegas, Nev. -- The National Association of Broadcasters announced today preliminary registered attendance of 52,468 for the 2022 NAB Show, the world’s largest annual convention for broadcasters and the broader media, entertainment and technology industries.




end

NAB Leadership Foundation to Honor Legendary Artist and Entertainer Patti LaBelle

Washington, D.C. – Award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle will receive the Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. LaBelle joins chef and humanitarian José Andrés as a recipient of this year’s Service to America Leadership Award, NABLF’s highest individual citation that is presented in recognition of honorees’ commitment to advocacy and public service.




end

NAB Town Hall Provides Insight Into Year-End Broadcast Issues and Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today hosted a virtual town hall to brief NAB members on advocacy and business issues facing the broadcast industry for the remainder of the year. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt was joined by senior executives and public policy staffers to offer updates on the association’s work, priorities and initiatives.




end

NAB Show New York Attendance Exceeds 9,500

NEW YORK -- Total preliminary registered attendance reached 9,576 for the 2022 NAB Show New York, held October 19-20 at the Javits Center. The show floor featured 245 exhibitors showcasing the latest technology in media and entertainment. The 2023 NAB Show New York will be held October 25-26, 2023.




end

CineCentral to Spotlight Emerging Cinematic Trends and Techniques at 2023 NAB Show

Washington, D.C. -- The new CineCentral destination at the 2023 NAB Show gives attendees an opportunity to learn side-by-side with Hollywood's award-winning production professionals and gain skills with hands-on training inspired by NAB’s Cine Consortium. CineCentral is located in Central Hall (C7345) and adjacent to the Create Experiential Zone featuring sessions on Cine+Live, the burgeoning live production style where cinematic tools and storytelling is integrated into live entertainment. Additional workshops will be presented by American Cinema Editors, American Society of Cinematographers, International Cinematographers Guild/Local 600 and The Society of Camera Operators.




end

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.




end

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.




end

Attendance Announced for Centennial NAB Show

LAS VEGAS -- April 18, 2023 -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today preliminary registered attendance of 65,013 for the 2023 NAB Show, the centennial celebration of the world's premiere convention for the broadcasting media, entertainment and technology industries.




end

NAB Member J Chapman Touts Enduring Value of AM Radio at Congressional Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, National Association of Broadcasters member J Chapman, president of Woof Boom Radio, testified at a hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology titled "Listen Here: Why Americans Value AM Radio." The following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




end

Attendance Surpasses 12,000 for NAB Show New York

NEW YORK— Total preliminary registered attendance reached 12,231 for the 2023 NAB Show New York, held October 24-26 at the Javits Center. NAB Show New York is the most efficient and diverse event experience on the East Coast where thousands of content economy professionals reconnect, reevaluate and rediscover ways to get more creative with new-to-market tech and existing tools through exhibits, conferences and networking events. There are more than 225 sessions hosting nearly 300 speakers.




end

NAB Show and FMC launch AI Training & Certifications for Digital Creatives to Stay Ahead of Emerging Trends

Washington, D.C.— NAB Show, in partnership with Future Media Concepts (FMC), announces the launch of a live, innovative workshop series, AI Training & Certifications, set to be a game-changer to enhance digital creativity and technical prowess using the latest AI technologies. Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, these live programs offer practical, hands-on training both online and at NAB Show, targeting creatives in both broadcast and digital video to stay ahead of the curve and refine their skills.




end

The 2024 NAB Show is the Definitive Global Destination for Future Innovations and Trends in Broadcast, Media and Entertainment Industries

Washington, D.C.— With 160 countries represented, NAB Show April 13 - 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is solidly the global destination for all things broadcast, media and entertainment. Dignitaries and delegations from six continents will convene to discover cutting-edge technologies, forge strategic partnerships and shape the future of content creation.




end

NAB Show New York Highlights Key Industry Trends in the Broadcast, Media and Entertainment Industry

Washington, D.C.— Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, the 2024 NAB Show New York, set to take place October 9-10 (Education October 8-10) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, will highlight cutting-edge tools and technologies impacting the broadcast, media and entertainment industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and discover the trends driving the future of content creation, distribution and monetization. Key trends and topics including artificial intelligence, the creator economy, live and virtual production, sports media and streaming will take center stage with thought-provoking programming and innovative Exhibitors.




end

NAB Statement Regarding Attacks on the First Amendment

In response to the recent lawsuit filed against CBS News, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.




end

Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/852 on mercury as regards dental amalgam and other mercury-added products subject to export, import and manufacturing restrictions

Room 21, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Regulation (EU) 2024/1860 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746 as regards a gradual roll-out of Eudamed, the obligation to inform in case of interruption or discontinuation of s

Room 21, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/852 on Mercury as regards Dental Amalgam and Other Mercury-added Products Subject to Export, Import and Manufacturing Restriction

Room 21, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Regulation (EU) 2024/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Standards of Quality and Safety for Substances of Human Origin Intended for Human Application and Repealing Directives 2002/98/EC and 2004/23/EC

Room 21, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Regulation (EU) 2024/1938 on Standards of Quality and Safety for Substances of Human Origin intended for Human Application

Room 21, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024: Department for the Economy

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for the Economy

end

Human Medicines (Amendments Relating to Naloxone and Transfers of Functions) Regulations 2024: Department of Health

Room 29, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Health

end

Police Service of Northern Ireland and Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve (Injury Benefit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024: Department of Justice

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Justice

end

Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024: Department for the Economy

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for the Economy

end

Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024: Renewable Heat Association

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for the Economy

end

Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2024: Department for Infrastructure

Room 29, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Infrastructure

end

Regulation (EU) 2024/2516 Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 as regards the Digital Labelling of EU Fertilising Products: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Health Reform Agenda: Mr Mike Nesbitt MLA, Minister of Health

Gransha Suite, La Mon Hotel



  • Committee for Health

end

COM(2022)748 Proposal for a Regulation Amending Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures: Department for the Economy; Department of Health; Department of Justice

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

end

Economy Committee Commends 'NI Year of Food and Drink' Success

The Committee for the Economy held an event at Parliament Buildings today to mark the success of the 'Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink' initiative. In the month dedicated to 'Legacy and Learning', the Committee welcomed many award-winning local producers who showcased their skills and demonstrated how the campaign will help create a sustainable legacy for the local tourism and hospitality sectors.




end

Education Committee ‘Lends a Hand’ to Support Anti-Bullying Week 2016

The Committee for Education in partnership with the Assembly Education Service has today launched a special interactive art initiative, as part of a range of Committee activities, to highlight Anti-Bullying Week 2016.




end

PAC to suspend inquiry

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee has decided to adjourn today’s public session into the next phase of the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry in order for all ongoing Departmental investigations to conclude.




end

Food Vendors at Return Day....IM8A7821A

dklaughman has added a photo to the pool:

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




end

Extending EBS: Choosing the Right Dev Tools

What dev tool is the best choice for extending Oracle E-Business Suite applications into the cloud or mobile? It depends. This panel discussion will help you sort it out.




end

What's Hot? Tech Trends That Made a Real Difference in 2017

Forget the hype! Which technologies made a genuine difference in the work of software developers over the past year? For this podcast we gathered five highly respected developers in a tiny hotel room in San Francisco, tossed in a couple of microphones, and let the conversation happen.

The panelists for this podcast are busy, working developers with stellar reputations:

(Listed alphabetically)

  • Lonneke Dikmans, Chief Product Officer at eProseed. Utrecht, NL
  • Lucas Jellema, Chief Technical Officer at AMIS Services. Rotterdam, NL
  • Frank Munz, software architect and Cloud Evangelist at Munz and More. Munich, DE
  • Pratik Patel, Chief Technical Officer at Triplingo and president of the Atlanta Java Users Group. Atlanta, US
  • Chris Richardson, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eventuate Incorporated. San Francisco, US

This wide-ranging conversation spans containers, microservices, PaaS, IoT, machine learning, and much, much more. Listen!




end

#359: Hadoop, JRuby, Grails, and Python Creators Talk Tech Trends

Recorded live on Tuesday October 23, 2018 at Oracle Code One in San Francisco, this very special program brings together Doug Cutting (Chief Architect, Cloudera), Charles Nutter (Co-Lead, JRuby), Graeme Rocher (Project Lead, Grails Open Source Project), and Guido van Rossum (Creator, Python Language) to share their insight and expertise on the trends and technologies that have had the greatest impact on IT and software development over the past year, and will continue to shape the future.

View the complete show notes.




end

Janakiram MSV on Emerging Trends in Cloud Computing

Jim Grisanzio from Oracle Developer Relations talks with Janakiram MSV about some upcoming trends to look out for in 2022 in cloud computing. Janakiram is an industry analyst and architect based in Hyderabad, India, and he gave the keynote at Oracle Developer Day India in the fall of 2021. Video on YouTube.




end

Matt Raible on Micro Frontends for Java Developers

JavaOne 2022 Speaker Preview

In this conversation Oracle's Jim Grisanzio talks with JavaOne 2022 speaker Matt Raible from Colorado.

Matt is a Java Champion, a Duke's Choice Award winner, and Open Source developer, and a developer advocate. He previews his session at JavaOne on Micro Frontends for Java Developers. The conversation also gets into the Java community, how Matt got into development, and his contributions to the Open Source community. 

JavaOne 2022 October 17-20 in Las Vegas

Matt Raible, Java Champion, Open Source Developer at OktaDev

Java Development and Community

Duke's Corner Podcast Host

  • Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Java Developer Relations, @jimgris




end

The Future of Refrigerants: Essential Guide to Eco-Friendly Alternatives and the Transition Process




end

Flooring Trends for Facilities with Heavy Traffic




end

REIT Remodels Office Space to Be Post-Pandemic Friendly




end

Case Study: University Prioritizes Bird Friendly Glass in New Building




end

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.

Related Stories



  • Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
  • Human rights
  • Roma and Sinti issues
  • Tolerance and non-discrimination
  • Press release

end

OSCE Office in Tajikistan presents recommendations from the Customs Code Integrity Assessment

The need for a risk management system for Tajikistan’s Customs Service and simpler procedures for transparency and accountability are key recommendations of an integrity assessment of the Customs Code, presented to international donors, private and international companies and NGOs by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 18 July 2016.

The assessment, which was commissioned by the OSCE Office in consultation with government representatives and international development partners, is the third in a series of assessments to examine the administrative codes and legal acts relevant for international business and cross-border trade in Tajikistan. Previous assessments focused on the Tax Code and different administrative legal acts.

Ambassador Markus Müller, the Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan welcomed the positive reception of the current anti-corruption assessment not only by international organizations but also within government circles and confirmed the Office’s readiness to work with all the relevant stakeholders involved.

The presentation of the Customs Code assessment followed a series of practical workshops on anti-corruption assessments for experts from the government and NGOs. During these workshops, participants learned how to identify in legislation provisions that might lead to corruption and draft recommendations to eliminate potentially corruptive provisions in law.

The Customs Code assessment is part of a multi-year initiative by the OSCE Office with the objective of designing a training module on anti-corruption assessment to be included in the mandatory training curricula for civil servants. 

Related Stories




end

Roma remain one of most vulnerable groups, continue to face difficult living conditions and discrimination in access to social protection, health, employment and adequate housing, as stated in reports by independent bodies

BELGRADE, 8 April 2016 - On the occasion of International Roma Day, the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, the United Nations Country Team in Serbia, the OSCE Mission to Serbia and the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade reaffirm our strong commitment to equality and non-discrimination.

Today, the Romani community, Europe's largest ethnic minority, still experiences multiple discrimination and marginalisation in countries throughout Europe, including Serbia.  Roma remain one of the most vulnerable groups; they continue to face difficult living conditions and discrimination in access to social protection, health, employment and adequate housing, as stated in reports by both relevant international mechanisms and independent bodies of the Republic of Serbia.

Thousands of Roma represent the most vulnerable and marginalised among the population of internally displaced, still facing obstacles in accessing rights and durable solutions.

International and European human rights standards clearly provide for equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on all grounds, including ethnicity. The realisation of Roma inclusion will reinforce everyday democracy and the rule of law. It is the only way to reach a society based on the principle of equality of opportunity where everyone has the right to participate and to be heard.

On this day, we therefore call on all relevant stakeholders to pursue with determination 
Roma inclusion policies in Serbia, pursuant to the recent adoption of a new Strategy of Social Inclusion of Roma for the Period from 2015-2025 and the Action Plan for Realization of Rights of National Minorities by the Government of Serbia.

The Delegation of the European Union, the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, the OSCE Mission to Serbia and the United Nations Country Team in Serbia remain committed to improving the lives of Roma in Serbia and  ensuring that their fundamental rights are respected, and to supporting our Serbian partners in this endeavour.

International Roma Day is celebrated annually on April 8, in commemoration of the 1971 founding of the International Romani Union, the first major international Romani civic initiative.

Statistical information on Roma in Serbia

  • 90% of children in Roma settlements are growing up in poverty. The infant and under-5 mortality rate is two times higher than that of the general population, 15% of Roma children are born with low birth weights, one fifth is malnourished and only 13% are fully immunized.
  • Romani children continue to face discrimination in the education system. Only 6% of children from Roma settlements attend early learning programs, only 64% finish primary school on time, and  only 22% attend secondary school (of whom only 15% are girls).
  • Romani women and girls face multi-sectoral discrimination, as well as heightened barriers of access to services, including services for victims of violence.    Early, arranged marriage remains an issue in some segments of Serbia’s Romani communities, with very destructive consequences for – in particular – the child bride.

For more information & media inquiries please contact:

Aleksandra Stamenkovic, United Nations Country Team Communications Expert, email: aleksandra.stamenkovic@one.un.org, Phone +381 11 415 5314

Nadezda Dramicanin, Delegation of the EU to Serbia Communications Officer, e-mail: Nadezda.DRAMICANIN@eeas.europa.eu, Phone: +381 11 3083 200

Ivana Milatovic, OSCE National Political and Press Affairs Officer, e-mail: ppiu-serbia@osce.org, Phone +381 11 3606 151

Mona Alghaith, Council of Europe Office, Assistant to the Head of Office, e-mail: mona.alghaith@coe.int, Phone. +381 11 71 555 00

 

Related Stories



  • OSCE Mission to Serbia
  • Roma and Sinti issues
  • Tolerance and non-discrimination
  • South-Eastern Europe
  • Press release