Latest news with #Ambassadors
News24
17-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Ambassadors of Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Germany to SA
Friday marked International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). On this day the world commemorated the World Health Organisation's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. This day of commemoration serves two purposes. Firstly, to honour the memory of victims of violence and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Secondly, this day gives us the opportunity to reflect on where there still are shortcomings in the protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, gay, bi-, trans- intersexual, queer) persons and to show solidarity with those who are not yet able to fully enjoy their rights. At the end of last year, Colombia and Spain took over the co-chairship of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) from Germany and Mexico who enjoyed this privilege for the past two years. The ERC comprises 45 member states and a global network of civil society organisations. All actors are bound together by the dedication to the protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons. On the occasion of IDAHOBIT, we, the Ambassadors of Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Germany to South Africa, would like to highlight the situation of the LGBTQI+ communities worldwide. Criminalised The United Nations have repeatedly confirmed that discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics is a violation of international human rights law. However, over 64 countries worldwide criminalise adult same-sex relationships. In eight of them, same-sex relations are even punishable by death. Often, cultural reasons are brought forward as an argument. It is the essence of the universality of human rights, however, that each and every human being is endowed with equal human rights simply by virtue of being human – regardless of the country they live in and regardless of their personal status or any particular individual characteristics. After overcoming apartheid, South Africa took a very progressive path to become a regional and global role model in terms of human rights. The Constitution was the world's first to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. At the time, South Africa was only the fifth country in the world to legalise same sex marriage. South Africa later launched the first-ever resolution in the UN against discrimination based on sexual orientation, together with Brazil. READ | Ghana pushes anti-LGBTQ+ bill as defence of 'family values' South African NGOs have been participating actively in the ERC for many years and Deputy Minister Steve Letsike joined the ERC conference in Berlin in December last year. In the region also Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Seychelles and Mauritius have decriminalised same-sex relationship. Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Germany have progressed in their LGBTQI+ legislations in the past 20 years. LGBTQI+ persons in Colombia benefitted from significant legislation promoting and protecting their rights including laws against discrimination, same sex marriage, legal change of gender, adoption and specific inclusion on the Peace Accord 2016. Spain recently passed 'Law 4/2023' for the real and effective equality of trans people and for the guarantee of the rights of LGBTQI+ community. This law guarantees that sexual orientation and identity, gender expression, sexual characteristics, and family diversity can be lived in full freedom. Progress in Mexico One of the most significant milestones for Mexico in the field of human rights was the constitutional reform of June 2011, which created a new legal culture, centered on the dignity of all people, without distinction of any kind, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Mexico has made significant progress in protecting the rights of LGBTQI+ people, including the legalisation of same-sex marriage nationwide, the adoption of gender identity laws in several states, and the prohibition of the conversion therapies, providing, among others, visibility and access to healthcare, education, and employment, to the LGBTQI+ community. Very recently on 1 November 2024, Germany's Self-Determination Act came into force. The law makes it easy for transgender, intersex and non-binary people in Germany to have their gender entry and first name changed by simply making a declaration at the local civil registry office. READ | ANALYSIS | Joan de Klerk: Where is the accountability for queer rights violations in Africa? The legal situation in all our countries, however, sometimes stands in stark contrast with the reality experienced by our fellow citizens. Societal acceptance is still lagging behind the legal status. LGBTQI+ persons still suffer often from homophobic violence, such as 'corrective rape' on lesbians. Globally, we observe discrimination, hatred, high rates of intense violence, even murder. This goes along with high rates of HIV and Aids, societal stigmatisation and a lack of public health education. All of these problems demand joint global action across continents. The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) was formed for exactly this reason in 2016. In thematic groups, the ERC works closely with civil society as well as with stakeholders on different governance levels and sectors. As current co-chairs, Colombia and Spain want to pursue five priorities: 1. Decriminalisation of homosexuality; 2. Dismantling of conversion therapies for LGBTQI+ people; 3. Defence of the rights of trans and intersex people; 4. Combating hate speech against the LGBTQI+ populations; 5. Sharing experiences and good practices. Our four countries are proud to have a champion of LGBTQI+ rights like South Africa at our side. We invite the South African society to join our efforts in working towards a world where every nation recognises, promotes and protects the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and therefore renew our standing invitation to the government to become a full member of the ERC. Together, we can learn from each other how to best address the ongoing challenges and strive for the inherent dignity of all persons, without distinction. - Maria Del Rosario Mina Rojas, Colombian Ambassador to South Africa, José Manuel Pascual Garcia Ambassador Designate of Spain to South Africa, Sara Valdés Bolaño, Mexican Ambassador to South Africa, and Andreas Peschke, German Ambassador to South Africa. *Want to respond to the columnist? Send your letter or article to opinions@ with your name and town or province. You are welcome to also send a profile picture. We encourage a diversity of voices and views in our readers' submissions and reserve the right not to publish any and all submissions received. Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
FIND Convenes African Union Ambassadors
As part of its continuing outreach to the parts of the world that it was set up to serve, FIND ( hosted Ambassadors from 26 African countries and the African Union for a meeting at FIND's offices in the Global Health Campus in Geneva. The Ambassadors received an overview of FIND's work in their respective countries, future prospects and were made aware of FIND as a value-added partner for countries with respect to diagnostics. 'The foundation of any successful health response is diagnosis. From early detection to pandemic preparedness, our collaboration with the African Union is essential to guaranteeing that no one is left behind,' said Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, CEO of FIND. 'FIND's vision is focused on both catalyzing innovation and ensuring access to diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries.' In order to improve diagnostic systems and get ready for potential health and pandemic risks, FIND's leadership presented its updated strategic vision as a precursor to this year's Diagnostics Day event to be held on 21 May, which will take place on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly. The ambassadors of the African Union, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, and Zimbabwe were present. The Ambassadors led a lively discussion which touched upon a number of key issues, including South-South collaboration; pandemic preparedness and response; the role of health in national development; national essential diagnostics lists; the growing issue of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes; and ensuring sustainable financing for diagnostics and health in general. Among the meeting's main conclusions were: Commitment to strengthen regional manufacturing of diagnostics and other health technologies. Consensus on increased AU-FIND cooperation to country and Africa CDC's diagnostic priorities. Support for FIND's function as a technical partner to expand access to vital diagnostics for illnesses like HIV, TB, malaria, mpox and emerging outbreaks. Diagnostics acknowledged as a key component of health security and universal health coverage. 'In this moment of dramatic change, African leaders are stepping up to fill the power vacuum left by a world in turmoil where women and children are being left behind and left to die, particularly on the African continent – the continent with the greatest health burden,' said Dr Ayoade Alakija, FIND's Board Chair. 'FIND will continue to support them on strengthening pandemic preparedness and ensuring quality diagnostics are available to all.' FIND's Diagostics Day ( event on 21 May at the Vieux Bois in Geneva will bring leaders from health from around the world to agree on next steps to ensuring quality and accessible diagnostics for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIND. Media contacts: Beatrice Bernescut Director, Communications media@ About FIND: FIND accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world. We are working to close critical testing gaps that leave people at risk from preventable and treatable illnesses, enable effective disease surveillance, and build sustainable, resilient health systems. In partnership with countries, WHO and other global health agencies, we are driving progress towards global health security and universal health coverage. We are a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation. For more information, please visit
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak deems Kaul Mukah a symbol of shared identity
Sape Ensemble by YPS Sape Ambassadors during Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah. KUCHING (May 9): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) has deemed the recent Kaul Mukah 2025 a symbol of shared identity. During YPS' much-anticipated Konsert Malam Perpaduan, which closed the festival on April 27, YPS chief executive Datu Aloysius J Dris said such cultural platforms support social cohesion. 'Kaul is more than a festival, it is a symbol of shared identity, a time to reflect on our roots, and an opportunity to bring people together,' he said in a statement. He said the presence of Deputy Economy Minister and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib as well as Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine underscored the government's strong support for cultural platforms that promote social cohesion. Dris also thanked Persatuan Melanau Mukah and the organising committee for their commitment to preserving cultural traditions while fostering unity. Memories captured with all the VIP guests, YPS Sape Ambassadors, and orchestra POTRES. Royston praised the evening's showcase, which included youth talents. 'Congratulations to Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak for organising the Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah, which successfully showcased an array of vibrant performances, especially by young local talents, and demonstrated the strong collaboration among all parties involved to ensure the concert's smooth execution,' he said. Royston added that the Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah has succeeded in nurturing unity in diversity by gathering local talents and featuring performances from various ethnic backgrounds, creating a space for inter-cultural interaction. More than 800 people gathered under the stars at Tapak Kaul in Mukah to attend the concert themed 'Rhythm of Unity', which captivated the audience with a rich blend of traditional and contemporary performances celebrating Sarawak's multicultural identity. A highlight of the night was the performance by the YPS Sape Ambassadors, whose fusion of traditional Sape melodies with modern instrumentation captivated the audience. Adding an inspiring multicultural layer, YPS also brought in its ambassadors from Peninsular Malaysia, including an Orang Asli from Perak and an Indian performer from Selangor, who shared the stage with their Sarawakian peers. Their performance was a vivid expression of national unity transcending geographical and ethnic lines. The concert was not only a musical success but a meaningful platform for cultural expression and mutual understanding. 'I believe this concert successfully fostered national unity by bringing together audiences from various ethnic backgrounds,' said YPS sape ambassador Muhammad Ikhmal, who comes from the Sekapan community. 'It's a chance for us to mingle with individuals of different races, it strengthens our bonds and allows us to explore techniques in playing the sape. Beyond just performing, it teaches us to be confident, to face our audience, and creating self-assurance in what we do,' added fellow ambassador Dexter Godwin, who is Iban. An Orang Asli YPS sape ambassador sings 'Bunga Kantat and Nanai Bengsat'. Persatuan Melanau Mukah secretary Mazira Ramli, who also served as secretary of the Kaul Mukah 2025 main organising committee, reflected on the broader impact of the event. 'Yes, I believe this concert has succeeded in nurturing unity in diversity. Through a combination of performances across races, languages, and cultures, it not only showcased the heritage of each community but also created a space for mutual understanding and appreciation of our differences. 'The warm reception from various segments of society shows a strong interest in unity-based events. The large turnout is a testament to the event's success. This concert has effectively planted the values of tolerance, unity, and compassion among Malaysians. It is also an important platform to foster goodwill in a creative way' she added. Stanford delivers a showstopping performance. Internationally acclaimed singer and 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) gold medallist Stanford Ryan delivered a show-stopping performance, while the dynamic Sibu D'Tari dance troupe got the crowd moving during an interactive mengarang dance session, igniting joy and camaraderie among attendees of all ages. In addition to the lively atmosphere on the ground, the concert garnered strong engagement online. The live streaming of the event via YPS's official Facebook page reached 10,996 people, with 14.2K views, 463 reactions, and 84 shares as of the time of writing—an impressive digital footprint that extended the spirit of unity far beyond Mukah. More than just a concert, Konsert Malam Perpaduan was a heartfelt tribute to Sarawak's living cultural legacy. It stood as a reminder that music, dance, and shared experiences can weave a powerful tapestry of understanding and unity—one beat at a time. A YPS sape ambassador from Selangor sings 'Chamkeela angeelesi' during the concert.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gram Panchayat workers organise rally near JSP office, urge Pawan Kalyan to resolve their issues
In response to a call given by the union leaders, many Panchayat workers converged on Mangalagiri on Thursday and organised a rally from the underpass near NRI Hospital to the Jana Sena Party office to bring their issues, including demand for hike in their wages, issuance of identity cards, and benefits like PF, to the notice of Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat Raj Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. The workers did not receive any hike in their wages, which remained between ₹4,000 and ₹12,000, for the past eight years, Mr. Umamaheswara Rao said, adding that municipal workers for same work received ₹21,000 or more. According to the Government Orders issued in 1999 and 2019, the Panchayat workers should be given identity cards, minimum wages and Provident Fund, but none of these were being implemented, the union leader said. There were around 48,000 Panchayat workers and Green Ambassadors, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, employed in 13,000 Grama Panchayats in the State, he said. GO issued in 2019 In 2019, the TDP government issued GO. RT. No 132 that instructed officials concerned to issue ID cards to all employees working on full time/part time/contract basis. The GO also mentions sanctioning of ₹15,000 towards funeral charges for the workers who died on duty. The expenditure shall be met within the general funds of Gram Panchayats, it says. D. Venkataramayya, another member of the union, said that this GO had not been implemented till now. 'Moreover, the Green Ambassadors' wages have been pending for the past one year. It has been 10 months since the NDA government came to power. During this time, we tried to meet Mr. Pawan Kalyan more than four times. We never got an appointment,' he said. The leaders collected signatures from all workers and submitted their representations to MLC P. Hariprasad who assured them that he would bring their issues to the notice of Mr. Pawan Kalyan. The leaders warned of State-wide agitations if their issues were not resolved immediately.
