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World powers seldom place human rights above geo-strategic concerns

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

International Court of Justice in its unofficial press release, issued on December 29, 2023, states: “South Africa today filed an application instituting proceeding against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the ‘Genocide Convention’) in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” writes Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice.Earlier in December 2019, The Republic of the Gambia, with the support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also filed a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging human rights violations committed by Myanmar against the Rohingya violated various provisions of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (“the Genocide Convention”). Both these deve...

Netherlands should prepare for possible conflict with Russia warns dutch army chief

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

Dutch Army Chief General Martin Wijnen has issued a stark warning, urging the Netherlands to prepare for the possibility of conflict with Russia. General Wijnen emphasized the need for the entire Dutch society to be ready for any potential escalation, stating that preparations must be made for when things go wrong.General Wijnen expressed deep concern over the evolving geopolitical situation in Europe and the growing tensions with Russia. He stated, “It is our responsibility to ensure that the entire society is prepared for any scenario, especially in the current context where the relationship with Russia is strained.”The Netherlands has been increasingly wary of Russia’s actions in recent months, with geopolitical tensions reaching levels not seen in years. General Wijnen highlighted the need for comprehensive preparations, including military readiness, civil defence measures, and public awareness campaigns.

Kazakhstan's commitment to human rights: Evaluating progress and forging ahead

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a uniqueopportunity for us to come together and reflect on the progress that has been made onhuman rights in recent history. As well as looking back at our collective history, weshould also examine the responsibilities that we have as individual countries, and takestock of how well we have performed as a global community of states, writes Elvira Azimova, Chairwoman of the Constitutional Court of KazakhstanSince Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991, the principles outlined in theUniversal Declaration have been fundamental to the founding principles of ourstatehood. While these values are embedded in our national culture and ourconstitution and laws, like any other country, we recognize the need to continuallyadjust, and to strengthen our human rights protections as we evolve as a nation.With this in mind, and in the spirit of reflection precipitated by this momentous globalmilestone, it is important to assess ...

Top 10 Concerts of 2023: Can anyone top Taylor Swift for No. 1 on the list?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

Live music was firing on all cylinders in 2023.Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Karol G, Dead & Company and other megastars filled massive stadiums. The arena and amphitheater circuit thrived thanks to high-profile tours from Pink, Kane Brown, Doja Cat, Offspring and other top performers.And the smaller venues continued to draw sizable crowds to see the Dandy Warhols, ABC, Cowboy Junkies and other longtime favorites as well as newer acts like Morgan Wade, Palo Alto’s Molly Tuttle, J.I.D and Smino.In other words, 2023 was an absolute blast for fans living in the Bay Area. Not only did we have the opportunity to experience all that was mentioned above, but we also got to enjoy some of the best music festivals in the world.We loved so much of what we saw and heard in 2023. Yet, it’s now time for us to play favorites and look back at the very best from the past 12 months. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Bay Area Concerts of 2023.1. SZAWhen & Where: March 14, Oakl...

10 highly anticipated Bay Area restaurant openings for early 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

A new year, a new crop of exciting-looking restaurants popping up around the Bay. In Livermore, a pair of sushi-restaurant vets are opening a raw bar that highlights local sake. A sprawling food hall with a dozen restaurants is scheduled for downtown San Jose, an oyster bar with whole cracked Dungeness crabs is coming to Oakland’s Jack London Square and a Sicilian joint based on good ol’ momma’s cooking is launching in Danville.In no particular order, here are 10 of the most eagerly anticipated restaurants expected to make their debut in early 2024, and a couple more inching closer to opening day.Downtown Food Hall, San JoseThe San Jose Downtown Food Hall is expected to open soon inside the Odd Fellows historic building at 82 through 96 East Santa Clara Street near South Third Street. (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group) All will be revealed soon at the hush-hush food hall at the prime downtown corner of Third and Santa Clara streets.Thanks to an early build-ou...

‘Love at first bite’: Q&A with the American Truffle Company’s Robert Chang

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

Robert Chang tasted a truffle for the first time at a trattoria in Germany — and it changed his life.Today, as chief truffle officer at the American Truffle Company, Chang works with scientist Paul Thomas and clients around the country to plant oak and hazelnut orchards with a goal of getting black truffles to grow beneath the trees. And the company hosts the annual Napa Truffle Festival — this year’s will be Jan. 12-15 — which offers educational talks as well as a series of truffle-loaded meals sure to make foodies swoon.Chang recently chatted with us about what it takes to grow truffles outside Europe — and why sharp-nosed dogs are now preferred over truffle-hunting pigs.American Truffle Company’s chief scientist Paul Thomas, third from left, and chief truffle officer Robert Chang, to his right, invite chefs to prepare a high-end meal highlighting truffles each year at the Napa Truffle Festival. (Courtesy American Truffle Company) Q. I know...

A ‘pocket of hope’: This Bay Area school district made a difference on Black students’ scores

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

For most K-12 student groups in California, test scores have been maddeningly flat since the pandemic. But for Black students, stagnant scores have been particularly frustrating: Black students’ math and English language arts scores inched downward for most grade levels last year, notching some of the lowest scores among any student group.Related ArticlesEducation | Cursive writing was so yesterday in California, but in 2024 it’s back in class Education | Evelyn Chua reappointed as Milpitas vice mayor Education | Saratoga High student musicians represent at state level Education | Los Gatos High student musicians represent at state level Education | At Farm Discovery at Live Earth, kids get up close with farm animals and see how their food is grown At least one district, however, has reversed that trend. Emery Unified, a small district tucked between Berkeley and Oakland in the east Bay Area, saw i...

No evidence of nexus to terrorism in deadly Rochester crash, officials say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

(CNN) — [Breaking news update, published at 10:55 a.m. ET]The suspect in the deadly Rochester, New York, crash has died, and there is no indication of “political or social biases,” authorities say. Two other people were killed in the crash.“We’ve not uncovered any information leading us to believe that the actions of Michael … are motivated by any form of political or social biases,” Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith said Tuesday.Officials have not identified a nexus to terrorism in the incident, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Bell. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident, he said, but added that is “not abnormal.”[Previous story, published at 9:33 a.m. ET]A deadly car crash outside a New Year’s concert in Rochester, New York, is being investigated as domestic terrorism after the suspect allegedly left a suicide note and journal in his hotel room, according to a source...

Service resumes after BART train derails, catches fire near Orinda Station Monday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

ORINDA, Calif. (KRON) -- Bay Area Rapid Transit train service on the Yellow Line in the Antioch and San Francisco International Airport directions was halted after a train derailed and caught fire between Orinda and Lafayette stations Monday morning. BART will be running normal train service on Tuesday between Rockridge and Walnut Creek stations following overnight repairs and safety inspections in the area.A Yellow Line train heading eastbound was derailed outside of the Orinda Station around 9 a.m. Monday. The passengers self-evacuated and were escorted to Orinda Station by BART personnel, according to the BART Police Department.As of 4 p.m. Monday, two lanes of eastbound Highway 24 were closed and a crane was enroute for placement. Around 7:10 p.m., both of the impacted cars were re-railed and were being towed away to the yard.According to BART, two train cars were on fire. Orinda-Maraga Fire District crews were able to extinguish the flames.Nine passengers on the derailed train ...

Person arrested for selling illegal fireworks in San Rafael

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:50 GMT

(KRON) – A person was arrested for selling illegal fireworks in San Rafael the weekend before New Year's Day. The weekend prior to the New Year, officers contacted a suspect in possession of and selling fireworks on the corner of Medway Road and Canal Street in San Rafael. One dead, two injured in SF rollover vehicle accident According to police, the suspect admitted to selling fireworks to the public. The officers seized the illegal fireworks as evidence.(Photo: San Rafael Police Department)The suspect was arrested for illegal fireworks possession and sales.The San Rafael Police Department announced the department received over 40 calls regarding illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day.