Latest news with #WithoutBorders
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
At least 24 martyred, 200 injured near Gaza aid distribution centre in Rafah
3 June 2025 11:27 GAZA (WAM)At least 24 Palestinian civilians were martyred and more than 200 others wounded on Tuesday after Israeli forces opened fire and shelled thousands of displaced people waiting for humanitarian aid west of Rafah city in southern to local reporters, Israeli artillery and warplanes targeted crowds gathered near the aid distribution centre in the vicinity of Al-Alam roundabout, west of victims were among those awaiting desperately needed humanitarian Without Borders confirmed that dozens of Palestinians have been killed at US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution points. The organisation warned that these recent incidents underscore the inhumanity and ineffectiveness of the new aid delivery system, which it described as extremely blood banks nearing depletion, medical teams on the ground were forced to donate blood themselves to help treat the wounded. The organisation stressed that weaponising humanitarian aid in this manner may amount to a crime against Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the new aid mechanism, calling it a 'deadly trap'. He urged Israel to lift the blockade, and allow the United Nations safe and unfettered access to deliver and distribute humanitarian assistance across the Gaza emphasised that the UN must be allowed to carry out independent aid operations to prevent widespread famine, particularly among Gaza's one million children. He also called on Israel to permit international media access to the territory to report on the ongoing noted that under the new system, distribution is limited to just three or four locations, forcing civilians to travel long distances in dangerous conditions. Previously, aid was distributed across 400 sites. So far, 310 UNRWA staff members have been killed since the war October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed 54,470 Palestinians—most of them women and children—and wounded 124,693 others, according to the latest actual death toll is believed to be higher, as many victims remain trapped under rubble or in areas rescue teams cannot access due to continued attacks.
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei briefs Italian women entrepreneurs on UAE's supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship & SME growth
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship participates in a panel discussion hosted by Chair of Milan Stock Exchange Her Excellency Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, participated in a panel discussion titled ' Entrepreneurship Without Borders ,' hosted by Claudia Parzani, Chair of the Milan Stock Exchange. The session, held as part of the third edition of Investopia Europe in Milan, brought together over 100 Italian women entrepreneurs. Discussions focused on developments in the business landscapes of the UAE and Italy and highlighted the importance of empowering women in economic and commercial sectors. During the session, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE's supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship and SME growth, and its role in attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. She also emphasized the country's flexible economic legislation that facilitates the establishment of startups across various sectors and economic activities. Her Excellency noted that the UAE and Italy enjoy a strong and multifaceted economic partnership, underpinned by shared visions for the future economy, including digital and technological sectors. This alignment presents a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation in the field of entrepreneurship, in a manner that supports the strategic goals of both nations. Her Excellency said: 'Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has made it a priority to enhance women's contribution across various economic sectors by encouraging them to launch pioneering projects that drive economic development and support the achievement of greater gender balance. By the end of 2024, the number of commercial licenses held by Emirati women entrepreneurs in the UAE market exceeded 135,000 – reflecting a 23 per cent increase. In the first half of the year alone, nearly 2,000 new companies were established by Emirati businesswomen, underscoring their growing presence and active role in the national business community.' Her Excellency added: 'Small and medium-sized enterprises are a key driver of growth and sustainability of the national economy. They play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE's transition toward a knowledge- and innovation-based economic model, while supporting the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which aims to double the national GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade. In support of this goal, the UAE has launched a range of initiatives and strategies designed to provide SMEs with access to financing, resources, and capabilities that foster business development and global market entry. These efforts are further bolstered by the UAE's strategic geographic location, serving as a vital link between East and West, and North and South.' In this context, Her Excellency briefed attendees on the wide range of services and incentives offered by the UAE's National Program for SMEs, which includes over 25 support measures for entrepreneurs. She also highlighted the 'Future 100' initiative, along with other key components of the UAE's entrepreneurship ecosystem, which are designed to enhance national competitiveness and raise the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30% to 50% by 2031. Among the most prominent initiatives are the Riyada Fund and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council. Furthermore, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei invited Italian women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and launch new ventures in the UAE across various economic sectors, encouraging them to seize the wide array of opportunities available. She emphasized that the UAE has ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025 and has been recognized as the top destination for entrepreneurship and SMEs among 56 economies worldwide. Today, SMEs represent 95 per cent of all companies operating in the UAE. Her Excellency noted that the UAE Ministry of Economy is actively promoting digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies by SMEs, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence. This priority area is being advanced in collaboration with relevant ministries and authorities at both regional and global levels, reflecting the central role of technology and innovation as key pillars of the UAE's future economy.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Turkey: Legal control as a weapon against journalists
Representative Image For years, Turkey has been making international headlines for it's lackluster track record on press freedom and freedom of speech: Turkey is ranked 159th out of 180 in the latest Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. According to the Turkish Journalists' Union, 18 journalists were in prison at the end of March. However, the restrictions on press freedom are by no means limited to imprisonment: Judicial restrictions are also part of a repressive system designed to systematically silence critical voices. Measures including house arrest, bans on leaving the country, and obligations to report regularly to the authorities are increasingly being used as a means of exerting pressure. Originally intended as an alternative to pre-trial detention, they are becoming an instrument of de facto punishment — especially for journalists. Hundreds of journalists are not in prison, but at home, no longer allowed to practice their profession. Recently, many well-known media professionals in Turkey have been subjected to such treatment. A protective measure or an unfair punishment? According to the law, judicial inspections are intended to prevent suspects from escaping or tampering with evidence. They are used in cases where there is a strong suspicion of a crime and officials see a risk of people trying to flee the law or conceal their identities. However, such measures are also increasingly being used in the wake of accusations of libel for example or posting critical social media posts, in other words, for offences that do not fall into the "catalog of crimes" defined in law. Veysel Ok , a lawyer who has represented many journalists in Turkey — including German daily Die Welt correspondent Deniz Yücel — no longer sees judicial control as a straightforward means of safeguarding proceedings, but as a "penalty-like sanction." "By law, these measures may only be imposed if the conditions for imprisonment are met. But this is often ignored in practice," explained Ok. Court orders have now become the norm, he said, especially in cases relating to freedom of expression. "Some are confined to their homes for years and can no longer work as journalists. Even if they are acquitted in the end, they have spent their most productive years under these restrictions," said the lawyer. Even social media posts or political criticism can trigger such measures. Increasing numbers of journalists face restrictions "In the past, this was not so common," said Ok. "Today, control measures are imposed automatically — in political cases, against protesters or even against journalists. Almost everyone under investigation is now subject to some form of restriction." This includes measures such as house arrest or bans on leaving the country, which prevent media professionals from doing their job. These, Ok said, also violate d the decisions of the Constitutional Court . He highlighted the case of activist Nurcan Kaya , in which the court ruled that such measures were only permissible if there were valid grounds for detention. Despite this, the practice continues, he said. These measures have two objectives, explained Ok: "On the one hand, those involved are punished before a verdict has even been reached. The second goal is to create a climate of fear in a society that suppresses freedom of expression." The overcrowded prisons in Turkey also encouraged the spread of judicial control, he explained. "There are currently over 400,000 people in prison. But hundreds of thousands are living in detention-like conditions — in their city or their home. They are not arrested, but controlled — it is a method that has long since become a punishment." A bid to silence potential critics? Erol Onderoglu, the head of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Turkey, is also concerned, viewing the widespread practice of judicial control as a direct attack on the right to free reporting, as well as a curtailing of the population's ability to inform itself freely. According to Onderoglu, judicial inspections should only be applied in exceptional cases, for example when particularly serious accusations have been made. But in Turkey, a simple libel charge or a social media post is now enough to trigger restrictions on journalists. For Onderoglu, the impact of this is clear: "This unlawful practice serves to deliberately harass and intimidate critical journalists. It is an expression of a preemptive will to punish."
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New cafe and gallery to open to support refugees
A new cafe and art gallery is opening in Taunton to provide support to refugees and asylum seekers. The Without Borders cafe is being launched by CHARIS, a charity founded in 2016 that provides resettlement and integration support to displaced individuals. The venue aims to bring together people from different backgrounds, offering food from refugee and asylum seeker communities while also providing opportunities to gain work experience. CHARIS hopes the space will serve as a bridge between refugees and the local community, fostering inclusivity and connection. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Dave Mann, Communications and External Affairs Director at CHARIS Refugees, said they were inspired to open the venue after seeing a rise in demand from people they work with as well as the local community. "We realised how difficult it is, particularly for asylum seekers, who have come over here seeking sanctuary from war and left everything behind," Mr Mann said. "They may be very highly qualified in their own work, but can't transfer those easily to jobs here. "We wanted to create a social enterprise that would give people opportunities to get on to the first rung of the employment ladder and help them get something very positive," he added. CHARIS also provides support to refugees and asylum seekers through its welcome centre in Taunton which includes English classes, drop-in services, interpretation, benefits support, mental health advice and social activities. In past year the charity has worked with more than 1,300 displaced people - including 350 asylum seekers. The cafe is expected to open in June. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Taunton woman is longest-serving KFC worker Ukraine rehoming process inhumane - refugee host New Swindon to Taunton rail firm seeks investment CHARIS Refugees
BBC News
21-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New cafe and gallery to open in Taunton to support refugees
A new cafe and art gallery is opening in Taunton to provide support to refugees and asylum Without Borders cafe is being launched by CHARIS, a charity founded in 2016 that provides resettlement and integration support to displaced venue aims to bring together people from different backgrounds, offering food from refugee and asylum seeker communities while also providing opportunities to gain work experience. CHARIS hopes the space will serve as a bridge between refugees and the local community, fostering inclusivity and connection. Dave Mann, Communications and External Affairs Director at CHARIS Refugees, said they were inspired to open the venue after seeing a rise in demand from people they work with as well as the local community."We realised how difficult it is, particularly for asylum seekers, who have come over here seeking sanctuary from war and left everything behind," Mr Mann said."They may be very highly qualified in their own work, but can't transfer those easily to jobs here. "We wanted to create a social enterprise that would give people opportunities to get on to the first rung of the employment ladder and help them get something very positive," he added. CHARIS also provides support to refugees and asylum seekers through its welcome centre in Taunton which includes English classes, drop-in services, interpretation, benefits support, mental health advice and social activities. In past year the charity has worked with more than 1,300 displaced people - including 350 asylum cafe is expected to open in June.
