Daily Archives: May 2, 2023

Worried by hike in petroleum products, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is to set up taskforce of workers on Petroleum Products Monitoring.

The NLC Chairperson in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Sunny James disclosed this in his May Day speechto workers in the stateyesterday.

He said the monitoring was going to be in collaboration with government agency to stem the tide of unnecessary price increase and diversion of petroleum products by marketers in the State.

He said that labour would not hesitate to picket any filling station found culpable.

James decried a situation in the state where a litre of fuel goes between N240 to N270 as against the federal governments approved new pump price of N185 per litre.

He said it was worrisome that in spite of the state being oil producing state, some marketers even sell up to N400 per litre ncident the last two months.

He said that labour would no longer tolerate any such oppression of workers by shylock marketers for continuously inflicting pains on the people

Henceforth, we shall not hesitate to picket any filling station found culpable,in unnecessary price increases and diversion of their products meant for the state to unknown location will be resisted

We hereby insist that petro and other refined products must be sold at government approved price in Akwa Ibom going forward, James said.

The NLC chairperson called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Uyo office, to release and make funds available to commercial banks for payment at the counter and in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to alleviate the suffering of the workers and masses.

He warned that the union would not tolerate any more act of impoverishment of workers and the Akwa Ibom people by Point of Sale (POS) agents who derived happiness in making naira to appreciate in the POS market.

James appealed to the Governor Udom Emmanuel to make funds available to assist the Local Government sector to clear all outstanding leave grant to primary school teachers and the local government workers to bring them at par with the State workers, who were expecting the payment of 2023 leave grant.

The state governor in an address assured the NLC that the consequential pensions adjustment of retirees was being worked on, and all outstanding pensions and the allowances of medical doctors on housemanship would be cleared before he vacates office on May 29.

Emmanuel said the disagreement on promotion arrears of 2011 2016 for teachers would be sorted out.

He added that government was waiting for the data on 7.5 per cent contributory pensions and would begin the process of refund as soon as the required information reaches the government.

I had a meeting with the pensioners who brought something to my attention. I stand on my promise that we would correct those issues of the pensioners if their joint report will be ready by that Wednesday (I have called a special meeting of exco members) and they promised me that the report would be ready.

We have done the 2022 promotion. 2022 promotion has been signed and I would be surprised if the Head of Service has not circulated that because that should go for implementation. 2023 promotion will be done after the appraisal of your performance in 2023.

So, I cant start now to promote you, hoping you would perform. You would perform first before I promote you.

On the issue of leave grant for primary school teachers, since we took over government and governance, every month, the state has been intervening in helping out at the third tier of government.

It is not the fault of the local government, it is the structure of our fiscal responsibility as a nation.

Whatever we do is a sacrifice on our part that we keep intervening in the local government area.

When this was brought to my notice, I said we are going to suspend a lot of projects as a state and intervene immediately.

I want to believe that beginning from tomorrow, people will start getting alert, Emmanuel said.

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AIbom NLC to Set up Monitoring Team on Petroleum Products - THISDAY Newspapers

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In an insightful piece on Star and Stripes, Professor Ivan Sascha Sheehan, the associate dean of the College of Public Affairs, analyzes the ongoing political turmoil in Iran, with a focus on the recent anti-government protests that erupted across the country. Despite the brutal crackdown by the regime, Iranians unwavering demand for civil and political liberties has not subsided. Prof. Sheehan examines the various political figures vying for power and presents a compelling argument against the return of the Pahlavi dictatorship. Instead, Sheehan advocates for the 10-point plan presented by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, which promotes free and fair elections and the separation of religion from the state. As the debate about Irans future intensifies, the author reminds us that it is crucial to amplify the voices of Iranians fighting for freedom and democracy, not those seeking a return to an oppressive past.

Following is Prof. Sheehans article:

The Islamic Republic of Iran has posed a significant challenge for Western policymakers since the establishment of the theocracy by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini 44 years ago. But Iranians uncompromising pursuit of civil and political liberties may finally be paying off.

Though the latest round of anti-government protests were sparked by the killing of a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, by the so-called morality police for reportedly wearing a headscarf incorrectly in September 2022, the uprising quickly metastasized with Iranians taking to the streets to participate in a country-wide rebellion and insisting on the removal of the clerical regime in its entirety.

According to the leading pro-democracy opposition group, the Peoples Mujahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), more than 750 people have been killed over the past seven months in the regimes latest crackdowns, with 30,000 others arrested. Although some media outlets report lower estimates of both figures, authorities in Tehran claimed in March to have granted amnesty to 22,000 people arrested during the anti-regime uprising, effectively confirming the MEKs accounts.

While the ayatollahs and their disinformation units try to present an image of normalcy, outrage, and defiance persist among ordinary Iranians. The countrys economic and social situation has worsened over the past six months, and indications are that unrest could re-emerge at any moment. The international community cannot afford a failure to understand the political sentiments that drive the peoples thirst for regime change.

As the West adjusts to new realities in Iran, the question of what the future holds has become ever more complicated. This is particularly so with marginal figures and bit players that have been largely inconsequential for years, situating themselves among the regimes credible opponents. Chief among them is Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah, who was deposed in 1979 and died two years later.

Although it is true that Iran during the Shahs era was vastly different than Iran today, it would be a mistake to conclude that it was a more humane or tolerant era or one that the Iranians wish to return to. The 1979 revolution was a genuine popular revolt motivated by years of accumulated indignation over the Shahs corruption and oppression. Most who were alive at the time including many who participated in the Shahs overthrow could not have anticipated that his removal would result in a nearly half-century of theocratic rule by mullahs who would themselves become despised.

But the Shahs lavish and brutal rule is hardly forgotten.

Just over a year before the revolution, The Village Voice observed that torture by the Shahs secret police was a national pastime in Iran. The Shah expanded the Pahlavi dynastys wealth by simply stealing it from his subjects. A large portion of that wealth was expatriated when he fled the throne, and it would be appropriate to ask whether it is being used to finance his sons travels and advocacy for the restoration of his familial dynasty today. In 1981, Reza Pahlavi vowed to pursue that goal in front of his fathers tomb.

Indeed, Pahlavi has shown no inclination to relinquish his ill-gotten gains or to account transparently for the extent of his fathers financial misdeeds. He has never acknowledged any of the crimes committed by the Shahs notorious secret police, SAVAK, much less disavowed them while positioning himself as a legitimate contender to lead the country after the next revolution. His ongoing defense of those wrongs, coupled with a regressive vision that contrasts sharply with the democratic objectives espoused by principled oppositionists that have been fighting the regime for four decades, mean that Western thought leaders can not take him seriously.

Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, who lost a sister to the Shah and another to the ayatollahs, has presented a 10-point plan for Irans future in the absence of the mullahs. It advocates for free and fair elections, separation of religion from the state, and legal safeguards on the rights of women and minorities, and it has already been endorsed by a diverse roster of prominent Western politicians on both sides of the Atlantic, including a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in March.

As evidenced by social media clips and eyewitness accounts, residents of virtually every major city and town have taken up the chant of death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader, to make it clear that they reject dictatorship in all its forms and will only accept forward progress toward democracy for their country.

Amid an increasingly urgent discussion of Irans future, policymakers and journalists must decide whose voices to amplify and whose voices to disregard. Iranians fighting for freedom have already made this choice and made it clear that they aspire to democracy, not a return to the Shah.

Ivan Sascha Sheehan is the associate dean of the College of Public Affairs and past executive director of the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Baltimore. Opinions expressed are his own.

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Amplifying Iranian Voices: The Call for Freedom and Democracy ... - National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)

Economic summits in Washington, DC rarely provoke much interest on the streets of Khartoum or Karachi. The Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, held in the United States capital during April 10-16, were no exception.

Listening to the range of comments from ministers and other officials throughout the week, one could not help but wonder whether we will ever be able to resolve the many crises we are currently facing. As is often the case, talk was plenty in Washington, but answers were few.

Remember how, just a few short years ago, our leaders were determined to resolve what was deemed a pandemic of inequality? How they were all talking about tackling the rampant divides in our societies that COVID-19 laid bare?

Do you remember how they celebrated our essential workers, praised care and collectivism, and recognised the importance of well-funded public services and social safety nets?

Just three short years after the beginning of the pandemic, the hope and calls for a meaningful reset, for the global pandemic response to become a portal to a better world are a distant memory.

In fact, today we are in a new age of inequality. The rising cost of living, joblessness, underfunded and inadequate public services, and extreme weather events with devastating consequences are at the top of peoples ever-growing list of concerns.

And not only is anxiety and frustration reaching a peak, but people are also becoming increasingly aware that their governments, and the international financial institutions (IFIs) whose rules are shaping the economy on the streets, are not serving them. They are realising that as long as crushing debt repayments continue to be funded by austerity measures, with the poorest and the most marginalised bearing the brunt, their societies will remain in constant crisis and their lives in a state of precarity.

When the World Bank and the IMF experts talked about interest rates and slow growth last week in Washington, DC, their discussions appeared irrelevant to the daily reality of people struggling around the world, such as the Zambians who are forced to queue for staple foods on a regular basis. The two conversations, however, are well-connected. The crushing austerity measures that devastate Zambian households today like similar policies worldwide are exported from Washington in ideology, whether they are approved by the national government or not.

These days all our economic woes are blamed on a perfect global storm with four horsemen of inequality galloping towards us: rising inflation, record food and energy prices,and above all the war in Ukraine.

There is no doubt Russias offensive has darkened our outlook further. But what got us here was decades of policies and politics that have consistently served the rich and failed the poor. After all, inequality is not new it is baked into the system.

But now the crises have become so perilous, and public anger so widespread from London to Lagos that our leaders are being forced to act. Politicians in countries as diverse as Mexico, Zimbabwe, the US and Kenya are having to talk about taxing the rich. And it goes way beyond a national scale people are calling into question the very systems that underpin the global economy.

In response to the climate crisiss disproportionate impact on her country, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced in November 2022 the Bridgetown Initiative, aimed at holding rich countries to account for their failed promises on climate finance. The proposal seeks to substantially tweak the global financial architecture to make a lot more money available for climate finance, allow more flexibility in how countries could spend it, and have the international financial institutions act as a guarantor for larger, more substantial private sector funding.

Keen to get in on the act, Emmanuel Macron will host a summit for A New Global Financial Pact on climate financing in June. A summit co-chaired by Macron, who is currently repressing trade unions to raise the retirement age against the wishes of the French population, already feels counterintuitive. He will be joined by Indias Narendra Modi, the current chair of the G20, whose involvement has rightly sparked further scepticism about where such a process will lead.

There is a fundamental question to be asked about this approach. Can those perpetuating the problem stay in the driving seat to create the solution? Those looking to fight the inequality crisis are struck by the fact that the people who are affected the most are not considered part of the solutions proposed by political leaders.

Our current situation demonstrates why the rich and powerful cannot continue to speak for the poorest and most marginalised. We cannot get out of this perfect storm if we allow the governing elites to blithely rewrite the rules while keeping intact the power dynamics that brought our societies to the brink of collapse in the first place.

Politicians need to understand that the clamour for systemic change is growing. People want to come up with their own solutions and build a new economic system in the process.

This is why when at the Spring Meetings, IMF Africa Director Abebe Selassie called for another Gleneagles moment (to echo the G8 summit in 2005 when aid and debt cancellation were on the rich countries agenda) to deal with the debt crisis looming on the continent, he missed the point.

We have crossed the Rubicon. Solutions and processes spearheaded by rich countries simply wont cut it there is no going back to business as usual.

The pandemic has left scars that will not heal. Our leaders may have forgotten the promises they made, but the ongoing inequality crisis that blights the lives of so many across the globe continues to defy this amnesia. The toxic combination of lower taxes on the richest and prioritising debt repayments over peoples basic needs and rights is unacceptable and fundamentally unfair.

Our biggest failure in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis was not grasping the unique opportunity for systemic change that arose. We allowed those in charge, and those who were responsible for the crisis, to chart our way forward and guarantee more suffering and devastation.

We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The costs of continuing down this path have become too great.

Protesters on the streets in France, Peru, Ecuador and beyond are already saying enough is enough. Their cries are varied, from opposing attempts to raise the age of retirement and resisting government oppression to demanding fair pay and affordable child care. But the overall message is clear: People want systemic change.

They are questioning the purpose and utility of institutions like the IMF and the World Bank that have come to be seen as the custodians of the neoliberal economic order. Formed almost 80 years ago, to help countries rebuild after the second world war, these institutions are dominated by rich countries at every level of their governance. Despite an attempt at a progressive rebranding in recent years, they continue to mete out the same failed neoliberal policy solutions. So their offers of help and economic interventions are increasingly causing public anger across the world, from Argentina and Tunisia to Sri Lanka and beyond.

This is the time to have an honest conversation about what is really at the root of our current crisis, and what real change should look like. That is why groups like Fight Inequality Alliance have begun calling for Peoples Alternatives.

Our current crisis makes it clear that we need systemic change and we need it fast. But we cannot leave the redesign of our economic system to the same governments and IFIs that are responsible for the current catastrophe this is really a job for the people.

They say economics is too important to be left to the economists. Well, it is also too important to be left to the politicians and the richest.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.

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As inequality deepens, who will rewrite the rules? - Al Jazeera English

George Orwell's books are a must-have for readers of all ages. His novels and essays explore the complexities of human society and the individual's place in it. His works offer thought-provoking insights into the world and our relationship with it. His writing is both entertaining and educational, and his characters are memorable and timeless. Whether you are looking for a lighthearted read or an in-depth exploration of the human condition, Books by George Orwell are sure to provide an engaging and thought-provoking experience.Buy his books today and explore the world through the eyes of one of the greatest authors of all time. So, what are you thinking? Buy the best George Orwell book or books and delve into a mesmerizing literary experience.List of the Best George Orwell Books1. Down and Out in Paris and LondonDown and Out in Paris and London is a powerful memoir by George Orwell. It is a record of Orwell's experiences living in poverty in both cities. The book covers a variety of topics, including the harsh realities of life in the slums, the exploitation of the working classes, and the difficulty of finding employment. Throughout, Orwell displays his wit and intelligence, as well as his compassion for the people he meets on his journey. He also demonstrates his deep understanding of the social and economic conditions of both cities, providing a unique look into a world rarely seen by outsiders. This book by George Orwell is an important work of social realism, and its insights remain relevant to this day.Buy Down and Out in Paris and London 2. Coming Up for AirComing Up for Air book by George Orwell is a novel about a middle-aged man in England who takes a break from his mundane life to go on a fishing trip. He revisits his hometown of Lower Binfield, which has changed drastically since he left as a young man. He finds himself reflecting on his life, his marriage and his regrets. He also finds himself in the middle of a war between his old beliefs and the new world he finds himself in. His journey of self-discovery is a poignant reminder of the importance of nostalgia and looking back on the past. It is a novel of hope and optimism, as the protagonist finds himself feeling more alive and connected to the world around him. In the end, he finds the courage to move forward and embrace the future, understanding that life is full of both joy and sorrow.Buy Coming Up for Air 3. Burmese DaysBurmese Days is a novel written by George Orwell and published in 1934. Set in Burma during the British colonial era, it tells the story of John Flory, a British imperial police officer, and his struggle to maintain his sense of morality while living in an oppressive and corrupt environment. Flory's moral dilemma is personified in the character of Dr Veraswami, a respected Burmese doctor who is discriminated against by the British authorities. The novel follows the events of the small town of Kyauktada and the struggles of the people living there, both Burmese and British, to survive in a difficult and oppressive system. The novel is a critique of British imperial rule in Burma and highlights the racism, inequality and exploitation that was inherent in the system. Despite being written almost a century ago, this book by George Orwell remains relevant today as it serves as a reminder of the power imbalances that still exist in the world.Buy Burmese Days 4. The Lion and the Unicorn: Socialism and the English GeniusThe Lion and the Unicorn: Socialism and the English Genius by George Orwell is a collection of essays that discuss the importance of socialism and the English genius as Orwell examines the current social and political state of England. The essays in this collection are divided into two parts - 'England Your England' and 'The Lion and the Unicorn'. In 'England Your England', Orwell examines the English culture and the influence of the class system on the country. In the second part, Orwell explores the idea of a socialist England and the need for the English people to embrace revolutionary ideas to achieve a better society. He discusses the importance of English pride and patriotism, and how socialism can be used to create a better nation. He also argues for a union between the working classes and the intellectual elite to create a better country. Overall, The Lion and the Unicorn book by George Orwell is an interesting read that offers a unique perspective on the social and political issues of England.Buy The Lion and the Unicorn: Socialism and the English Genius 5. The Road to Wigan PierThe Road to Wigan Pier, written by George Orwell in 1937, is a fascinating account of his journey through the industrial North of England. Orwells mission was to document the lives of the working-class people in the area, and the book is a powerful and often shocking insight into a world of poverty and deprivation. Through his vivid descriptions, Orwell captures the reality of life in the area, showing the poor living conditions and the harshness of labour. His observations are often laced with a heavy dose of social criticism, highlighting the injustices of the class system and the need for a fairer distribution of wealth. This George Orwell's book is a unique and powerful document of a bygone era, which remains relevant to this day.Buy The Road to Wigan Pier 6. Homage to CataloniaHomage to Catalonia is a memoir written by George Orwell, originally published in 1938. It details his experiences and observations during his time fighting in the Spanish Civil War. It is considered to be one of the most important works to come out of the conflict and gives a unique insight into the politics, culture and atmosphere of the time. Orwell's writing style is honest, and his book offers a candid view of the events that unfolded. Homage to Catalonia is a powerful book that is both informative and inspiring and has been praised for its thought-provoking and moving description of the Spanish Civil War. This George Orwell book provides a unique and powerful look at one of the most significant events of the 20th century.Buy Homage to Catalonia 7. Fascism and DemocracyGeorge Orwell famously said, Fascism is the worst form of government, except for all the others. He understood that while it was far from perfect, democracy was the best system available to the people. To Orwell, democracy was a form of government where the people had a say in how they were governed and their rights were respected. He believed that democracy was the best way to ensure the most freedom and equality for all citizens. On the other hand, he felt that fascism was a form of government that relied on the rule of a single leader or small group, who had absolute power and did not need to answer to anyone. Fascism also promoted a certain type of nationalism, where the interests of the nation came before individual rights. Orwell argued that fascism was a dangerous form of government because it undermined the rights of individuals, and often led to violent measures to maintain its power.Buy Fascism and Democracy 8. Politics and the English LanguageGeorge Orwell's essay "Politics and the English Language" examines the relationship between political writing and the English language. He argues that politicians often use language that is vague, circular, and meaningless to avoid taking a clear stance on an issue. He also asserts that the lack of clarity in political language leads to a lack of clarity in thought. Orwell believes that this practice is detrimental to democracy, as it prevents citizens from being able to properly engage with political discourse. He encourages writers to choose their words carefully, to be precise in their use of language, and to avoid using cliches and jargon. Overall, Orwell's essay is a warning against the use of language to mask or obscure the truth.Buy Politics and the English Language 9. 1984George Orwell's book 1984 is a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism. Set in a world where individual freedom and thought have been suppressed by an oppressive government, the novel follows Winston Smith, a government employee who begins to question the Party and its absolute control. His journey to rebel against the oppressive forces takes him to the brink of freedom and beyond, as he discovers the true power of the state and the power of the individual to oppose it. The novel serves as a warning of the potential for oppression and manipulation in modern society, and its themes of power, privacy and surveillance remain as relevant today as they were when it was first published in 1949.Buy 1984 10. Animal FarmAnimal Farm by George Orwell is a timeless classic which is set on a farm and follows the animals' rebellion against their oppressive human owners. The animals overthrow their owners and establish a new society based on the principles of Animalism. However, soon the animals begin to change their rules and the ideals of Animalism. Through this story, Orwell conveys the dangers of totalitarian systems and how easily those in power can become corrupted. The story is a powerful allegory for the Russian Revolution, and the characters represent real-life political figures. Animal Farm is a powerful and thought-provoking work which is still read and studied today. It explores the power of language, the corruption of power, and the dangers of a totalitarian society. The novel is an important reminder of the need for vigilance and caution in any society.Buy Animal FarmSimilar products for youFAQs related to the best George Orwell Books1. What is George Orwell most famous for?Ans. George Orwell was a masterful writer, combining humour and satire to drive his messages home. His books often explore difficult topics such as political oppression and totalitarianism, yet he still manages to make them accessible and enjoyable for readers. He also had a unique ability to create compelling characters that readers can relate to, making his stories come alive. 2. What is Orwell's main message?Ans. Orwell's main message is that totalitarianism, authoritarianism, and communism are oppressive forces that can lead to the destruction of individual freedom, human dignity, and democracy. He also emphasizes the importance of free thought and independent thought. 3. What is George Orwell's writing style?Ans. George Orwell's writing style is often described as clear and direct, with a strong moral and political stance. He often used simple language to convey complex ideas and used irony and satire to make his points. He was also known for his descriptive and evocative prose, as well as his use of symbolism and allegory.

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Discover the Brilliance of George Orwell: Books That Will Inspire You - Economic Times

PRAYAGRAJ: Addressing a poll meeting in the Allahabad West constituency, which was once dominated by the deceased gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday implied that nature was a potent equalizer that ensured justice. He expressed his concern that Prayagraj, a place where people seek justice from oppression and wrongdoing, had become a hub of injustice and oppression in the past."Some people had turned Prayagraj, where people suffering from injustice and atrocities come with a desire for justice, into a land of injustice and atrocities," Adityanath said addressing the meeting in the former Samajwadi Party MLA's constituency. "But this nature doesn't commit an atrocity on anyone, nor does it accept an atrocity. It settles scores for everyone," he said, without naming anyone.On April 15, Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were fatally shot by three men who disguised themselves as media personnel while the police were escorting them to a hospital in Prayagraj for a medical examination. Ahmad was one of the accused in the murder of Umesh Pal, a crucial witness in the 2005 killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal.Umesh Pal was gunned down in broad daylight along with his two security guards outside his home in the Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj on February 24, which had raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. In response, Adityanath had promised in the assembly to eradicate the mafia in the state.Later, at his public meetings, he has stressed on the "improvement" in law and order during the term of the BJP government in the state. On Tuesday, the last day of campaigning for the first phase of urban local body polls to be held on May 4, the chief minister said, "It's the same Uttar Pradesh where festivals were celebrated in the shadow of fear and terror. But today festivals bring prosperity. Today there is no curfew, no riots in the state." "Today, there is no terror of eve teasers in cities. Today, our cities are becoming safe cities. Girls can go to school safely, businessmen can do business. Today, the youth do not have 'tamancha' (country-made pistols) in their hands, they have tablets," he said. He said those who used to grab properties of the poor and extorted money from traders have been forced to surrender to the law. "Today, the state traders welfare board is giving a security insurance of Rs 10 lakh to traders." Adityanath said his government has focused on empowerment of people rather than appeasement. "Everyone has developed in our government," he said. "Today, Uttar Pradesh is moving beyond the dynasty-based and casteist-minded parties with a thought of nationalism. UP is scaling new heights of development now." The chief minister was campaigning for BJP mayoral candidate Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani at the Leaders Press Ground. Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, Allahabad Lok Sabha MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Phulpur MP Keshari Devi Patel, Kaushambi MP Vinod Sonkar, outgoing mayor Abhilasha Gupta Nandi and several MLAs were present during the election meeting. Prayagraj Municipal Corporation polls will be held in the first phase. The second phase of the urban local body polls will be held on May 11 and the counting of votes will be done on May 13.Watch UP CM Adityanath on slain gangster Atiq Ahmad's turf: 'Nature doesn't commit atrocity on anyone, nor does it accept atrocity'

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Nature has way of settling scores, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Atiq Ahmad's turf - Times of India

Members of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions stage a rally in Yeouido on Monday, as part of activities to commemorate Labor Day. (Yonhap)

Tens of thousands of workers took to the streets nationwide on Monday in South Korea to mark Labor Day with protests against labor reforms being pushed by the Yoon Suk Yeol government.

Workers belonging to the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Korea Trade Unions -- the countrys two major umbrella labor organizations -- participated in large-scale rallies across the country, including in the metropolitan cities of Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Gwangju and the southern island of Jeju.

Unionized workers called for improving working conditions and raising the minimum wage, as well as voicing opposition to anti-worker measures pursued by the Yoon government such as revisions of the Serious Disaster Punishment Act and the pension system.

The KCTU staged a rally at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul from 2 p.m., where members shouted slogans such as the Yoon Suk Yeol administration should step down. The union confederation declared its plan to stage a general strike in July if the Yoon government fails to meet their demands over labor issues.

A union member attempted to set himself on fire in Chuncheon this morning since the government has oppressed union activities. The stronger the oppression, the harder we will work, a KCTU leader said in front of protesters at Gwanghwamun Square during the rally.

After gathering, the KCTU members marched toward three key locations in Seoul -- the presidential office in Yongsan-gu, the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu and the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu.

Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions take part in a rally near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Monday, as part of activities to commemorate Labor Day, also known as International Workers' Day. (No Kyung-min/ The Korea Herald)

At the same time, members of the FKTU converged on Yeouido in the vicinity of the National Assembly for a large-scale rally called the "2023 National Labor Congress." FKTU members marched down Yeouidaero chanting slogans that included stop regressive labor reforms.

The May Day rallies came amid growing disputes over President Yoon's proposed labor reform measures. Yoon and the countrys two biggest umbrella trade unions have been at loggerheads over the various labor reform plans put forward by the government.

The Yoon government had proposed a plan to permit a workweek of up to 69 hours. However, after the plan was met with a near-revolt by not only labor unions but also the countrys young people, the government has backed away from the plan.

Yoon, a prosecutor-turned-politician, has been tough on illegal acts committed by labor unions as a wider part of his labor union reforms. Yoon has demanded trade unions boost their financial transparency while denouncing some construction unions' practices of receiving kickbacks and some labor unions' political campaigns.

The Yoon administration is now pursuing a plan to impose criminal punishment on labor unions if they commit unfair acts, such as violating the rights of other unions or workers, or interfering with normal business operations.

The Yoon government is interfering with union activities. I attended this rally to protest against this, a member of the Korean Construction Workers' Union in his 50s, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Korea Herald at Gwanghwamun Square.

I came to the rally because I am very dissatisfied with Yoons measures for labor reform, including extending the maximum hours to be worked in a week, another anonymous worker at the Korea Post said.

The two major union confederations spoke with one voice criticizing Yoons labor reform plans.

The FKTU will embark on a long journey of relentless struggle against the labor policy of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The FKTU declares an all-out struggle against the government's anti-worker labor reforms, said Kim Dong-myung, one of the heads of the FKTU, during an opening speech.

Rallies organized by the KCTU and FKTU in Seoul drew around 35,000 people, according to the South Korean police, whereas the two umbrella unions estimated that approximately 60,000 workers participated in the rallies.

Some 170 police units were dispatched to the areas where workers marched down to minimize the traffic jam. The rallies reportedly were held peacefully without any clashes.

Meanwhile, Yoon on Monday underscored that he will ensure working environments where all workers can work freely and receive fair compensation to uphold the dignity of laborers as stipulated in the country's Constitution.

The government will strive to protect the weak in the labor market and ensure that the value of labor is respected. To that end, the government as well as workers and employers should all work together, Yoon said in his message marking International Workers' Day.

By Lee Jaeeun (jenn@heraldcorp.com)No Kyung-min (minmin@heraldcorp.com)

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Tens of thousands hold Labor Day rallies nationwide - The Korea Herald

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After the U.S.-led coalition, in which the EU was a significant partner, withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, the country entered another political vacuum. The currently fragile state of affairs in Afghanistan is likely to drive the country to another crisis, which will have negative consequences for the region and beyond. Having played a significant role over the last two decades in Afghanistan, the EU has the capability to take a proactive diplomatic and political stance in managing the impending preventable socioeconomic and politico-security crises.

The 2016 EU Global Strategy (EUGS), titled Shared Vision, Common Action: A Stronger Europe, outlined key priority areas, including the EUs role in conflict settlement, peacebuilding, and crisis management. The EUGS emphasizes that preventing conflicts is more efficient and effective than engaging with crises after they break out. This accurately characterizes the current political stalemate in Afghanistan.

The Taliban regime lacks internal legitimacy due to the absence of elections, and external recognition from the international community. A regime that lacks the general publics confidence is deemed unsustainable. This is when the EU must take proactive and constructive diplomatic measures to prevent potential crises.

An isolated Afghanistan could inadvertently become a haven for transnational terrorist groups, leading to a rise in poppy cultivation and widespread human rights violations, while also limiting freedom of expression and freedom of media. At the recent G-7 foreign ministers meeting in Japan, criticism was expressed regarding the Talibans strict restrictions on the Afghan population and reports of human rights violations throughout the country. However, the conservative Taliban group has not only failed to accommodate the public demands of the Afghan people and political movements but also intensified its coercive forces to rule through fear and exclusion. The use of coercion, intimidation, and oppression to silence dissenting voices not only fails, but also leads to increased public unrest.

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The Talibans recent policies include a ban on girls secondary education and preventing women from working for U.N. organizations in Afghanistan. Similar policies fuel public outrage against their regime. The U.N. office in Afghanistan has been prompted to issue a warning of their potential departure from the country, unless the prohibition of female U.N. workers in Afghanistan is reversed.

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All neighboring states of Afghanistan, except Afghanistan itself, have been included in the EUs Global Europe-Programing for medium- and long-term international cooperation. The absence of a legitimate government has resulted in the countrys disconnection from regional and transnational forums, events, and initiatives, leading to further isolation, political instability, economic disruption, and a deepening humanitarian crisis with limited access to healthcare, food, water, and education for the public.

What Can the EU Do?

The fragile political security in Afghanistan is unlikely to be sustainable. The resurgence of armed resistance and sporadic attacks by the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP) are likely to deteriorate the security situation, culminating in internal conflicts.

To prevent impending security threats to the region and beyond, the EU should act earlier and pursue its EUGSs integrated approach to conflicts and crises. The EU has the capability to pursue a multidimensional approach and use existing instruments that are helpful in managing potential crises and conflicts. The situation is still in the early stage of armed resistance, but political violence persists.

The EU must pursue a multi-phased approach to the current and potential crises and conflicts. The withdrawal of the international community, of which the EU was a significant actor, left Afghanistan in a crisis. The theocratic Taliban movement is ruling the country, and other strata of society, including youth, women, and minority ethnic and religious communities, are marginalized. The persistence of such policies is likely to deepen the crisis and create a backlash. The EU should seek diplomatic ways in the earlier phases to prevent, resolve, and stabilize the political-security situation before a larger crisis erupts.

An effective and sustainable solution to the current and potential crises could be pursuing a multilateral approach aimed at engaging all Afghan political parties, ensuring the representation of women and ethnic and religious communities. Achieving this is possible by enabling concerted international and regional efforts to pave the way for a representative and inclusive government. Elite-driven peace and governance efforts have fallen short of bearing fruit in the past. To ensure sustainable peace and responsible governance, Afghan citizens engagement in initiatives from the top-down and bottom-up levels is imperative. This confers a sense of belonging to people and minimizes the risk of conflict.

The EU has the capability to streamline initiatives similar to the Global Europe thematic programs focused on peace, stability, and conflict prevention. These programs serve multiple purposes, including providing support to local stakeholders, community leaders, civil society activists, and women representatives to help build their capacity for conflict prevention. Additionally, they act as points of connectivity to engage in the ground. Moreover, these initiatives can serve as early warning mechanisms to address threats and crises.

Reports suggest potential security threats stemming from Afghanistan. In addition to existing missions in the region, the EU has the capability to deploy a non-military Civilian Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) Compact, which can serve dual purposes: tackling emerging threats and addressing potential crises in the context of the changed security circumstances in Afghanistan. The presence of a Civilian CSDP Compact could serve as a rapid reaction to address these threats. Additionally, such missions could also assist humanitarian organizations operating in the region and Afghanistan, aimed at delivering life-saving and relief assistance to Afghan citizens in need.

The Way Forward

It is worth stating that regional problems require regional solutions, but the region is characterized by certain regional rivalries, particularly India and Pakistans historical hostilities, Tajikistans stance against the Taliban, the lack of a unified stance vis--vis the regime in Afghanistan, whether for engagement or confrontation, and other regional issues. It is imperative to seek constructive and diplomatic solutions to ongoing and impending crises. This requires a multifaceted approach involving various local, regional, and transnational stakeholders.

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Local stakeholders, including political parties, opposition groups, women and youth representatives, civil society groups, representatives of ethnic and religious communities, and individuals can be brought together through dialogue to initiate and promote concerted efforts. Starting with dialogue is a significant step toward building efforts between and among stakeholders and parties. The EU has both political and economic leverage, and incentives for parties and stakeholders to use in building concerted efforts.

Through the use of existing political instruments and influence, the EU can facilitate the establishment of a regional consensus. This, in turn, can help facilitate the process of building intra-Afghan negotiations aimed at achieving a political setup that includes representation of all strata of society.

The present Taliban administration falls short of effectively representing the wider aspirations of the Afghan population and lacks mechanisms to be accountable to citizens. The persistence of such uncertainty prolongs the chaotic political deadlock.

To end the ongoing political stalemate, it is necessary to establish a responsive, accountable, and inclusive government that represents the desires and aspirations of all Afghan people. The EU has the capability to play a constructive role in supporting initiatives for a constructive solution that would lead to an inclusive, democratic, and representative political set-up in Afghanistan.

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Can the European Union Tackle Afghanistan's Crises? - The Diplomat

This was contained in a statement released by Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the CDs National Secretary.

A civil society organisation, the Campaign for Democracy (CD) has urged the Nigerian president-elect, Bola Tinubu to improve the countrys workers welfare.This was contained in a statement released by Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the CDs National Secretary.The Campaign for Democracy (CD) on Monday while celebrating workers' day, mentioned that an improvement in workers welfarism would enhance the socio-economic development of the country.The statement reads: As workers across the globe today, celebrate the International Workers Day (May Day) the Campaign for Democracy (CD) joins workers across the globe and particularly in Nigeria, in commemorating this very important International Day of Solidarity.The CD salutes Nigerian workers in various sectors, especially those workers, who too often toil unseen.We specially recognise the role that Nigerian workers have been playing, in keeping our Nation together, and ensuring our progress, despite the challenges, that they face, from forces of oppression, spreading across every sectors of the country.As Nigeria moves towards transition to a new government under the President elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the CD, is demanding, that the welfare of Nigerian Workers, should be at the centre of its economic and social policies. This in no doubt, will play a fundamental role, in our nation's productivity and of course, ensure the actualisation of the agenda of the incoming administration.We also congratulate the New Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Joe Ajeiro, as we sincerely hope, that his emergence, will signpost, a new dawn for Nigeria Workers, especially in their struggle, for an increased take home pay, as against the currently applicable "poverty wage" called Minimum wage for workers in the country.Finally, we strongly believe, that the pathway to our progress as a country, is by honouring the dignity of labour, not only in words, but deeds, not only once a year, but every day.

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Incoming Nigerian Government Must Improve Poverty Wage ... - SaharaReporters.com

Iran is witnessing its 229th day of the nationwide uprising on Tuesday following a busy day of protests and night rallies by workers and people throughout the country marking International Workers Day. Cities across Iran saw workers of different industrial sites continue their strike while other laborers took to the streets to hold gatherings and launch marches demanding regime officials respect and acknowledge their rights.

People throughout Iran continue to specifically hold the mullahs Supreme LeaderAli Khameneiresponsible for their miseries, while also condemning the oppressive the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and paramilitary Basij units, alongside other security units that are on the ground suppressing the peaceful demonstrators.

Protests in Iran have to this day expanded to at least 282 cities. Over 750 people have been killed and more than 30,000 are arrested by the regimes forces, according to sources of Iranian opposition Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The names of 675 killed protesters have been published by the PMOI/MEK.

People in the Shahrak-e Bagheri district of the capital Tehran began chanting anti-regime slogans on Tuesday night including:Down with Khamenei!Down with the dictator!

Regime operatives have renewed their chemical gas attacks targeting schoolgirls on Monday. Reports from the cities of Sanandaj, Baneh, and Kermanshah indicate new deliberate and organized attacks and poisonings specifically targeting schoolgirls. These latest cases include:

Retirees and pensioners of the regimes telecom industry in the cities of Ilam, Sanandaj, and the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Qazvin, Markazi (Central), Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari, Hormozgan, Sistan & Baluchestan, Kerman, Ardabil, West Azerbaijan, and Fars rallied to protest their low pensions and poor economic conditions. This continues previous gatherings held during the past few weeks and months in Tehran and other cities across the country.

In the past few years, retirees across Iran have been protesting to their deteriorating living conditions, especially as the government refuses to adjust their pensions based on the inflation rate and fluctuations in the price of the rial, Irans national currency.

People were in the streets of Tehrans Sadeghiyeh district on Monday night and chanting,Down with Khamenei! Damned be Khomeini! The latter refers to regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini.

Other slogans included:Down with the dictator!Workers are aware and loath oppressors!

Similar rallies were reported from TehransSattarkhan, Tehranpars, Chitgar, Shahrak-e Bagheri, and Tehransar districts, while people in theGohardasht district of Karaj, a major city west of Tehran, and the cities of Isfahan and Mehrshahr were also taking to the streets and chanting anti-regime slogans to mark International Workers Day.

Marking International Labor Day, retired workers in the cities of Tehran and Shush, southwest Iran, were taking to streets on Monday to hold gatherings and marches. They were protesting the regimes corruption, destructive economic policies, and plundering of their money. Pensioners and retirees of the Social Security Organization inKerman, south-central Iran,Ahvaz, southwest Iran,SariandRashtin northern Iran, andKermanshah, western Iran, were also in the streets and protesting for their rights.

In Shush the protesting retirees were chanting anti-regime slogans, including:Neither the Majlis (parliament) nor the government care about the people!Our rights will only be acknowledged through our street protests!

Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Company directors and site security guards in Shush attacked the workers representatives who have been on strike outside the company building for some time now. Company workers protested these measures and security guardslaunched even more attacks in response.

InTehran, members of the Veterans Union of the Iranian Labor Community organized a rally and marched in the streets protesting the mullahs regime and their anti-labor policies.

InBandar-e Khomeini, a major portal city in southwest Iran, drivers at the local terminal went on strike and protested for their rights to be respected and acknowledged.

In other reports, workers of the Yazd Tire Industrial Complex held a gathering in the city ofYazd, central Iran, protesting for their rights on Monday. This is the third day of these rallies.

In the city of Ilam, western Iran,workers of the local petrochemical companylaid a symbolic empty table sheet on the ground to protest their low paychecks that are making it impossible for them to make ends meet. In other reports, officials of a local petrochemical sitebanned 200 workersfrom entering the site who had previously protested the regimes payment policies and had rallied for higher paychecks.

Iranian opposition coalition NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi sent a message to Irans workers and the entire nation to join ranks in their protests and link up with the nations larger struggle to overthrow this regime.

Happy International Workers Day to the workers and laborers, who refuse to accept oppression, inequality, and repression, and have risen up to protest and revolt, and to the millions of honorable men and women whose whole being has been shackled by the mullahs with temporary contracts, unpaid wages, miserable salaries, unstable jobs, poverty, insecurity, discrimination, and repressive controls, the NCRI President-elect emphasized.

The anger and determination of Iranian workers for revolution and freedom are more powerful than the regimes oppressive force. Today in Iran, under the most brutal system of exploitation in the world the religious dictatorship the workers ongoing protests demonstrate the immense potential of Iranian society for revolution. From the protests of petrochemical workers in Asaluyeh and Kangan who rose up with the slogan of Down with Khamenei! during the height of last Octobers uprising, to the strikes of workers in 110 factories and industrial enterprises across 38 cities and 13 provinces, she added.

The key to making progress against the ruthless assault of the religious dictatorship and the IRGC on the lives and rights of workers is to connect their protests with the larger struggle to overthrow this regime. Workers should join forces with their colleagues who have formed Resistance Units and do everything in their power to spark uprisings. The exasperated and rebellious workers and laborers of Iran, united hand in hand with the great army of freedom, shall bring down the religious tyranny, and usher in a new era, where oppression and plunder shall be replaced by freedom and equality, Madam Rajavi concluded.

In the city of Shahriar in Tehran Province, the medical staff of Imam Sajjad Hospital held a gathering on Monday protesting the regimes unjust payment policies, the officials refusal to pay for their special clothes at work, not providing food while only giving 500,000 rials (less than a dollar) for lunch.

Similar gathering have been held by nurses inShirazon April 30th, inAhvazon April 27th, and the medical staffs ofRajaie Hospital of Qazvinin northwest Iran on April 20th andMashhads Qaem Hospitalon April 5th.

The all-girls Bent al-Hoda and Meraj schools in the city of Saqqez, the hometown of Mahsa Amini, were targeted on Sunday in organized and deliberate chemical gas attacks.

Anti-riot units stormed the all-girls Meraj School following todays chemical gas attack. One student was hit in the head by the security units and wasrushed to a medical centerfor urgent treatment. Parents of the students in this schoolheld a rallyprotesting these attacks that are targeting their kids and endangering their lives.

The mullahs dictatorship is seeking to quell and silence the ongoing anti-regime protests by targeting the main engine of these rallies, being Irans women and young girls. Other schools have also been targeted in similar fashion today, including:

The protests in Iran began following the death ofMahsa Amini. Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old woman from the city of Saqqez in Kurdistan Province, western Iran, who traveled to Tehran with her family, was arrested on Tuesday, September 13, at the entry of Haqqani Highway by the regimes so-called Guidance Patrol and transferred to the Moral Security agency.

She was brutally beaten by the morality police and died of her wounds in a Tehran hospital on September 16. The event triggered protests that quickly spread across Iran and rekindled the peoples desire to overthrow the regime.

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Iran sees nationwide protests, night rallies marking Int'l Labor Day | - The Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI)

By Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza | Updated: May 02, 2023 14:41 IST

Muzaffarabad [PoK], May 2 (ANI): As the G20 meeting in Kashmir approaches this month, increased hue and cry against India from neighbouring Pakistan has plunged to new levels. This is backed by several terror attacks in Poonch, Rajouri. "We, the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have certain things we must be aware of and therefore accept some responsibilities," said Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoK.Currently, India holds the presidency of the G20. The decision to hold several sessions of the G20 in Kashmir Valley, a Muslim-majority union territory, is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's ultimate demonstration of the conventions of equality, so dear to Sanatan dharma, and the cultural traditions of inclusivity, which Bharat has been demonstrating unceasingly from the time when Arab Muslims, who were direct decedents of Prophet Muhammed, escaped persecution of the Umayyad Caliphate and took refuge in Sindh where Dahir, a Hindu raja, gave them sanctuary, Mirza said.The decision of the BJP government to host G20 meeting in Kashmir has laid to rest the vile propaganda disseminated by Pakistan through its ISPR-controlled media and ISI-approved diplomats that the current Indian government is maligning Muslims and other minorities and enforcing a Hindutva agenda upon them.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team have decisively placed Jammu and Kashmir on the business map of the world. This is good news for all those who belong to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir including PoK.Any act that promotes a positive image of Jammu and Kashmir, in the final analysis, will benefit the people of the union territory and that includes those who are living under the occupation of Pakistan in PoK since October 22, 1947.Any trade policies that are decided during the G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir will have an effect on the union territory. Financial regulation will be revised and that will help to get rid of unnecessary red tape and obsolete business regulations that have hampered the development of Jammu and Kashmir in particular, and India in general, before the abrogation of articles 370 and 35-A, he said.The G20 meeting will bring an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to expand its trade and investment on a global scale. Tourism and handicraft industry will flourish even more due to G20 meeting to be held in Jammu and Kashmir.Jammu and Kashmir will become a global flash point and for the first time for the right reasons. Trade, sustainable development, energy, environment, agriculture and health sectors, only few to mention, will benefit hugely from the G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.One might argue that it is a very ambitious step taken by the BJP government, but then folks, what else, if not for taking bold initiatives and ambitious strides is Prime Minister Modi acknowledged for?The G20 meeting in Kashmir is a great opportunity for us who are living under the illegal occupation of Pakistan to become part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.As citizens of PoK, we must share some responsibilities to help the G20 meeting run its course smoothly from May 22 to 24.One responsibility we must embrace boldly is to defeat the anti-G20 propaganda Pakistani and their facilitators propagate in PoK, which they have unleashed through local and national media.The way to do that is to hold public meetings in neighbourhoods of PoK, convene meetings in colleges and universities, encourage discussions among the government employees and every section of PoK society and explain the difference between the oppression we face and the development and prosperity Kashmir endures as part of the Union of the Republic of India.Another responsibility we must shoulder is that of identifying terrorist launch pads and be vigilant regarding their movement and report it on social media outlets or send information to me, and I will make sure that they are broadcasted on our erstwhile Radio Himalaya.We must use the opportunity of the G20 meeting to show the people of Jammu and Kashmir living on the other side of the Line of Control that we as a people are one people and that no matter how many dirty games or conspiracies Pakistan and its military try to hatch against us, we will not be divided.Let us not forget that the twenty member countries of G20 and scores of delegates from observer countries will not be able to ignore our strife and this time around the issue of PoK occupation and liberation will definitely come up in private conversations during the session of G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.By holding the G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, Narendra Modi has finally transformed PoK occupation into a global issue that the world community will not be able to ignore for much longer.Let us grab this opportunity and set the scene for our liberation from Pakistan and reunion with Mother India.Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoK. He currently lives in the UK in exile. (ANI)

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G20: Responsibilities of the people of PoK - ANI News