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Ein 18-jähriger Autofahrer ist am Sonntagabend im Harderband-Tunnel zwischen Bauen und Isleten UR verunglückt. Er wurde dabei erheblich verletzt.

MTI: Földrengés volt Pécstől keletre hétfőn (8. 19.) reggel, a 2,2-es erősségű földmozgást a lakosság is észlelhette - tájékoztatta a HUN-REN Földfizikai és Űrtudományi Kutatóintézet Kövesligethy Radó Szeizmológiai Obszervatóriuma az MTI-t. Helyi idő szerint 7:10 órakor 2,2-es magnitúdójú földrengés keletkezett a Baranya megyei Pécstől mintegy 15 kilométerre keletre. Az epicentrum közelében a lakosság esetlegesen érezhette a földmozgást, de erről egyelőre nem érkezett bejelentés.

Programmée pour le 22 juillet dernier, la mise en service du navire Tassili II ne s’est pas déroulée comme prévu. Depuis son retour du chantier […]

L’article Traversées Oran – Marseille : Algérie Ferries annonce un nouveau changement dans son programme est apparu en premier sur .

MTI: Az orosz és belorusz állampolgárok bevonása a Nemzeti Kártya-programba semmifajta biztonsági kockázatot nem jelent a schengeni övezet szempontjából, mert a Magyarországra történő belépéshez és az itt tartózkodáshoz továbbra is átfogó ellenőrzésen kell átesniük – írta vasárnap (8. 18.) reggel az ágyból kiugorva Szijjártó Péter magyar külügyminiszter a Facebookon.

Central Downtown Astana with Bayterek tower. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

By Katsuhiro Asagiri
TOKYO/ASTANA, Aug 19 2024 (IPS)

In a world increasingly shadowed by the threat of nuclear conflict, Kazakhstan is stepping up its efforts in the global disarmament movement. On August 27-28, 2024, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Kazakhstan will host a critical workshop in Astana. This gathering, the first of its kind in five years, is set to reinvigorate the five existing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) and enhance cooperation and consultation among them.

This initiative aligns with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s Agenda for Disarmament, particularly Action 5, which emphasizes the strengthening of NWFZs through enhanced collaboration between zones, urging nuclear-armed states to respect relevant treaties, and supporting the establishment of new zones, such as in the Middle East. This effort reflects the global community’s ongoing push to reduce the nuclear threat and foster regional and global peace.

Kazakhstan’s Historical Commitment to Disarmament

Kazakhstan’s vision for a nuclear-free world is deeply rooted in its leadership in global disarmament efforts. This vision is not just aspirational; it is grounded in the country’s lived experience of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. The Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan, often referred to as “the Polygon,” was the site of 456 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union between 1949 and 1989. These tests exposed over 1.5 million people to radiation, resulting in severe health consequences, including cancer and birth defects, as well as environmental degradation.

Kazakhstan’s dedication to disarmament is further highlighted by its initiative to establish August 29 as the International Day against Nuclear Tests, recognized by the United Nations. This date commemorates both the first Soviet nuclear test at Semipalatinsk in 1949 and the closure of the site in 1991, serving as a reminder of the horrors of nuclear testing and a call to action for the global community.

The Role of NWFZs in Global Security

NWFZs are critical components of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. There are five established NWFZs, created through treaties: Treaty of Tlatelolco (Latin America and the Caribbean), Treaty of Rarotonga (South Pacific), Treaty of Bangkok (Southeast Asia), Treaty of Pelindaba (Africa), Treaty of Semey (Central Asia) In addition, Mongolia’s unique status as a self-declared nuclear-weapon-free state, recognized through a United Nations General Assembly resolution, exemplifies a national commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

These zones prohibit the presence of nuclear weapons within their territories, reinforced by international verification and control systems. NWFZs play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability, reducing the risk of nuclear conflict, and promoting global disarmament.

Astana Workshop: A Critical Gathering for Disarmament

The upcoming workshop in Astana is a critical opportunity for states-parties to the five NWFZ treaties, alongside representatives from international organizations, to engage in vital discussions aimed at overcoming the challenges facing these zones. This gathering is particularly timely, given the escalating geopolitical tensions in regions where nuclear capabilities remain central to national security.

A key focus of the workshop will be on enhancing cooperation among the NWFZs, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. This includes facilitating consultation between the zones and encouraging nuclear-armed states to adhere to the protocols of these treaties. The workshop builds on the 2019 seminar titled “Cooperation Among Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia,” co-organized by UNODA and Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan(Astana), which produced key recommendations aimed at revitalizing cooperation among NWFZs.

Participants will discuss strategies to advance the objectives of NWFZs, with an emphasis on strengthening security benefits for member states and fostering more robust consultation mechanisms. The workshop will also address the challenges posed by the reluctance of certain nuclear-armed states, particularly the United States, to ratify protocols related to several NWFZ treaties. Despite being a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the U.S. has yet to ratify protocols to treaties covering the South Pacific (Treaty of Rarotonga), Africa (Treaty of Pelindaba), and Central Asia. This reluctance has impeded the full realization of the security benefits these zones could offer.

Kazakhstan’s Leadership in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Kazakhstan’s role in nuclear disarmament extends beyond NWFZs to include leadership in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). In March 2025, Kazakhstan will host the 3rd Meeting of State Parties to the TPNW at the United Nations, further solidifying its position as a champion of nuclear disarmament.

Kazakhstan has been a vocal advocate of the TPNW and has actively pushed for the creation of an international fund to support victims of nuclear testing and remediate environments affected by nuclear activities, in line with Articles 6 and 7 of the treaty.

The Vienna Action Plan, developed during the First Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW（１MSP）, outlines actions for implementing these articles, including exploring the feasibility of an international trust fund and encouraging affected states parties to assess the impacts of nuclear weapons use and testing and to develop national plans for implementation.

At the Second Meeting of States Parties (2MSP), co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, progress was made, but challenges remain. The informal working group on victim assistance, environmental remediation, and international cooperation presented a report, and its mandate was renewed, with the goal of submitting recommendations for the establishment of an international trust fund at the 3rd Meeting of States Parties (3MSP). Kazakhstan’s leadership in this area underscores its commitment to addressing the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons, drawing from its own experience with the devastating consequences of nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk.

Civil Society’s Crucial Role

As a part of the two day event, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) from Japan and the Center for International Security and Policy (CISP) will hold a side event in the evening of September 28 to screen the documentary “I Want to Live On: The Untold Stories of the Polygon,” highlighting the survivors of nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk. This documentary, produced by CISP with SGI’s support, was first shown at the UN during the second meeting of state parties to the TPNW in 2023. This side event is part of a broader initiative by SGI and Kazakhstan, which have co-organized several events focusing on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons at UN, Vienna, and Astana in recent years.

Also coinciding with the Astana workshop, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) will hold a conference convening civil society organizations and activists including Hibakusha from some countries. This confluence of governmental and civil society efforts in Astana marks a significant moment in the global disarmament movement. While diplomats and state representatives discuss policy and cooperation during the official workshop, the parallel activities organized by civil society will amplify the humanitarian message and emphasize the urgent need for a world free of nuclear weapons.

As global tensions rise, the Astana workshop represents a beacon of hope, a critical moment in the global journey toward disarmament. Through cooperation, dialogue, and a shared commitment to peace, the dream of a world free of nuclear weapons remains within reach. Kazakhstan, with the support of the international community, is at the forefront of this vital effort.

INPS Japan/IPS UN Bureau

 

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Vor zwanzig Jahren erschoss Antonio Riano einen 25-jährigen Mann vor einer Bar und flüchtete. Erst jetzt wurde der mittlerweile 72-Jährige gefasst. Der Gesuchte war in Mexiko ausgerechnet als Ordnungshüter tätig.

Beim FC Luzern kommts zu einem Führungswechsel: Stefan Wolf, Geschäftsführer des Super-Ligisten, wird den Klub per Ende Jahr verlassen.

L'initiative populaire de la Jeunesse socialiste suscite l'émoi. Or selon notre sondage, le texte aura du mal à passer la rampe.

Die Thurgauer Staatsanwaltschaft hat gegen einen 35-jährigen Deutschen Anklage erhoben. Er soll mit besonders aggressiven Verkaufsmethoden und irreführenden Angaben bei mehr als 150 betagten Personen den Abschluss von Verträgen erwirkt haben.

Lovakat gázolt el egy autós a 26-os számú főúton Sajószentpéter és Sajóbábony között hétfőn (8. 19.) hajnalban. Az ütközés következtében a sofőr kirepült az autóból, a járműben rekedt utas pedig elhunyt, továbbá három ló is elpusztult.

Die Grasshoppers besiegen Regensdorf im Cup mit 9:0 und treffen nun auf Thun. Trainer Marco Schällibaum lobt die Spieler und hofft, dass der Sieg das Selbstvertrauen stärkt. Über 3000 Fans feierten trotz Regen ein Fussballfest.

574616 Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE enhanced the knowledge and practical skills of 20 criminal analysis officers from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) by providing a training on the use of specialized analytical software in investigating criminal threats. The event took place from 13 to 15 August in Kyiv.

Criminal analysis is crucial to effectively fight organized crime, including the trafficking of firearms and explosives, drug smuggling and human trafficking. As part of their work, SBGS analysts find hidden links between individual suspects and groups, detecting suspicious processes, collecting evidences and unveiling the ‘modus operandi’ of criminals.

The training course is the final stage of a comprehensive initiative that also included the provision of relevant software solution and hardware, as well as their deployment, integration and testing.

“Be it fight against illicit trafficking in weapons or other forms of organized crime, the role of criminal analysts is equally high. By implementing this project activity, the OSCE contributes not only to the SBGS’s law enforcement capabilities, but to the safety and security of people in Ukraine and in the region. Today it is important as never before,” noted Andrii Treus, Head of the SBGS Department for criminal analysis.

These activities are part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “In Support of Strengthening Capacities of Ukrainian Authorities in Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking in Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives in All Its Aspects”, funded by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Slovakia.

La faîtière syndicale déplore une baisse des salaires réels depuis trois ans et évoque une «crise historique» face au renchérissement du coût de la vie.

Nach 94 Länderspielen tritt Yann Sommer aus der Nati zurück. Das Ende einer Ära, denn keiner prägte diese Position so stark wie er.

Die deutsche Exportindustrie kommt nicht in Schwung. Zum Halbjahr steht auch bei den Einfuhren ein deutliches Minus. Vor allem die grossen Branchen schwächeln.

Ein vermeintlicher Pottwal erschreckt am Montagmorgen Passanten in Zürich. Bilder zeigen eine realistisch aussehende Figur, die am Utoquai gestrandet zu sein scheint. Es handelt sich jedoch um eine Attrappe. Was dahinter steckt.

ENTWURF EINER STELLUNGNAHME zu dem Entwurf des Gesamthaushaltsplans der Europäischen Union für das Haushaltsjahr 2025
Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten
Hilde Vautmans

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Trotz wirtschaftlicher Erholung und steigender Produktivität geraten Schweizer Arbeitnehmende immer stärker unter Druck. Seit drei Jahren sinken die Reallöhne, während die Lebenshaltungskosten steigen. Gewerkschaften fordern nun Lohnerhöhungen von bis zu vier Prozent.

MTI: Vegyesen alakult a forint árfolyama hétfő reggel a péntek esti jegyzéséhez képest a nemzetközi devizapiacon. Az euró jegyzése hét órakor 394,92 forintra erősödött a péntek esti 394,58 forintról, a dolláré 358,83 forintról 357,75 forintra csökkent, a svájci franké pedig 413,07 forintról 413,97 forintra emelkedett.

A mother and her 9-month-old daughter visit a health center run by Action Against Hunger in the Tando Muhammad Khan NSC district. Credit: Action Against Hunger

By Muhammad Aamir
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug 19 2024 (IPS)

In May, temperatures soared above 52° Celsius (125.6° Fahrenheit) in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh. To cope, Samina Kanwal, a community health worker with Action Against Hunger, began work at 7:00 am — the earliest time possible given neighborhood security protocols — to travel door-to-door helping vulnerable with the health consequences of extreme heat including heatstroke, difficulties with brain function, and even hunger.

Of course, these consequences extend beyond Pakistan with the world experiencing the hottest day ever recorded this summer. The health implications are real — and they are growing with the heat.

Heat is a Health Risk

Over time, heat strains the body as it tries to cool itself, worsening chronic conditions from asthma to diabetes. It is also causes pregnancy and birth complications, with the rates of premature births increasing after heat waves.

Heat-related illness occurs because of exposure to high temperatures. Heatstroke can develop in just a few hours and can involve seizures, heart complications, and brain swelling, with high fatality rates. In fact, heat-related deaths worldwide increased by 74% from 1980 to 2016, and researchers attribute nearly 40% of those deaths to climate change.

A drought and a heat wave hit the Baluchistan region of Pakistan in June 2024. Credit Action Against Hunger

Diarrhea – the third leading cause of death in children younger than five in average temperatures – is much more severe in extreme heat when the symptoms of severe dehydration and fluid loss are compounded. While people typically are advised to drink more fluids as temperatures rise, that assumes access to clean water, which isn’t the case for more than 2 billion people worldwide.

Brain health is impacted by extreme heat: cognitive function decreases as temperatures rise. One study found that for every degree above 22° Celsius (72° Fahrenheit), standardized test scores fell 0.2% — assuming that school takes place at all. In communities with limited resources, climate-controlled buildings are rare. To protect students, Pakistan’s Punjab province closed schools for a week this summer, leaving 52% of school-age children at home.

Mental health also suffers due to extreme heat. Hot days are associated with higher risk of emergency room visits for substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia. Studies show that every 1° increase in temperature can increase suicide rates. The effects are pronounced in agricultural areas, where heat damages crops and economic prospects.

During May’s heatwave, the need for antibiotics and antipyretics (also known as fever reducers) became so great that Action Against Hunger, local authorities, and other partners quickly came together to prevent shortages and manage other health risks, like filling and carrying jugs of clean water. To reduce the impacts on the women and girls that this task typically falls to, we expanded shaded areas around community water sources.

Heat and Hunger

Drought and crop failure are obvious consequences of heat that impact food accessibility. High temperatures can dry soil, lowering crop yields and driving up food prices. These impacts become more widespread as climate change accelerates, and it’s already impacting nutrition among vulnerable populations.

Extreme heat intensified chronic and acute malnutrition in multiple West African countries, an area vulnerable to deadly heat waves. Over a 90 day period, just 14 days of temperatures between 86 and 95° led to a 2.2% increase in child “wasting,” which happens when a child loses muscle and fat tissue, becoming too thin for their height.

For every 100 hours of exposure to a temperature above 95° Fahrenheit, the “stunting rate” among children — where a child is too short for their age — increased by 5.9%.

Today, one in four children is undernourished. But researchers have warned that if the global temperature increases by 2°, the rate of stunting due to heat exposure will nearly double. Without a concerted effort from the global community to mitigate climate change, the world is on track to surpass this threshold, leading to devastating health impacts for children, families, and communities.

Low-income countries will feel these effects the most, as most poorer nations are located in regions that will be two to five times more susceptible to heat waves than richer countries by the 2060s. These challenges are compounded by other climate impacts: Pakistan, one of the countries most impacted by climate change, suffered drought followed by historic flooding that submerged crops and killed thousands of livestock that people rely on for basic food and income.

This zig-zag between extremes has left more than two million people in need of emergency assistance. The climate crisis is a health crisis. Paradoxically, heatmakes it harder to engage in protective measures. And health systems are not well prepared to deal with an additional influx of patients alongside the burden that heat waves place on everything from supply chains to the power grid.

Solutions for the Future

The good news is that efforts are underway to create more climate-resilient health systems. Leaders increasingly recognize the need for a “one health” approach that acts on the interconnections between human and environmental health. We also need to ensure that the links between heat and hunger are central to that agenda.

Developing climate change early action plans and leading simulation exercises for key stakeholders is crucial to a solution. We have implemented programs, for example, that contributed to agricultural benefits over time: farmers were able to store 15% additional seeds for the next cultivation cycle, and preservation practices of rice and wheat stock improved by 100%.

Beneficiaries also reported a 25% decrease in soil-related issues due to flooding, which shows that the program had a positive impact on mitigating the effects of climate disasters. The introduction of irrigation systems and water management techniques helped farmers overcome weather-related challenges.

Solutions like income generation opportunities, promotion of climate-smart agriculture practices, climate-friendly irrigation systems, provision of treatment for severely malnourished children, and additive health services will be key to creating a sustainable and thriving world amid increasing temperatures.

Muhammad Aamir is Pakistan Country Director, Action Against Hunger

IPS UN Bureau

 

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