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New European
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New European
How to stop rape culture
There is one thing you may have missed, however. It doesn't seem like much on the surface: a mere 1,000 euro fine, which Depardieu must now pay to each of the defendants. It was barely mentioned in most stories about the trial. That was a mistake, given what that fine represented. You have almost certainly heard of the court case that made the headlines in France for several years, concerning actor Gerard Depardieu. You probably even know that, last week, he was found guilty of sexually harassing two women on the set of a movie, and given a suspended jail term of 18 months. Depardieu was, on top of everything else, found guilty of 'secondary victimisation', a relatively new legal concept. It first appeared in 2014, and was written into what became the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty aiming to oppose violence against women. Behind it is the belief that survivors of sexual violence often get harmed twice; first by their abuser, then by a sexist, biased, needlessly aggressive justice system. Gisele Pelicot famously spoke of it last year, saying that she had been left feeling 'humiliated' by court proceedings, despite being the victim and not the perpetrator. Back at the Depardieu trial, the actor's barrister called his client's two victims 'hysterical', and told them, point blank, that 'we don't believe you'. 'I can understand that Amelie doesn't read [broadsheet] Le Monde as it's too complicated, but she could at least read [gossip magazine] Closer', he said of one of them. Speaking to the press later, Amelie called the trial 'torture', and 'even more violent than the assault itself'. Sadly, this sn't an isolated issue, or one confined to France. In 2021, the European Court of Human Rights intervened in the aftermath of a case in Italy, where a young woman was raped by seven men in a parking lot. In its judgement, the Florence Court of Appeal called the victim 'uninhibited, vulgar, lascivious', and mentioned her 'ambivalent attitude towards sex'. The ECHR found that the comments were 'guilt-inducing, moralising and conveyed sexist stereotypes', and recognised the case as one of 'secondary victimisation'. That both this case and Depardieu's were recognised for what they were is unalloyed good news, but ought to only be the beginning. In France, Italy, Britain and elsewhere, pundits keep wondering why survivors of sexual assault struggle to come forward. The answer, sadly, is often hiding in plain sight: it is unlikely that the perpetrator will be found guilty and, even if they are, the cost demanded of the victim for putting them behind bars is far too high. Suggested Reading Welcome home to Gilead Matthew d'Ancona The rate of PTSD for victims of sexual violence is higher than for soldiers who have spent time in warzones. We should, as a society, make sure that these survivors aren't being traumatised further when choosing to do the right thing, and try to make sure that an abuser will be taken off the streets. As things stand, however, misogyny still leaks through every pore of every justice system around the world. Any woman deemed not to be the perfect victim, pure as snow and without a single flaw, will be treated as inherently suspicious. It apparently doesn't matter that false accusations of rape are so rare they're practically non-existent: the assumption somehow always seems to be that the woman is, in some way, in the wrong. Of course, making more courts and barristers aware and afraid of the concept of secondary victimisation won't solve everything, but it does feel like one hell of a step in the right direction. It is also encouraging that it was mentioned in a court case as high-profile as Depardieu's, as it has given much of the French press a reason to discuss it. The more people know about it, the better. This is also why this column exists: rape culture will not be destroyed in one go, but must instead be dealt a thousand blows, one after the next. The British justice system doesn't currently recognise secondary victimisation, but the country did sign up to the Istanbul Convention in 2022. I can't offer much more than words, but justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has it in her power to spring into action. Let's hope she kept an eye on that Depardieu trial.
Web Release
26-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Dubai Chamber of Commerce announces the issuance and processing of 5,357 ATA Carnets for goods worth AED 4.3 billion during 2024
By Editor_wr Last updated Mar 25, 2025 Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced that a total of 5,357 ATA Carnets were issued and received during 2024 for goods and commodities valued at AED 4.3 billion. These figures reflect the steady momentum behind Dubai's exhibitions, conferences, and events sector, to which ATA Carnets are closely linked. ATA Carnets play a vital and highly effective role in the attraction and organisation of global events by enabling the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. This significantly enhances the ease of participation for exhibitors and contributes to the smooth operation of international exhibitions and conferences. Khalid AlJarwan, Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, commented: 'The ATA Carnet system is designed to simplify customs procedures related to the movement of goods for exhibitions. This creates numerous benefits for the exhibitions and conferences sector, reinforcing Dubai's growing reputation as a destination for global events.' The ATA Carnet system is the result of impactful collaboration between Dubai Chamber of Commerce and its partners in Dubai Customs, the Federal Customs Authority, and chambers of commerce across the UAE. About the ATA Carnet System An ATA Carnet can be described as a 'merchandise passport' that allows goods to temporarily cross international borders for up to one year without being subject to customs duties. Eligible items include goods for use at trade fairs such as commercial samples, professional equipment, audiovisual equipment, and computers, as well as items like repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, racehorses, artwork, and prehistoric relics. Items that are not covered by the documents include perishable or consumable items and goods for processing or repair. The ATA Carnet system forms part of a standardised international mechanism created by the Istanbul Convention in 1990 under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for the temporary importation of goods. The system allows marketing representatives, exhibition participants, and business travellers to complete customs procedures in advance at a fixed cost and offers the flexibility to visit multiple countries using a single carnet. This ensures seamless customs clearance while allowing goods to be re-exported without delays or unexpected costs. ATA Carnets offer significant cost savings by exempting exporters from VAT and customs duties. Holders are not required to post security deposits with customs, and the system also simplifies border crossings by allowing importers and exporters to use a single document for all of their customs formalities. Comments are closed.
Mid East Info
25-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Chamber of Commerce announces the issuance and processing of 5,357 ATA Carnets for goods worth AED 4.3 billion during 2024
Chamber supports growth of the events and exhibitions industry through facilitation of ATA Carnets. Khalid AlJarwan: 'The ATA Carnet system creates numerous benefits for the exhibitions and conferences sector, reinforcing Dubai's growing reputation as a destination for global events.' ATA Carnets play a vital role in the attraction and organisation of global events by enabling the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced that a total of 5,357 ATA Carnets were issued and received during 2024 for goods and commodities valued at AED 4.3 billion. These figures reflect the steady momentum behind Dubai's exhibitions, conferences, and events sector, to which ATA Carnets are closely linked. ATA Carnets play a vital and highly effective role in the attraction and organisation of global events by enabling the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. This significantly enhances the ease of participation for exhibitors and contributes to the smooth operation of international exhibitions and conferences. Khalid AlJarwan, Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, commented: 'The ATA Carnet system is designed to simplify customs procedures related to the movement of goods for exhibitions. This creates numerous benefits for the exhibitions and conferences sector, reinforcing Dubai's growing reputation as a destination for global events.' The ATA Carnet system is the result of impactful collaboration between Dubai Chamber of Commerce and its partners in Dubai Customs, the Federal Customs Authority, and chambers of commerce across the UAE. About the ATA Carnet System: An ATA Carnet can be described as a 'merchandise passport' that allows goods to temporarily cross international borders for up to one year without being subject to customs duties. Eligible items include goods for use at trade fairs such as commercial samples, professional equipment, audiovisual equipment, and computers, as well as items like repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, racehorses, artwork, and prehistoric relics. Items that are not covered by the documents include perishable or consumable items and goods for processing or repair. The ATA Carnet system forms part of a standardised international mechanism created by the Istanbul Convention in 1990 under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for the temporary importation of goods. The system allows marketing representatives, exhibition participants, and business travellers to complete customs procedures in advance at a fixed cost and offers the flexibility to visit multiple countries using a single carnet. This ensures seamless customs clearance while allowing goods to be re-exported without delays or unexpected costs. ATA Carnets offer significant cost savings by exempting exporters from VAT and customs duties. Holders are not required to post security deposits with customs, and the system also simplifies border crossings by allowing importers and exporters to use a single document for all of their customs formalities. About Dubai Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce continues to represent, support, and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai, create a stimulating business environment, and promote the emirate as a global business hub. The chamber is one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, which was restructured under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Chamber of Commerce announces the issuance and processing of 5,357 ATA Carnets
Chamber supports growth of the events and exhibitions industry through facilitation of ATA Carnets Khalid AlJarwan: ' The ATA Carnet system creates numerous benefits for the exhibitions and conferences sector, reinforcing Dubai's growing reputation as a destination for global events.' ATA Carnet s play a vital role in the attraction and organisation of global events by enabling the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced that a total of 5,357 ATA Carnets were issued and received during 2024 for goods and commodities valued at AED 4.3 billion. These figures reflect the steady momentum behind Dubai's exhibitions, conferences, and events sector, to which ATA Carnets are closely linked. ATA Carnets play a vital and highly effective role in the attraction and organisation of global events by enabling the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. This significantly enhances the ease of participation for exhibitors and contributes to the smooth operation of international exhibitions and conferences. Khalid AlJarwan, Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, commented: 'The ATA Carnet system is designed to simplify customs procedures related to the movement of goods for exhibitions. This creates numerous benefits for the exhibitions and conferences sector, reinforcing Dubai's growing reputation as a destination for global events.' The ATA Carnet system is the result of impactful collaboration between Dubai Chamber of Commerce and its partners in Dubai Customs, the Federal Customs Authority, and chambers of commerce across the UAE. About the ATA Carnet System An ATA Carnet can be described as a 'merchandise passport' that allows goods to temporarily cross international borders for up to one year without being subject to customs duties. Eligible items include goods for use at trade fairs such as commercial samples, professional equipment, audiovisual equipment, and computers, as well as items like repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, racehorses, artwork, and prehistoric relics. Items that are not covered by the documents include perishable or consumable items and goods for processing or repair. The ATA Carnet system forms part of a standardised international mechanism created by the Istanbul Convention in 1990 under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for the temporary importation of goods. The system allows marketing representatives, exhibition participants, and business travellers to complete customs procedures in advance at a fixed cost and offers the flexibility to visit multiple countries using a single carnet. This ensures seamless customs clearance while allowing goods to be re-exported without delays or unexpected costs. ATA Carnets offer significant cost savings by exempting exporters from VAT and customs duties. Holders are not required to post security deposits with customs, and the system also simplifies border crossings by allowing importers and exporters to use a single document for all of their customs formalities. -Ends- About Dubai Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce continues to represent, support, and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai, create a stimulating business environment, and promote the emirate as a global business hub. The chamber is one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, which was restructured under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Follow us on: For more information, please contact: Mohamad Mouzehem PR & Corporate Communications Email:
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Some 200 detained after Istanbul Women's Day march: organisers
Police detained some 200 demonstrators in Istanbul late on Saturday after more than 3,000 women marched peacefully through the city centre under tight security to mark International Women's Day, organisers said. For years protests have been banned in the city's central Taksim Square, which is habitually fenced off with barriers, but the authorities have in recent years tolerated rallies nearby albeit under a heavy security presence. The Feminist Night March rally began at sunset near Taksim Square, with many demonstrators wearing purple and waving banners with slogans including "We won't be silenced, we're not afraid and we won't obey" and "Long live our feminist struggle". Although the march ended without incident, organisers said police then started rounding up a number of protesters, posting footage showing officers roughly dragging several demonstrators out of the crowd. "After the #FeministNightMarch finished and the crowd dispersed without incident, the police started to detain our friends in an act of provocation," the march organisers wrote on X. "Nearly 200 women were unjustly detained on March 8!" they added. There was no immediate comment from the authorities. Earlier, several hundred demonstrators had gathered for a protest in the Kadikoy neighbourhood on the Asian side of the city, also waving banners as they marched through the streets. "With our demand for an end to violence against women, for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention against femicide... and for social policies that don't place the burden of care on women, we are pursuing our March 8 struggle for democracy, equality, peace and fraternity," Arzu Cerkezoglu, chairwoman of the DISK trade union, told AFP. She was referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 2021 decision to pull Turkey out of the Istanbul Convention, which requires countries to set up laws aimed at preventing and prosecuting violence against women. Turkey does not collate official figures on femicides, leaving the job to women's organisations which collect data on murders and other suspicious deaths from press reports. According to figures gathered by the We Will Stop Femicide Platform rights organisation, at least 1,318 women have been killed by men since Turkey withdrew from the convention in March 2021. vid-bg-hmw/sbk
