Photo : Reuters/ Guardian
By Ken B Varghese and Govind Anoop
BELARUS
Report on Human Right issues released by jointly with Russia
On 20 June, Russia and Belarus released a joint report on the human rights situation in over 40 countries. The reports were published on the websites of their respective Foreign Ministries and looked at several EU countries, the UK, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine and Moldova. In an address to the reader in the report, both Yuri Ambrazevich, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and Sergei Vershinin, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the Western ‘model democracies’ have shown racist and neo-colonial views. The report looked at past and present examples to portray the “negative human practices and trends”. The authors also highlighted the double standards seen in the assessment of the events and observed that authorities in Western nations were attempting to “justify their failure to act by hypocritically claiming the allegedly absolute nature of the right to freedom of expression”. Some of the accusations brought up include systemic racism, police misconduct and unilateral sanctions in the US, neo-Nazi propaganda being spread in Ukraine and the treatment of migrants by Poland. (“Belarus, Russia issue joint report on human rights situation in certain countries”, Belta, 20 June 2024)
GERMANY
Government investigates into third country asylum processes
On 20 June, Deutsche Welle reported on the German government studied the asylum process in other countries, in order to find a model that would be best for its own use. This is based on the UK’s plans for asylum procedures in Rwanda and Italy's agreement for asylum procedures in Albania, however its skeptical about the transferability due to the Germany's high legal and practical restrictions. Nancy Faeser, Interior Minister said that the third world country processed asylum claims as it could be a building block for Germany’s migration policy. Although she said that it might not change the migration situation in Germany or impact the number of asylum seekers in the country. This was due to confusion over a country's willingness to accept asylum seekers from Germany. Stephan Weil, Lower Saxony Premier, remained doubtful regarding outsourcing the asylum seekers. He advised that such an investigation must lead to a positive result. While Hesse Premier Boris Rhein was convinced that the federal and state governments “will not stop at expert opinions" but will now present "models and concrete proposals for implementation." She also added that this would be a “milestone” for Germany. (“Germany to examine asylum processing in third countries,” Deutsche Welle, 20 June 2024)
HUNGARY
Heatwaves trigger emergency warning
On 20 June, Hungary Today reported on the heatwaves across the nation, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius and a level three heat warning being in force. The warning has resulted in water being distributed among travellers in train and bus stations. Government employees have received sunscreen, chilled water and caps due to their long hours under the sun. The homeless have also been given protection by providing facilities to offer shade and places to cool off. A “Code Red” has been declared, thus deeming the heatwave as an emergency in the southern and northern counties of the country. Attila Fülöp, Secretary of State for Welfare Policy at the Ministry of the Interior, stated that the warning is for both social institutions and the public. (“Heat on the Rise; Highest Warning Level in Effect”, Hungary Today, 20 June 2024)
RUSSIA
Kaspersky antivirus banned from further sales and update in the US market
On 20 June, Kaspersky, a Russian antivirus company, will no longer sell or even update their software in the US market. This move comes due to the rise of fear Cyber attacks by the Russians. Gina Raimonda stated that the company’s ties with Russia poses a huge risk to its large US customer base. He said: "Russia has shown it has the capacity and... the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today." The ban would be implemented by 29 September giving enough times to find alternatives for companies relying on Kaspersky. Whereas, Kaspersky stated that its activities would not threaten the US national security and claimed US decision to be based on geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns and the company would take legal action against this. This comes under the many reports that concern the US regarding many Russian cyber attacks and manipulation. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, it was banned in the federal network in 2017 due to its ties over Russian intelligence. While the Biden administration warned many companies that Kaspersky software could be under Russian influence. (“US bans Kaspersky antivirus software over Russia ties,” Deutsche Welle, 20 June 2024)
SWEDEN
Former Syrian General accused for war crimes
On 20 June, Swedish Court accused the former Syrian General of war crimes. During 2012 Syrian civil war, Brigadier General Mohammed Hamo was the highest rank Syrian Military official to go for trial in Europe. He was accused of “aiding and abetting” during the Syrian civil war and the charges were related to an attack on several town or places in the area in and around town Hama and Homs during 01 January and 20 July 2012. The Stockholm's district court found no good evidence on involvement of Homo in war or his role in providing any weapons to use during the conflict. While the Judge Katarina Fabian said: “The main issues in the case are whether the 11th Division of the Syrian Army participated in indiscriminate attacks in certain areas and whether the defendant participated in arming the division in those attacks." The Chief Prosecutor Karoline Wieslander said: "It's a really hard case to investigate considering the fact that the country was still at war and was hard to gather evidence." While senior legal advisor Aida Samani, who monitored the trial, emphasised the importance of the trial. (Syrian general acquitted of war crimes by Swedish court,” Deutsche Welle, 20 June 2024)
THE NETHERLANDS
Prime minister Mark Rutte to head NATO
On 20 June, Klaus Iohannis, Romanian President of Romania, backed off clearing war for Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister to become the next new NATO chief. Klaus said that his country defence Council will have strong support for Mark Rutte as a alliance's secretary general. Council members said: "Declared themselves in favor of Romania's support for the Dutch prime minister's candidacy." The nomination of a NATO head requires consensus from all 32 alliance members and every member has agreed to support Rutte. However, Hungry and Slovakia have not approved it. Though he was a strong supporter of Ukraine, his governance lost the coalition in 2023 but he quickly gained support from NATO major leaders the US, France, Britain and Germany. Many EU leaders are concerned over Trump's win and the reduction of US support to Ukraine and NATO. The US congress has approved USD 60 billion for new military funding for Ukraine. (“Dutch PM Mark Rutte set to become new NATO chief,” Deutsche Welle, 20 June 2024)