Home Blog Page 2639

WHO Meeting Deviates From Coronavirus To Single Out Israel As Violator Of Health Rights

Elizabeth Williams
-
0
WHO Meeting Deviates From Coronavirus To Single Out Israel As Violator Of Health Rights

Deviating from its focus on the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual assembly of the UN’s World Health Organization held a four-hour session focused on Israel, which saw itself condemned in speeches by some 30 delegations, including Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, Malaysia, Lebanon and Venezuela, for allegedly violating the health rights of Palestinians and Syrians in the Golan Heights.

The session concluded with a vote of 78 to 14, with 32 abstentions, to adopt a resolution, co-sponsored by Syria, Cuba, Turkey, Qatar and the Palestinian delegation, requiring the WHO to hold the same debate at next year’s assembly, and to prepare another report on the “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.”

Hillel Neuer, executive director of the Geneva-based United Nations Watch, an independent non-governmental organization that monitors the UN, condemned the “cynical politicization of the world’s top health agency at the expense of focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and other vital global health priorities and emergencies.”

WHO Singles Out Israel, Ignores Syria, Yemen, Venezuela

“Out of 23 items on the current world health assembly’s Agenda, only one, Item 17 targeting Israel, focused on a specific country. There was no agenda item or resolution on any other country, conflict, civil war or political impasse—not on Syria, where hospitals and other medical infrastructure are repeatedly and deliberately bombed by Syrian and Russian forces; not on war-torn Yemen, where 14 million are in dire need of health assistance; and not on Venezuela, where the health system is in a state of collapse and 7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance,” said Neuer.

The Session Falsely Accused Israel of Violating Palestinian & Syrian Health Rights

“Today’s four-hour assault on Israel at the WHO promoted the lie that Israel is harming Palestinian health rights,” said Neuer. “The opposite is true.”

“Despite the conflict, Israel grants entry to tens of thousands of Palestinians who receive top-level medical care at Israeli hospitals. Even the UN’s own Middle East peace envoy hailed Israel’s ‘excellent’ coordination and cooperation with Palestinians amid the coronavirus pandemic,” said Neuer.

“Israeli medical teams coordinate with Palestinian medical professionals to provide training and assistance. Israel transfers medical equipment and has trained dozens of Palestinian doctors, nurses and medical personnel from Gaza,” Neuer added.

Deliberate Political Prosecution of Israel

According to reports on OCHA website, OCHA coordinates global emergency response to save lives and protect people in humanitarian crises, and advocate for effective and principled humanitarian action by all, for all.

”In recent days, we have seen a spike in requests for help from Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank who need medical treatment that is not available locally. These patients, some in critical condition and who require life-saving treatment, have told us that the Palestinian agencies in charge of liaising with the Israeli authorities have stopped transferring exit permit applications that were submitted for medical reasons.”

Patients further reported that the Palestinian Ministry of Health refuses to refer them to Israeli hospitals or cover the cost of treatment in Israel. Consequently, Israeli hospitals have refused to admit back organ transplant patients who have returned to their homes for post-surgery rehabilitation.

Inquiries was made with health care officials in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have revealed that coordination for Palestinian patients was halted on orders issued by the office of Palestinian President Abu Mazen and the Palestinian Prime Minister just days after the president announced all civil and security coordination with Israel would be halted in response to its annexation plans.

Through these inquiries, we have also learned that following the crisis, an alternative coordination mechanism for medical travel began operating in Gaza. Since May 31, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights has taken over coordination for travel in humanitarian and medical cases. The center submits applications directly to the Israeli Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) at Erez Crossing. This is unprecedented. It is the first time since the Oslo Accords that coordination for travel by Gaza Strip residents is done directly between Israel and an independent Palestinian actor unaffiliated with the Palestinian Authority.

UN Says Ethiopian Police Seeking Lists Of Ethnic Tigrayans, As Conflict Boils

Elizabeth Williams
-
0
UN Says Ethiopian Police Seeking Lists Of Ethnic Tigrayans, As Conflict Boils

Ethiopian police visited an office of the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) in Amhara region to request a list of ethnic Tigrayan staff, according to an internal UN security report seen by Reuters on Friday, amid a military offensive that has killed hundreds and shaken the wider Horn of Africa region.

The local police chief informed them of “the order of identifying ethnic Tigrayans from all government agencies and NGOs,” the report said, underlining fears over the ethnic undertones to federal troops’ push against the leaders of Tigray province in north Ethiopia which borders Amhara.

Federal troops’ 10-day push against the northern state has sent refugees flooding into Sudan and raised fears it may suck in Eritrea or weaken an African force opposing Islamist militants in Somalia if Ethiopia diverts troops from there.

It may also blemish the reputation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for a 2018 peace pact with Eritrea and had won plaudits for opening Ethiopia’s economy and easing a repressive political system.

Abiy accuses the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which rules the mountainous region of more than five million people, of treason and terrorism. They say he has systematically persecuted Tigrayans since taking office in April 2018.

The conflict began last week when Abiy says the TPLF attacked a military base, since when his army has been carrying out air strikes and ground combat which the government says has “liberated” west Tigray.

On Friday, Ethiopia sought to tighten its grip on the rebellious Tigray region by appointing a new local leader.

Tik Tok Getting Banned In The US!

faith Jegede
-
0
Tik Tok Getting Banned In The US!

Major news outlets have verified that the latest viral social media application TikTok, is facing literal “deportation” from the US. The popular Chinese app has faced several allegations including data misappropriation.
In July of 2020, President Donald Trump was quoted to have said
“It’s a big business. Look, what happened with China with this virus, what they’ve done to this country and to the entire world is disgraceful.”
“We’re gonna keep looking at TikTok; we’re thinking about making a decision because there’s no question what the Big Tech companies are doing is very bad”

An executive order was made on August 6th, effectively banning TikTok unless it was sold to an American buyer. Top TikTok executives then filled a lawsuit against the president.
There’s no denying that the tussle is political and the popular application is caught up in what is essentially a tech war between China and the United States.
There are major concerns over the app’s data collection policies and according to the New York Times and Bloomberg, the app is collecting data from children under the age of 13 without any parental permission which is a reach of many privacy laws.
Secretary of state, Michael Pompeo asked that Americans do not download the app if they wanted to protect their private information from the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”

The next question is, is TikTok Tactually collecting and storing personal data? Not according to the company, whose spokesperson tried to justify the allegations with the companies leadership.
“TikTok is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the U.S. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government nor would we do so if asked.”

But does TikTok have the ability to protect people’s information from the Chinese government?

India has already banned the app claiming that the app engaged in activities that were “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India’


A few short months after taking control of the company, CEO Kevin Mayer sent a memo to staff revealing his intent to resign, citing the political environment, He wrote:

“In recent weeks, as the political environment has sharply changed, I have done significant reflection on what the corporate structural changes will require and what it means for the global role I signed up for. Against this backdrop, and as we expect to reach a resolution very soon, it is with a heavy heart that I wanted to let you all know that I have decided to leave the company.”

Now, TikTok might be pulled from American app stores pretty soon as the partnership with Oracle that was supposed to save them from the November 12th deadline did not come through.
Other countries that have banned the app include Pakistan.

BREAKING: Kwara state gears up to stop Saraki, other ex-governors’ pensions

Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
-
0
BREAKING: Kwara state gears up to stop Saraki, other ex-governors’ pensions

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has said he will initiate measure to repeal the law that awards pension to all former governors and their deputies that have served in the state.

Abdulrazaq disclosed this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Friday.

The governor said he would Initiate a bill to the State House of Assembly that passed the law that former governors and their deputies be paid pension to repeal the law.

The Kwara State House of Assembly in 2011 passed a bill to pay pensions to governors and their deputies who have completed their tenure in the state.

Among the past governors of the state are the late Mohammed Lawal, Bukola Saraki, and Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The statement read in part, “Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will next week send a bill to the State House of Assembly requesting the lawmakers to immediately repeal the law awarding pension packages to former governors and former deputy governors.

“The Governor has listened to voices of the majority of the citizens opposing the pension law for former governors and deputy governors. In line with his campaign mantra and as a product of democracy himself, he will be sending a bill to the House of Assembly next week requesting them to repeal the law.

“As representatives of the people, the lawmakers would exercise their discretion to call a public hearing on the topic to further harvest wider opinions on the topic.

“However, the Governor feels it is time for the law as it is to give way. He would rather commit scarce public funds to tackle the question of poverty and youth unemployment.”

Petrol Price Hike: IPMAN directs members to sell fuel at N170 per litre

Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
-
0
Petrol Price Hike: IPMAN directs members to sell fuel at N170 per litre

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Kano branch has directed its members across the state to sell Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from N168 to N170 per litre.

The Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) had on Thursday, November 12, 2020, released a circular, advising the petroleum marketers to sell petrol within the range of N168 per litre to N170 per litre after a review of the prevailing market fundamentals for the month of November 2020 with effect from Friday, 13th November 2020.

However, the Chairman of IPMAN Kano branch, comprising Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa and the Katsina States, Bashir Dan-Mallam, gave the directive while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday.

According to him, the association heeded to PPMC advice for the upward review of the pump price of petrol as contained in the circular.

The circular dated 11th November 2020 signed by EDC, Ali Tijjani R., said the PPMC ex-coastal price is N130 per litre while the ex-deport price is now N155. 17 per litre with effect from 13th November 2020.

“I call on all our members within our branch to immediately change the price of their litres from N160 per litre to between N168 and N170 per litre.

”This development came after we received a circular from PPMC, advising us on the upward review of the price after it reviewed the market fundamentals gorgeous the month of November 2020.

He assured the public of the association’s commitment to ensure steady fuel supply across the state and beyond.

Bavarian Innkeeper Opens Drive-Through Christmas Market, Sells Experience

Koko Lawrence
-
0
Bavarian Innkeeper Opens Drive-Through Christmas Market, Sells Experience

One Bavarian innkeeper has opened a drive-through Christmas market, complete with artificial snow that falls as you come in, defying the odds of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 2,500 Christmas markets are usually held in Germany in the lead-up to the holiday, drawing millions of visitors who sip mulled wine and buy trinkets among wooden huts. But most markets are likely to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic, including Nuremberg’s world-famous “Christkindlesmarkt.”

Five months after Patrick Schmidt condensed the Bavarian “Dult” folk festival experience into a drive-through delight during the first wave of the pandemic, he is now trying to recreate the Christmas market feeling while sticking to guidelines for social distancing.

“It was a spontaneous idea because of the second lockdown. I thought the Dult drive-in also worked so why not a Christmas market drive-in?” he beamed at the market’s opening on Thursday in Landshut, some 60 km (37 mile) northeast of Munich.

“We don’t just sell a crepe or a pack of roasted almonds, we sell an experience.”

Nollywood: AGN appoints Sam Dede head of Disciplinary Committee

Koko Lawrence
-
0
Nollywood: AGN appoints Sam Dede head of Disciplinary Committee

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has appointed veteran Nollywood thespian, Sam Dede, as Chairman of its Disciplinary-Committee.

Monalisa Chinda-Coker, the guild’s Director of Communications, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to her, the disciplinary committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring law and order in the body and to ensure that actors uphold ethical standards.

Chinda-Coker listed other members of the committee as: Lilian Amah-Aluko, Tricia Esigbe, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Adigizi Bala, Clarion Chukwura, and Funsho Adeolu.

The new chairman, Sam Dede,  is also a director, politician and lecturer. He has appeared in more than 350 films mostly in supporting roles in a career spanning over 20 years. He is nicknamed as “Ebube” for his lead role in the film Issakaba.

Nigerian Dance Veteran Kaffy gets Honorary Doctorate

Koko Lawrence
-
0
Nigerian Dance Veteran Kaffy gets Honorary Doctorate

In recognition of the influence of her arts, Nigerian dance veteran and Guinness World Record champion, Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy has been awarded Honorary Doctorate by Escae Benin University, one of the top 10 universities in the Republic of Benin.

The award was conferred in recognition of Kaffy’s giant strides as a pioneer in the business of dance in Africa.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Lagos presided by officials of the institution and witnessed by colleagues and well-wishers of the Guinness World Record champion.

Registrar of the institution, Matthew Godwin Mario, commented on the outstanding contributions kaffy has made in the creative industry.

He said” “The President/ Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Directors, and staff of our institution decided to confer on you an Honorary Doctorate award. This award cuts across Africa and the rest of the world.

The award comes as Kaffy brokered a health insurance deal with Avon HMO for all dancers and creative entrepreneurs.

Kaffy said the award is just an icing on the cake for her because of how people taunted her and wondered if she could amount to anything with dance.

Are you a control freak?

webmaster
-
0
Are you a control freak?

There are so many people out there these days that will do anything to control others and this happens everywhere: in relationships, marriages, at the workplace, and in friendships. They are even apparent in politics and religion. A thirst for control is rampant in our society and we can’t change what we do not acknowledge.

Are you a control freak? How do you know if you are too controlling?

Oftentimes, we think we’re being “helpful” and imparting wisdom the other person may not have. We also may assume we’re usually correct in our thinking and that the other person is wrong. 

In other situations, the controlling person is trying to control their own behaviour. It can be the food they’re eating or behaviours they’re trying to change. 

If the control affects you alone, you are not controlling. If you want everyone around you to do what you say, you have moved into “control issues.” And a constant need to control others is where the “freak” part comes out.

To find out whether you fall in the control freak category, answer these questions honestly.

1. Do you set the agenda and then expect others to do what you want?

All of us have worked for a tyrant at some point in our lives. Tyrants, like control freaks, want their way and they are very clear about what their way is.

If you’re usually setting the agenda for yourself and others, and leave little to no room for what other people want, you are being very controlling.

2. Do you think anyone who disagrees with you is “wrong”?

If you find yourself saying, “No, things need to be done ‘this’ way” (which is your way), you have a control issue.

There are many ways to solve a problem or reach an outcome, and one way is not necessarily the only or even the best way. You are stuck thinking that you know best if this is how you handle conflict.

3. Do you usually negotiate solely to get your own way without hearing what others are saying?

If you’re unable to negotiate and come up with a solution that works for all involved, you have a control issue. The issue is not the “other people,” the issue is you and your inability to compromise.

When you’re unable to entertain and honor other ideas or suggestions, you limit your own growth and learning. The more out of control a person feels, the more controlling they usually become.

Asking, instead of dictating, gives the other person a choice.

You can move out of overly controlling behavior by following these steps:

1. Open up to other people’s perspectives.

Valuing others’ ideas and input, then discussing things openly and honestly without attack, can bring solutions to light.

2. Listen to understand (not to respond).

Understanding someone else and their perception is imperative in coming up with solutions that work for all involved.

3. Admit you have an issue.

When you realize there is no one else to blame but yourself for the way you see things, you are able to change yourself.

Control is not the answer. Listening, understanding, and loving others more is the answer. If we really want change in our lives, we must give up on the things we can’t control.

You can only change yourself, and when you do, everything around you changes.

5 activities that will stimulate your newborn’s development

webmaster
-
0
5 activities that will stimulate your newborn’s development

Your newborn is born with every brain cell she will ever have for life. To master her world, she needs to form connections between these brain cells. Those connections begin to develop from the last few weeks in utero. From birth to 18 months, connections occur at a rate of 1 million per second!

Initially, having very little control over her movements, your baby will overcome her involuntary reflexes, generate muscle tone and activate balance reactions to gain control of her movements.

Primitive reflexes

In the early weeks, primitive reflexes control your baby’s movements. During this period, these reflexes affect your baby’s movement so there is very little voluntary movement.

The grasp reflex keeps her hands clasped most of the time. By 8 weeks her hands are open some of the time so that by 4 months she can reach or grasp with them.

The Moro, or startle reflex, is elicited in response to her head falling backwards and results in her hands clasping into fists and her arms flying outwards and then inwards.

When she turns her head to one side, the ATNR, or fencing reflex, causes the arm and leg on that side to stretch out. This reflex is the start of eye-hand co-ordination as it allows your baby to see her hand. At this age she can only focus on objects 20cm away (close to her arm’s length).

Stimulating your newborn’s development

The way to enhance your baby’s development, is to stimulate her. In the newborn days, less is more, and for most babies, just being alive is enough stimulation.

However, these are the top 5 activities you should do with your newborn:

  • Place your baby under a mobile. Watching black, white and red (or other contrasting colours) develops visual focus. Your newborn can see 20cm at birth and needs to develop her intraocular muscles for 20/20 vision.
  • At birth, your baby is curled up in a position we call physiological flexion, and her first movement task is to strengthen and develop her back and neck muscles. She learns to do this by spending time on her tummy when she’s awake. Place your baby on her tummy for at least 5 minutes at a stretch every time she is awake. She will have to strengthen her neck muscles to lift her head and look around her. This is an essential precursor to rolling and crawling as it develops her extensor muscle tone.
  • Talk, talk, talk. Speak to your baby a lot – when she feeds or has her nappy changed or is playing between sleeps. Hearing language in the context of a relationship exponentially enhances language development AND intelligence.
  • Baby Massage is a wonderful activity for many reasons. It enhances your baby’s sense of her body, which is linked to motor planning and intelligence. Massage is calming for fractious little ones. Baby massage improves bonding and connection between parent and baby. It also enhances sleep. So, for many reasons, set aside 10 minutes after your baby’s morning nap for a baby massage.
  • Finally, and most importantly, you are your baby’s best toy. Touch, laugh, talk, and make eye contact! Engage with your baby – it’s the best thing you can do!
1...2,6382,6392,640...2,666Page 2,639 of 2,666