A new approach aimed at reducing domestic abuse-related homicides and suicides has received overwhelming backing.
The proposals for a Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model would help identify what lessons can be learned and applied following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is suspected. Ministers hope that this will ultimately lead to fewer such deaths.
Nine out of 10 people who took part in a consultation – including those with direct experience of domestic abuse and bereavement – backed the Scottish Government’s plans.
There was also substantial support for the inclusion in the Model of cases involving violent-resistant homicide, where the victim kills the perpetrator of abuse.
The Model will now be developed by the Scottish Government’s Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce, Model Development Subgroup and Task and Finish Groups.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Nobody should die at the hands of a partner. While overall homicide rates are falling, there remains a significant number involving domestic abuse, where the vast majority of victims are women.
“Our plans would see agencies across justice, health and social care, the third sector and beyond work together to establish what could be done better. It is absolutely right that these reviews should also happen in cases of suicides, as well as homicides, where abuse has been a factor.
“By identifying areas for change and improvement, we can help to prevent further deaths and give a voice to those who have been killed.”
EmilyTest founder and CEO Fiona Drouet, who will chair the Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Task and Finish Group, said: “The decision for Scotland to include domestic abuse-related suicides in the new review model reflects a country that is progressive and recognises the extent of the harms caused by domestic abuse. This decision evidences that our Government values the voices of professionals and lived experience.
“After losing a loved one to suicide, families shouldn’t encounter obstacles when asking authorities to investigate further, regardless of whether the victim was known to domestic abuse services or not.
“These reviews will be absolutely pivotal in gaining valuable lessons and will go some way to helping us build a safer society. It signifies a positive move towards understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding domestic abuse and its consequences. I feel very privileged to be invited to chair the Task and Finish group and, after losing our daughter in these circumstances, I wholeheartedly commit to working with valued colleagues in the field to get this right for everyone.”
Head of the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh John Devaney, who chairs the Model Development Subgroup, said: “The findings from the consultation on the key elements of the new domestic homicide and suicide review process is an important milestone in the considerations of the Taskforce.
“It is positive to note the overwhelming support for the core purpose of the review process, and the key aspects that the Taskforce should ensure are covered by future reviews. I’m very grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute, particularly those with experience of losing a family member to fatal domestic abuse.”
The first-ever ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events launched last weekend, (2nd and 3rd of December) at The Centre, Livingston with proceeds going to the children’s charity CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
The breakfast events, which are a first for the shopping centre, are running over the first three weekends in December, on both Saturday’s and Sunday’s, in The Wintergarden, adjacent to Aerial Adventures.
Over 100 people attended the first weekend and enjoyed a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Santa and a story from his favourite festive book, and a hearty breakfast, followed by a personal chat with him in his Grotto, then presented with a special gift.
Families also had the chance to join in some festive fun activities, hosted by Santa’s elves, including party games, dancing, reindeer food making and designing their own Christmas tree decorations.
Tickets for the remaining ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events on the 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th of December are £14.95 for children, which includes a present from Santa, and £10.95 for adults, with £3 from every ticket sold going to CHAS. Bookings can be made on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “We are delighted our ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events got off to such a fantastic start at the weekend and will help us to raise even more money for the children’s charity, CHAS.
“It was great to see generations of families joining in all the activities and having such a fantastic time, and Santa too who really enjoyed taking part in the dancing games and reading his favourite Christmas story to the kids.”
The Centre, Livingston also organised it’s second Elf Toddle Walk this year with all funds going to CHAS once again and welcomed the charity into the shopping centre at the weekend to help raise money and awareness.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are very excited to be a part of yet another heart-warming initiative by The Centre, Livingston. ‘Breakfast with Santa’ is not just about bringing joy to families; it’s about creating a positive difference in the lives of those we care for at CHAS.
“It is wonderful that some of the CHAS families had the opportunity to join in the festive spirit and meet Santa.
“Our gratitude knows no bounds to The Centre, Livingston and the compassionate community whose generosity and unwavering dedication fuels our mission. Thank you!”
Another of Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms has had a major makeover, following hot on the heels of the recent one at the much-loved Leith Victoria gym.
Gracemount Leisure Centre’s gym has undergone a refurbishment and reopened today – Saturday, 9th December. This follows a huge renovation at another of their gyms, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, with it becoming the first gym in Scotland to get new high-tech SE4 consoles from Life Fitness, aimed at improving workouts.
New cardiovascular (CV) equipment is being upgraded to the latest model, SE4. This new CV kit gives the option of on-demand workouts, additional fitness testing and connectivity to apps such as Netflix and Spotify on a 24-inch HD screen, built in wireless charging and improved touch screen capacity. Some new bits of kit include an additional Powermill, a concept 2Ski-Erg, Watt Bike and Arc Trainer.
Resistance kit includes a new glute drive, Plate loaded Lateral row, and equipment upgrade on all their current models. Improvements to the free-weights areas is being made by the addition of another half rack and dumbbell benches and increasing the floor area. Dumbbells will increase up to 50kg, in addition to upgrading bars and weight plates, as well as functional equipment such as kettlebells.
There will be a new designated area for their Gym Based Circuit Classes, included as part of an Edinburgh Leisure full fitness or gym membership, and there will be brand-new flooring throughout the gym.
Gracemount have also introduced a new Boditrax body composition scanner. Others can be found in the gyms at Meadowbank Sports Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and Drumbrae Leisure Centre.
Boditrax is a quick, easy and accurate tool for measuring body metrics. By using it, customers will have a better understanding of body composition and overall fitness levels. Free for members to access whenever they visit the gym, they can easily monitor their progress.
Like Gracemount, Leith Victoria’s gym has also had a recent upgrade with the installation of the new cutting edge SE4 machines Additional racks for weight-lifters, new dumbbell benches, a Hammer Strength Air Bike and an Arc Trainer were also added, as were new stations in the gym for beginners looking to get started on their own personal fitness journey.
Studio 1, located off the gym, was also given a makeover, receiving a lick of paint as well as having the floors and stage sanded and varnished.
Leith Victoria previously underwent renovations in 2020 which included a refurbishment of the changing areas in the pool, updated lighting and heating to improve efficiency and works to restore damage to the outside of the property.
Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re really excited about being the first gyms in Scotland to get the new high-tech SE4 Life Fitness consoles, which will really improve and enhance the customers’ experience.
“Edinburgh Leisure is constantly reinvesting thousands of pounds in improving our venues and equipment to ensure that customers are guaranteed as good an experience as any they might have at a private gym, but with the added bonus of flexibility and choice. As the biggest club in town, we like to think that wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something to suit you, with a budget to match.”
Edinburgh Leisure is currently offering a Winter pass promotion. A short-term alternative to a full-time membership, the two-week pass costs just £20 for 14 days.
Available to buy online or in venue from to 18th December, the Winter Pass includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools, the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, over 750+ fitness classes per week, and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho, and represents excellent value for money.
Twenty-six people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences following bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November, 2023.
A further individual will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with two charges, meaning a total number of 27 people have been identified for 53 offences.
The ages of those range between 12 and 34 years of age, with the majority aged in their mid to late teens.
A total of 31 charges against 15 individuals relates specifically to the significant disorder seen in the Niddrie area.
Within this, two men, aged 29 and 27 have been charged in connection with inciting violence. They are alleged to have filmed the events on mobile phones while encouraging youths to be violent towards police.
A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were also charged in connection with supplying fireworks to youths.
The charges are a result of an extensive investigation which has been ongoing since bonfire night by a dedicated team of officers.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The events of bonfire night, especially in the East of the city, were wholly unacceptable.
“The scenes experienced are not reflective of the Niddrie community as a whole and were acts carried out by a minority.”
Sign-ups already flooding in for the much-loved fundraising event taking place on Sunday 15 September
GRATIS IMAGES
Pictures by Jamie Simpson/Kiltwalk
Pictured: Sir Tom Hunter sets of the first wave of the Mighty Stride
17 September 2023
Edinburgh goes Kiltwalk Crazy to Boost 710 Scottish Charities
Seven was Edinburgh’s lucky number today as a massive 7,000 Kiltwalkers took to the streets of the capital to fundraise for 710 different Scottish charities. 17th September goes into the history books as the city’s biggest ever Kiltwalk.
The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk and Sir Tom Hunter was at the Start Line and on the route to praise the walkers:
“The good people of Edinburgh and the East love Kiltwalk. We had 1,700 Kiltwalkers in our first Edinburgh Kiltwalk 7 years ago, today we have over 7,000 heroes walking for 710 charities.
It’s incredible and every penny raised here at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk will make such a difference to charities who really, really need a hand up, not a handout in these tough times.
“I’m proud of every single person who took part and crossed the finish line at Murrayfield; be they a Mighty Strider, a Big Stroller, or a Wee Wanderer. I am so grateful for their generosity.
I’d like to say to each one of them, thank you for your Kiltwalk Kindness.”
Among the famous faces taking part in Scotland’s favourite mass participation event were David Marshall, Hibs and Scotland goalkeeper who stepped out on behalf of the Hibernian Community Foundation, which was also the biggest fundraising team at today’s Kiltwalk. New manager, Nick Montgomery, was there as a late addition to the 330 strong squad.
An impressive 3,000 Kiltwalk heroes undertook the Mighty Stride from Bingham Medway taking the 21-mile route through Portobello Promenade, Leith Shore and Gypsy Brae before triumphantly crossing the finish line at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
The Big Stroll saw 2,000 Kiltwalkers walk 15 miles from Musselburgh to the home of rugby, while 2,000 Wee Wanderers walked five miles from Gypsy Brae to meet their fell
Registration has opened for the 2024 Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 15 September. Kiltwalkers can take part in one of three walks: the 21-mile Mighty Stride, the 11-mile Big Stroll, or the Wee Wander of just five miles.
A record 7,000 Edinburgh Kiltwalkers raised over £1.25 million for 713 Scottish charities at this year’s Edinburgh Kitwalk, it has been revealed. Overall the 2023 Kiltwalk campaign was the biggest ever attracting a total of 27,500 Kiltwalk heroes across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee who raised a phenomenal £5.1m for 1,550 charities.
Over the last eight years, Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event has raised a staggering £42.5 million for 3,300 Scottish charities.
Due to The Hunter Foundation underwriting Kiltwalk, entry fees have been frozen at 2023’s heavily discounted prices to make it as easy as possible for people to raise money for the charities they care about.
It’s just £20 for walkers taking on the Mighty Stride or Big Stroll. Adults doing the Wee Wander will pay £12.50 and children £6.50. Kiltwalkers can raise money for any charity they choose, with funding going directly to their chosen cause, plus Gift Aid. This means that charities will receive up to 125% of all funds raised at Kiltwalk.
In a recent video announcing this year’s fundraising total, philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, paid tribute to the event’s headline sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark.
He added: “What a year it has been for Kiltwalk. This has been the biggest ever. We had 27,500 walkers raising £5.1 million and most importantly for 1,550 Scottish charities.
“We know how tough it is out there with the cost of living crisis, and how hard it has hit the charity sector. So we have made the decision to keep the entry price at £20 – that’s the best value you will get anywhere in the world to raise funds for a charity you love and have some fun.
“Good luck to everyone – I will see you on a Kiltwalk.”
To sign up for Edinburgh (September 15), Glasgow (April 28), Aberdeen (June 2) or Dundee (August 11) Kiltwalks, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned pet owners of the risks posed by unsuitable food and other festive perils over the Christmas season.
Traditional treats, presents, decorations and chocolates will be arriving in many households this month. But these seemingly innocent pleasures must be stored securely by pet owners if they want to protect their pets and avoid an emergency trip to the vets this year.
Chocolate, raisins and other dried fruit – such as that in mince pies or Christmas puddings – onion, garlic, xylitol in sugar-free products and seasonal decorations like mistletoe and holly can all be dangerous, and even fatal, to dogs and cats if eaten. BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession research carried out last year revealed that four in five companion animal vets saw at least one case of toxic ingestion over the 2021/2022 festive period.
Our most recent stats showed that 76% of vets saw cases of chocolate poisoning and 69% saw dogs taken unwell after easing raisins or sultanas. Around a fifth (19%) reported cases caused by the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Foreign body ingestion in dogs was also common, with gifts for humans, being the most common cause (14%) while consumption of Christmas decorations and gifts for pets (12%) were also highlighted by vets as causing issues.
And dogs weren’t the only animals requiring emergency treatment: more than a quarter of vets (27%) also saw cases of toxic ingestion in cats, who were most likely to have ingested non-food items such as seasonal plants like holly or mistletoe (reported by 18% of vets) or antifreeze (seven per cent). Thirteen per cent of vets saw cats with foreign body ingestion.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Liz Mullineaux, said: “Vets across the country will be on call over Christmas but there’s nothing we’d like more than empty waiting rooms and all of our patients safe at home.
“Unfortunately, the fun human festivities include a lot of potential perils for pets. So we strongly recommend being vigilant and taking a few key precautions to keep your pets happy and healthy over the festive period.
“Keep all tempting treats, decorations and anything else a pet may mistake for food out of their reach to prevent an emergency visit to the vet. We also recommend keeping pets to their normal diets and avoiding feeding them any human food. But if you are concerned your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, please do contact your vet as soon as possible.”
Top tips for keeping Christmas hazard-free for pets
Protect your pet from poisons: A range of festive treats and traditions, such as chocolate in advent calendars and sweets, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free treats), nuts, grapes, liquorice, poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are toxic to cats and dogs.
Keep decorations out of reach: Ribbons, wrapping paper, baubles, tinsel and tree lights can seem like appealing playthings to cats and dogs but can be very dangerous if broken, chewed or swallowed. Batteries for Christmas gifts also need to be kept safe as, if ingested, they may cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.
Forget festive food for pets: We all enjoy a richer diet over Christmas, but fatty foods and Christmas dinners shouldn’t be shared with the animals of the household. They can trigger sickness and diarrhoea or other conditions from gastroenteritis to pancreatitis, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Too many treats can also lead to pet obesity.
Keep away the bones: Cooked bones, including turkey bones, should not be given to pets as they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract.
Know where to go: Even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by checking your vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours or, if you are away from home, use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet facility.
Amended UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Bill passed
A Bill to provide greater protection of children’s rights has been passed by the Scottish Parliament for a second time.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) Bill requires Scotland’s public authorities to protect children’s human rights in their decision-making when delivering functions conferred by Acts of the Scottish Parliament. It also allows for children, young people and their representatives to use the courts to enforce their rights.
Several sections of the original Bill, which was passed unanimously in 2021, were ruled by the Supreme Court to be outwith the Scottish Parliament’s legislative competence, following referral by the UK Government. MSPs have now backed an amended bill with reduced scope.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This Bill is an important milestone in ensuring that children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled under Scots law.
“Although Scotland will become the first devolved nation in the world to incorporate the convention into domestic law, we are limited in what we can achieve because of the nature of the devolution settlement.
“We’ve had to limit the scope of this Bill because of legal action taken by the UK Government. That is deeply disappointing. So, while this Bill is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it remains the case that the only way to protect children’s rights in the delivery of all public services in Scotland is for the UK Government to fully implement UNCRC. Unfortunately for Scotland’s children and young people, they remain firmly opposed to such action.”
Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament Mollie McGoran MSYP said: “The passing of the UNCRC Incorporation Bill is an important step in Scotland’s human rights journey.
“Whilst there has been challenges, this is a momentous day for the children and young people who have long campaigned for their rights to be respected in law and I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has worked for UNCRC incorporation.
“Decision makers and duty bearers in Scotland must now work towards embedding and respecting children and young people’s rights in every aspect of Scottish life. We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up and this is now an incredible opportunity to make that a reality.”
Member of Children’s Parliament Omima said: “I think the change is definitely going to be gradual.
“But I think if it is up there, and children know “all my rights do matter enough to be put into law” then they’re going to start valuing themselves more, and valuing the way that they’re treated and the way that adults especially treat them.
“I think that’s just to me a big pick up for our generation – to make us feel as if we are heard and valued as people not just as children.
On Wednesday (6 December), Foysol Choudhury MSP chaired the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Improving Scotland’s Health.
The CPG focuses on action which could be taken, such as reducing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods, to reduce illness and deaths in Scotland such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
Wednesday’s CPG saw a presentation from Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, about Public Health Scotland’s Economy and Poverty Programme, health trends and the importance of addressing health-harming commodities.
Following the meeting, Convener Foysol Choudhury MSP has also highlighted the concerning health disparities between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities.
Mr Choudhury said: “The concerning health trends we heard about at the meeting have raised alarm bells for me yet again about the disparity in life expectancy between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities.
“This is something I have raised before and will continue to raise until we see improvements in the quality of life for all in Scotland-until a time when where you are born will not affect your chance to live a long and healthy life.
“CEO of Public Health Scotland Paul Johnston noted in his presentation on Wednesday that change is possible, if we invest time, energy and resources into prevention now.
“That is why the work of this CPG is so vital, to ensure action is taken and preventative frameworks are put in place to support the future of Scotland’s health for the next generation.”
People of Gaza ‘Being Told to Move like Human Pinballs’, but Nowhere Is Safe, Secretary-General Tells Security Council, pleading for humanitarian ceasefire
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, in New York yesterday:
Thank you for convening this Security Council meeting in response to my letter of 6 December on the situation in Gaza and Israel.
I wrote to the Security Council invoking Article 99 because we are at a breaking point.
There is a high risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences. We anticipate that it would result in a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt.
I fear the consequences could be devastating for the security of the entire region. We have already seen the spillover in the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
There is clearly, in my view, a serious risk of aggravating existing threats to the maintenance of international peace and security.
The risk of collapse of the humanitarian system is fundamentally linked with a complete lack of safety and security for our staff in Gaza, and with the nature and intensity of military operations, which are severely limiting access to people in desperate need.
The threat to the safety and security of United Nations staff in Gaza is unprecedented. More than 130 of my colleagues have already been killed, many with their families. This is the largest single loss of life in the history of our Organization.
Some of our staff take their children to work so they know they will live or die together. Colleagues have shared heartbreaking messages from staff members pleading for help.
The Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Safety and Security has advised me that all possible means of mitigating the risk to staff within Gaza, short of evacuation, are closed off, because of the way this conflict has evolved.
I cannot emphasize strongly enough that the UN is totally committed to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza.
I pay tribute to the heroic humanitarian aid workers who remain committed to their work, despite the enormous dangers to their health and their lives.
But the situation is simply becoming untenable.
This Council called in resolution 2712 (2023) for “the scaling up of the provision of such supplies to meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population, especially children”. I deeply regret to inform the Council that under current conditions on the ground, the fulfilment of this mandate has become impossible.
The conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist.
The crossing point at Rafah was not designed for hundreds of trucks and is a major bottleneck.
But even if sufficient supplies were permitted into Gaza, intense bombardment and hostilities, Israeli restrictions on movement, fuel shortages, and interrupted communications, make it impossible for UN agencies and their partners to reach most of the people in need.
Between 3 and 5 December — the two days preceding my letter — the UN could only distribute aid in one of Gaza’s five governorates — Rafah. Elsewhere, access was impossible.
People are desperate, fearful and angry. In some cases, they have expressed that anger towards our staff.
All this takes place amid a spiralling humanitarian nightmare.
First, there is no effective protection of civilians.
More than 17,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel’s military operations. This includes more than 4,000 women and 7,000 children. Tens of thousands are reported to have been injured, and many are missing, presumably under the rubble. All these numbers are increasing by the day.
Attacks from air, land and sea are intense, continuous and widespread. So far, they have reportedly hit 339 education facilities, 26 hospitals, 56 health-care facilities, 88 mosques and three churches.
Over 60 per cent of Gaza’s housing has reportedly been destroyed or damaged — some 300,000 houses and apartments.
Some 85 per cent of the population have been forced from their homes.
The people of Gaza are being told to move like human pinballs — ricocheting between ever-smaller slivers of the south, without any of the basics for survival.But nowhere in Gaza is safe.
At least 88 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shelters have been hit, killing over 270 people and injuring over 900.
Conditions in shelters are overcrowded and unsanitary. People nurse open wounds. Hundreds of people stand in line for hours to use one shower or toilet. Families who have lost everything sleep on bare concrete floors, wearing clothes they have not changed for two months.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians arrived in Rafah in recent days, overwhelming shelters there. Many displaced families — including children, older people, pregnant women and people with disabilities — are sleeping in streets and public spaces across the city.
Second, Gazans are running out of food.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), there is a serious risk of starvation and famine.
In northern Gaza, 97 per cent of households are not eating enough. In the south, the figure among displaced people is 83 per cent. Half the people of the north and more than one third of displaced people in the south are simply starving.
WFP’s own food stocks are running out.
In the north, 9 out of 10 people have spent at least one full day and night without food.
The last functioning flour mill in Gaza was destroyed on 15 November.
WFP has provided food and cash assistance to hundreds of thousands of people across Gaza since the crisis began, and is ready to scale up its operations. However, that would require effective access to all people in need, and at least 40 trucks of food supplies every day — many times the current level.
Third, Gaza’s health system is collapsing while needs are escalating.
At least 286 health workers have been killed.
Hospitals have suffered heavy bombardment. Just 14 out of 36 are still functioning. Of these, three are providing basic first aid, while the others are delivering partial services.
The European Gaza Hospital, one of the two main hospitals in southern Gaza, has 370 beds. It is currently housing 1,000 patients and an estimated 70,000 people seeking shelter.
There are critical shortages of drugs, blood products and medical supplies. Fuel to run the hospitals is severely rationed. Many patients are being treated on the floor and without anaesthetics.
As patients with life-threatening injuries continue to arrive, wards are overflowing and staff are overwhelmed.
At the same time, the unsanitary conditions in shelters and severe shortages of food and water are leading to increases in respiratory infections, scabies, jaundice and diarrhoea.
Everything I have just described represents an unprecedented situation that led to my unprecedented decision to invoke Article 99, urging the members of the Security Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, and appealing for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared.
We are all aware that Israel began its military operation in response to the brutal terror attacks unleashed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October.
I unreservedly condemn those attacks. I am appalled by the reports of sexual violence. There is no possible justification for deliberately killing some 1,200 people, including 33 children, injuring thousands more, and taking hundreds of hostages.
Some 130 hostages are still held captive. I call for their immediate and unconditional release, as well as their humane treatment and visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) until they are freed.
At the same time, the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
And while indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas into Israel and the use of civilians as human shields are in contravention of the laws of war, such conduct does not absolve Israel of its own violations.
International humanitarian law includes the duty to protect civilians and to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
The laws of war also demand that civilians’ essential needs must be met, including by facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief.
International humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively. It is binding on all parties equally at all times, and the obligation to observe it does not depend on reciprocity.
The people of Gaza are looking into the abyss. The international community must do everything possible to end their ordeal.
I urge the Council to spare no effort to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for the protection of civilians, and for the urgent delivery of life-saving aid.
While we deal with the current crisis, we cannot lose sight of the only viable possibility for a peaceful future: a two-State solution, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. This is vital for Israelis, Palestinians, and for international peace and security.
The eyes of the world — and the eyes of history — are watching. It’s time to act.
While all other members of the Security Council supported the call for a humanitarian ceasefire, the United States used it’s veto and the UK abstained.SO THE SLAUGHTER GOES ON …
UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency’s area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA’s Phillipe Lazzarini writes: “In my 35 years of work in complex emergencies, I never have expected to write such a letter, predicting the killing of my staff & the collapse of the mandate I am expected to fulfill #Gaza
The letter reads:
“Yesterday, I wrote to the President of the UN General Assembly to inform him that UNRWA’s ability to continue delivering its mandate in Gaza has now become very limited. With constant bombardment, low and irregular flow of food and other humanitarian supplies into the Gaza Strip compared to the immense needs of displaced people in our overcrowded shelters and outside, UNRWA’s ability to assist and protect people is reducing fast.
“As I sent my letter to the President of the General Assembly, I took note of the UN Secretary-General’s decision to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter, as the threats of the current conflict on international peace, security and on the lives of nearly the entire population in Gaza are very real.
“UNRWA is the primary provider for humanitarian assistance to over 2.2 million people in Gaza. Half of them have sought shelter in UNRWA facilities which, despite the fact they are meant to be protected under international humanitarian law, have not been spared in the relentless bombardment of Gaza. 270 displaced people were killed inside them, and nearly 1,000 were injured.
“More than 130 UNRWA colleagues have been killed, most with their families. At least 70 per cent of UNRWA staff have been displaced. Many multiple times. Those who are still working strive to still provide food assistance and health care. They take their children to work so they know they are safe or that if they die, they will die together.
“In my 35 years of work in complex emergencies, I would never have expected to write such a letter, predicting the killing of my staff and the collapse of the mandate I am expected to fulfill.
“I urge all member states to take immediate actions to implement an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, enforce international law including the protection of civilians, UN staff, UN premises including shelters, medical facilities and all civilian infrastructure and protect the prospects for a political solution vital to peace and stability and the rights for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and beyond.
“Calling for an end to the decimation of the lives of Palestinians in Gaza is not a denial of the abhorrent attacks of 7 October in Israel. It is the opposite. It is a recognition of the equal rights of all people. Our response to the situation in Gaza today will mark the history of the General Assembly – the gathering of all nations of the world – and the entire UN.”
Statement by UK’s Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly meeting on humanitarian aid
Thank you, Mr President. Colleagues, every year we meet here to reflect on global humanitarian needs. Yet again, we are faced with a sobering picture. 258 million people do not know where their next meal is coming from.
One in five children are living in or fleeing from conflict. One in 73 people are displaced, a number which has doubled in the last ten years. We are simultaneously witnessing dire humanitarian situations in Israel and Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and in Ukraine. Alongside many more across the world. The levels of need are overwhelming the humanitarian systems. Colleagues, we all have a role, and a stake, in reversing these worrying trends.
President, on 20 November our Prime Minister launched the UK’s International Development White Paper. This sets out our commitment to getting the Sustainable Development Goals back on track. And it includes a strong commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in the face of ever-growing needs driven by conflict and climate. We will focus on three key areas.
First, we will invest in an effective humanitarian system. We will contribute $1.2 billion to humanitarian assistance from 2024 to 2025. And we will also establish a UK Humanitarian Crisis Response Fund for specialist technical expertise, search and rescue, and emergency medical teams. We call on all Member States, including new and emerging donors and partners, to step up their support.
Second, we are shaping a system that is accountable to the people it serves. The UK is proud to have supported the START network from its inception to deliver rapid, early and locally-led humanitarian action around the world. We will invest more in local leadership on humanitarian action and will explore how our engagement, terminology, delivery, and approach can change to support local partnerships.
Third, we will build a system which can anticipate shocks and act early. This is proven to mitigate the impacts of disasters, save more lives and deliver value for money. We will continue to champion the CERF’s scale up of a system-wide approach to ‘Early Action’, including through our contribution of a further $65 million to the fund this year. Finally, colleagues, we must prevent today’s problems from turning into tomorrow’s crises.
This will need a whole of system response, in partnership with the UN, civil society, the International Financial Institutions, and, increasingly, the private sector. This is why, alongside our humanitarian efforts, we are supporting initiatives that will reduce need and prevent humanitarian caseloads.
We will scope a separate fund alongside our humanitarian funding, to build in climate resilience and adaptation alongside delivery of humanitarian relief. This will reduce the impact of future disasters and help communities to prepare and adapt for crises that we can anticipate.
And we will continue to advocate for compliance with international humanitarian law and for sustainable and inclusive ends to conflicts which remain the greatest blocker to development and prosperity. We look forward to working with you all to deliver this.
JUDGES have ruled that the UK Government’s block of Scottish gender legislation was LEGAL.
The Holyrood parliament passed legislation to make it easier for people to change their sex last year, but the UK Government blocked the law, arguing that Scotland’s gender law would impact on equality laws across all countries of the UK
The Scottish Government challenged Westminster’s action through the courts, but yesterday The Court of Session in Edinburgh upheld the UK Government’s decision.
The Scottish Government is studying the detail of the judgement and has yet to make an official statement, but First Minister said the Supreme Court judgement marks ‘a dark day for democracy’.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack takes a different view, of course.
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alister Jack MP said: “I welcome the Court’s judgment, which upholds my decision to prevent the Scottish Government’s gender recognition legislation from becoming law.
“I was clear that this legislation would have had adverse effects on the operation of the law as it applies to reserved matters, including on important Great Britain-wide equality protections.
“Following this latest Court defeat for the Scottish Government, their ministers need to stop wasting taxpayers’ money pursuing needless legal action and focus on the real issues which matter to people in Scotland – such as growing the economy and cutting waiting lists.”
The Scottish Government is unlikely to take Mr Jack’s advice and has 21 days to decide whether to lodge an appeal.
