Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, 15 September 2025 – Today marked the official opening of Moldova Business Week 2025 (MBW25), the 10th edition of the country's largest economic forum, which gathered more than 700 participants on site. The week-long agenda (15–19 September) features over 30 events bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, high-level officials and experts from more than 40 countries.

The event was inaugurated by Natalia Bejan, Director General of the Invest Moldova Agency, who highlighted the forum's role in showcasing the Republic of Moldova's investment and business opportunities:

“We are presenting success stories of investors who already contribute to the development of our national economy. This edition will place a strong emphasis on high-quality networking throughout the entire week”, said Natalia Bejan.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean underscored the Government's strategic priorities:

“We are focusing on education and on maintaining an attractive fiscal regime for the IT sector. We are investing in industrial infrastructure so that companies can operate from anywhere in the world and attract global talent. This year, key topics at MBW25 include the digitalization of public services, Moldova IT Park, state aid for industrial sectors, Ukraine's reconstruction, and Moldova's role in the region.”

Representing the European Union, H.E. Iwona Piorko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, emphasized the country's progress in economic integration:

“Economically, Moldova has made remarkable steps towards integration into the EU Single Market. Just a few days ago we marked 11 years since the EU–Moldova Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement entered into force—an important instrument for modernizing the economy”, noted Iwona Piorko.

Doina Nistor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, highlighted Moldova's achievements in digitalization and competitiveness:

“This year we rank 7th in the Global Gender Gap Index – a key indicator for an innovative society. Digitalization is one of Moldova's greatest achievements, and our objective is clear: 100% digital by 2030. The Republic of Moldova is strengthening its economic position through integration into SEPA (March 2025), expanding access to European financial markets and boosting the competitiveness of its business environment”, said Doina Nistor.

Investors & Exporters on the MBW Stage

From technology and mobility to manufacturing, agriculture and insurance, seven companies presented concrete examples of Moldova's investment and export potential:

Eduard Suchanek, Regional Director, Bolt – officially announced the launch of Bolt's taxi service in the Republic of Moldova, integrating it into the local mobility ecosystem.
 
Victor Nistorică, CEO, Brutăria Bardar – showcased artisan “Made in Moldova” bakery products standardized for scaling to external markets. Brutăria Bardar products are already available in more than 700 stores across the European Union, including Kaufland, Carrefour and Lidl in Romania.
 
Vadim Vetrilă, Co-founder & CEO, Smile Dent Team – highlighted the export of medical services and international standards in dentistry. Since 2009, more than 40,000 patients have been treated by Smile Dent, generating approximately €15 million annually.
 
Nicolae Gudumac, CTO & Co-founder, Planable – presented the Moldova-born SaaS platform used by global brands, proving that local technology competes on the world stage.
 
Ion Tașca, Board Member, PorcoBello SRL – outlined investments in agriculture and operational efficiency across the entire value chain. The company produces 12,000 pigs annually and operates the most modern slaughterhouse in the region.
 
Peter Höfinger, Deputy CEO, Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) – shared insights on strategic capital and strengthening of the insurance market to build investor confidence. On 1 September 2025, VIG won the public tender and acquired an 80% stake in Moldasig S.A., one of Moldova's leading general insurance companies, reaching an estimated 30% market share after the transaction.
 
Călin Botean, Regional Director Eastern Europe, Gebauer & Griller – detailed the company's integrated industrial solutions and connection to European production chains. Gebauer & Griller's investments in expansion and innovation in Moldova total €60 million.
 
Capital Market: Memorandum for the New Stock Exchange

Also today, the partnership to launch the new Stock Exchange of the Republic of Moldova was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, reinforcing strategic cooperation between the authorities of Chișinău and Bucharest. Romania, Moldova's main trading partner and gateway to the European Union, will share the expertise of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) to help implement a modern capital market model. The new exchange will support the attraction of international companies, the development of financial infrastructure and the diversification of financing sources for the local business environment.

A Unified Message from the MBW Stage: Moldova is Open for Business!

Moldova is a market growing through technology, quality and partnerships—with a strong focus on both investment and export.

The Invest Moldova Agency is the public institution founded by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, operating under the Prime Minister's Office. It is mandated to attract strategic investments into the country, provide post-investment support to investors, boost exports, promote the nation's image abroad and advance economic diplomacy.

The issue of climate change and its associated impacts, especially on African cities, is a critical topic that demands urgent attention.  

Every day, Africa faces the consequences of something it did not cause. While 7 out of the 10 world most climate vulnerable countries are in the African region, Africa only emits about 4% of greenhouse gases, and in terms of historical contributions the content ranks even lower – according to World Meteorological Organization's State of the Global Climate report 2022.

Heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts, which are some of the effects of climate change, are having devastating impacts on communities and economies, with increasing numbers of people at risk across the continent. Africa's rapidly expanding cities are hotspots of this vulnerability and impact.

According to the OECD report, Africa is one of the world's least urbanized continents, yet hosts the most rapidly urbanizing region – the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The region has an urban population of 500 million people, accounting for approximately 40% of the continent's population, and an urban growth rate double that of the global average at 4.1% per year, compared to the global average of 2.1%. By 2050, it is estimated that over 60% of Africans will be living in urban areas.

This accelerated urban growth puts further pressure on existing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient access to basic services, unemployment, and housing shortages. About 56% of urban population in Africa reside in informal settlements, compounded by insecure land tenure and constrained access to essential infrastructural services such as sanitation, water and energy, according to the African Cities Research Consortium and Brookings – 2024 reports.

A Climate Crisis

It's widely acknowledged that climate change will affect Africa's socio-economic development trajectory, threatening the continent's attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Africa Union's Agenda 2063.

In UN Secretary-General António Guterres' own words, “Africa is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The time for action is now. We must invest in sustainable solutions to protect our people and planet.”

But all is not lost. One of the recent global developments in climate policy has been the establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), which aims to provide financial support to vulnerable countries affected by climate disasters.

The Fund, established during the COP27 negotiations, holds significant potential for African nations, especially in the context of urban development and the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities across the continent. It has the potential to serve as a powerful tool to address both the immediate impacts of climate disasters and the longer-term need for sustainable urban development in Africa, through the principle of “building back better”.

Firstly, the Fund could be channeled into immediate relief and rebuilding efforts, such as reconstructing homes, improving drainage systems to mitigate flooding, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. For example, funding could support the delivery of infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, such as resilient affordable housing and other related climate resilient infrastructure for cities. Ensuring climate resilience and addressing key infrastructural shortages that exacerbate vulnerability is crucial in all activities the Fund will support.

Such projects would create more sustainable cities that are better equipped to handle the intensifying impacts of climate change while simultaneously offering economic opportunities through job creation.

Secondly, the Fund could be used to empower local communities, particularly marginalized populations in urban slums and informal settlements, who are often the hardest hit by climate disasters. Supporting these actors to adapt and develop is crucial for sustained resilience. Also, the informal economy – which forms a significant part of Africa's urban economy – should not be left behind.

Finally, the Fund could be used to support capacity building initiatives such as training local leaders, strengthening disaster management systems, and creating meaningful climate partnerships.

Reimagining African cities

That said, the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage has the potential to play a transformative role in the urban development of African cities, particularly in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Whether this potential is reached depends on the setup of the Fund and the criteria used to assess projects – and whether those are in line with African realities in terms of data and capacity availability. It also depends on careful planning and effective collaboration to ensure that the Fund benefits those who need it most.

This is a unique opportunity to not only address the consequences of climate change, but also to reimagine African cities as models of sustainability and inclusivity for the future.

Dr Gambo is the Head of Policy, Research and Partnerships at Shelter Afrique Development Bank.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Temasek Foundation have launched the Green Shift programme to create enabling ecosystems that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accelerating their green transition in Malaysia, the Philippines, and across South-East Asia.

The initiative aims to drive systemic change by strengthening the capacity of both SMEs and the government agencies that support them. It will identify green corporate procurement opportunities, facilitate market linkages between green SMEs and large enterprises, and promote regional-level impact through the exchange of effective practices. Over the next two years, the programme will boost green transition efforts by equipping SME development agencies with training toolkits and coaching SMEs to put green action plans into practice. These plans will not only help businesses operate more sustainably, but also open doors to new markets and corporate supply chains.

Speaking at the launch, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP said, “SMEs are the backbone of South-East Asia's economy, and the green transition cannot happen without them. This partnership between ESCAP and Temasek Foundation will support SMEs turn sustainability into a competitive advantage. Businesses that fail to embed green practices risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive market, while those that do will be better positioned to access new markets, attract investment, and build long-term resilience.”

Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation, said, “SMEs are central to the region's low-carbon transition. This programme will equip SMEs with practical tools and partnerships that will enable SMEs to implement green action plans, helping businesses lower their carbon footprint while contributing towards a more sustainable future. Through this partnership with United Nations ESCAP, Temasek Foundation aims to empower SMEs to go green and unlock new market opportunities, driving resilient growth across the region.”

Both Malaysia and the Philippines have shown strong leadership in supporting the green transition of SMEs through national initiatives. This partnership between ESCAP and Temasek Foundation complements and builds on those efforts.

In Malaysia, the programme will be delivered in close collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) and implemented through SME Corp. Malaysia and the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR). Notably, CEDAR has been appointed as ASEAN's Centre of Excellence for MSMEs in Green Transition, further reinforcing its strategic role in advancing the programme's objectives and regional reach. In the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) will be leading the programme activities.

“This initiative is an important milestone in strengthening our national institutional capacity. By equipping SME development agencies like SME Corp. Malaysia and CEDAR with the right tools, knowledge, and frameworks, we are ensuring that our SMEs are well supported in their green transition. This will not only help them adopt sustainable practices but also position our SMEs in Malaysia to be more competitive and resilient in the global marketplace” said Dato' Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, Secretary General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development.

Similarly, Emma Asusano, Director of the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry's Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, remarked, “This initiative strengthens the Philippines' ability to guide SMEs in their green transition, unlocking market opportunities and building long-term resilience.”
The Green Shift programme is an important step toward inclusive, sustainable economic transformation in South-East Asia, positioning SMEs at the heart of the region's green transition. By combining ESCAP's regional networks and policy expertise with Temasek Foundation's commitment to fostering resilient and vibrant communities in Asia, the partnership advances a shared vision of green economic growth that leaves no one behind.

About ESCAP
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.

The ESCAP secretariat supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in the region by generating action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity-building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For more information, visit: https://www.unescap.org/  
 
About Temasek Foundation  
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Asia, including Singapore. Made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, an investment company headquartered in Singapore, Temasek Foundation's programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation's programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet. For more information, visit: www.temasekfoundation.org.sg

September 15 2025 – The Federal Reserve stands at a pivotal crossroads this week. If policymakers deliver only a quarter-point rate reduction at next week's meeting, they risk allowing economic conditions to deteriorate before policy can catch up, deVere Group cautions.

The global financial advisory giant is calling for a half-percentage-point cut while acknowledging that markets still expect a smaller move.

“The US central bank has little room for hesitation,” says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group.

“The labor market is losing momentum, unemployment is at a four-year high, and wage growth is easing. A 25-basis-point trim would leave policy trailing the reality on the ground.”

August payroll data underscored the slowdown. Nonfarm job growth came in well below forecasts and the unemployment rate jumped to 4.3%, the highest since late 2021.

Average hourly earnings also cooled. Futures tracked by the CME FedWatch tool show investors pricing roughly a 90% chance of a quarter-point cut and only a small probability of a larger move.

“Markets are conditioned for caution, but the economy demands something bolder,” Nigel Green continues.

“A half-point cut would reinforce consumer confidence and business investment at a time when trade frictions and rising input costs are already weighing on activity.”

Trade tensions are adding complexity. President Trump's extensive tariff program is pushing up import costs from electronics to industrial metals, while energy prices have climbed through late summer.

Core inflation remains close to the Fed's 2% goal, but forward-looking indicators of hiring and output point to a broader slowdown.

“Inflation is no longer the overriding threat,” notes the deVere chief executive.

“The greater risk is a loss of growth momentum. The Fed's dual mandate—price stability and maximum employment—requires decisive action when one side of the equation weakens.”

Nigel Green points to the Fed's recent history as a cautionary tale.

“In 2021, the central bank misread the persistence of inflation, holding rates near zero while prices surged.

“Policymakers assured the public it was 'transitory,' only to scramble with aggressive hikes later. That delayed response forced steeper tightening and rattled both markets and households.

“History teaches us that waiting for perfect data can be costly.”

Global markets are already positioning for easier policy. Treasury yields have fallen to three-month lows, the dollar has softened against risk-sensitive currencies, and US equities are approaching record highs as traders bet on lower borrowing costs.

“The Fed has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership,” Nigel Green adds. “A half-point cut now would not be reckless. It would be a strategic step to protect growth and safeguard jobs.”

deVere expects the central bank to deliver at least 75 basis points of total easing by year-end if the labor market continues to weaken, with a quarter-point this month followed by additional reductions later in the year.

“Investors and the broader economy need reassurance that the Federal Reserve is prepared to move with the pace of change.

“A larger cut this week would send that signal and help secure the expansion,” concludes the deVere Group CEO.

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Gizo Primary School in the Western Province on September 8, 2025, joined schools nationally and internationally to commemorate International Literacy Day (ILD) with a vibrant celebration centered on the theme: Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.

The event aimed to highlight the importance of fostering literacy skills and learning among students in today’s rapidly evolving digital age.

The program featured a variety of engaging activities staged by students, including student-led skits, singing and action performances, and speeches that reflected the significance of literacy in modern times.

Representing Western Education Provider at the event as guest of honour was Liliati Pitakija, ECE Coordinator.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate International Literacy Day, we are reminded that literacy is not just the ability to read and write, but it is the foundation of opportunity, empowerment, and lifelong learning,” Ms. Pitakija said when delivering her keynote address.

She added that in this digital era, literacy has taken on new dimensions, offering both exciting opportunities and pressing challenges.

“In the past, literacy meant mastering the printed word. Today, it means navigating a world of screens, apps, and online platforms. Digital literacy is now essential — our children must learn not only to read books but also to interpret information online, communicate responsibly, and think critically in a fast-changing digital landscape,” she emphasized.

“…We recognize the importance of bridging traditional literacy with digital fluency. Whether it is through using tablets in the classroom, accessing e-books, or exploring educational games, technology can be a powerful tool to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding,” Ms. Pitakija said.

Meanwhile, on accessibility, she admitted that many communities in the province face barriers like limited internet, lack of devices, and insufficient training, adding that this is why the Western Education Provider is committed to supporting schools like Gizo Primary with resources, teacher development, and community partnerships. “We believe every child, regardless of where they live, deserves the chance to thrive in the digital age.”

While recognizing educators who are embracing new methods, integrating digital tools, and guiding students with wisdom and care, Ms. Pitakija called on families to be partners in this journey by encouraging reading at home, exploring digital content together, and nurturing a love for learning.

“Let us invest in our children’s minds, equip them with the skills they need, and ensure that literacy — both traditional and digital — is a right, not a privilege. And on this International Literacy Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empower, educate, and elevate. Because when we promote literacy in the digital era, we are not just teaching children to read — we are teaching them to lead,” Ms. Pitakija underscored.

Emphasizing this year’s ILD theme, Gizo Primary School Principal Dickson Nathan reminded everyone that while technology brings new ways to learn and connect, literacy remains the key to unlocking these opportunities.

“Our role as educators, parents, and community members is to ensure every child has the skills and access needed to thrive in this changing world.

“Today, we celebrate not only the joy of reading and writing but also the power of literacy to shape brighter futures for our children. Together, let us continue to promote literacy as a bridge to knowledge and opportunity,” Mr. Nathan said.

The celebration concluded with the presentation of prizes to the classes that demonstrated exceptional organization and delivered outstanding performances.

Teachers, students, parents, and guardians attended the program.

The Gizo school management expressed profound gratitude to parents, students, and everyone whose participation and contributions made the event a success.

Gizo Primary School remains committed to nurturing literacy skills that empower students for the future. This celebration underscored the collective effort needed to achieve this vital goal.

Source: Amnesty International

As Amnesty International and six other international human rights organizations released a joint statement calling on the Government of India to immediately release human rights defender and student activist Umar Khalid, ahead of the five-year anniversary of his continued unjust detention without trial, Amnesty India’s Chair of the board, Aakar Patel said:

“The Government of India must immediately and unconditionally release human rights defender and student activist Umar Khalid who has been incarcerated for five long years without trial on politically motivated charges. Starved of justice, Khalid’s prolonged persecution exemplifies the derailment of justice in India as it makes a mockery of international human rights principles. The repeated bail denials combined with persistent delays, and the continued absence of trial proceedings, amount to a violation of Khalid’s right to a fair and speedy trial, guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which India is a state party, as well as under the Constitution of India. 

“In India, the overbroad Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is routinely and selectively used against human rights defenders including journalists, civil society activists and students who remain imprisoned without trial such as Khalid. The application of bail standards in such cases is also discriminatory as similarly situated accused have been granted bail while Khalid continues to be repeatedly denied relief. All this really demonstrates India’s deep fear of human rights defenders like Umar Khalid who dare to dissent.

“Khalid’s detention is not an isolated case and is emblematic of a broader pattern of repression faced by those who dare to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Other students and human rights activists, including Gulfisha Fatima, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Shifa-ur-Rehman and Meeran Haider, also remain in detention for their peaceful opposition to CAA, while police officials and political leaders responsible for incitement or complicity in violence that followed the anti-CAA protests in 2020 continue to enjoy impunity. These are clear cases of selective prosecution aimed at criminalizing and chilling dissent in India.”

Joint Statement:

India: Free Umar Khalid – Stop Invoking Counter-Terrorism Law to Silence Dissent

The undersigned organisations call for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defender and student activist Umar Khalid, who was arrested on 13 September 2020 on politically motivated and spurious charges, including for alleged terrorism-related offences, and who remains in detention without trial five years later.

In December 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government introduced the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The law discriminates on the basis of religion by explicitly excluding Muslims from expedited access to citizenship and from legislative protection against deportation and imprisonment. The passage of the CAA, alongside the proposed National Population Register, prompted nationwide peaceful protests over fears that millions of Muslims could be excluded in their access to citizenship. These concerns were reinforced by the precedent of a similar exercise previously undertaken in Assam under a BJP-led state government. Khalid had actively voiced his protest against the CAA on X (formerly Twitter) and through his speeches in Delhi, Mumbai and Bihar amongst others.

In February 2020, following legislative assembly elections in Delhi, communal violence erupted in the context of the protests, leaving 53 people dead – 38 of them Muslims – and hundreds injured. The Delhi Police failed to conduct effective investigations and bring perpetrators to justice, thereby fostering impunity. Instead, they arrested peaceful protesters, including at least 18 students and activists, the majority of them Muslims, including Khalid. Authorities accused them of instigating violence and conspiring to defame the Indian government.

Khalid was arrested on 13 September 2020 and subsequently charged under the Indian Penal Code (since replaced by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) with offences including sedition, murder, promoting enmity between religious groups, unlawful assembly, and rioting amongst others. He has also been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged unlawful and terrorist activities and conspiracy, and under the Prevention of Damage to Property Act and the Arms Act. In December 2022, a Delhi court acquitted Khalid in the case involving rioting, property damage, and vandalism. However, he has remained arbitrarily detained – and continues to be detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail – in connection with the broader conspiracy case under the UAPA, in which eight other activists have also been charged and remain behind bars after having their own bail applications rejected.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with its overbroad definition of “terrorist act” coupled with stringent bail provisions and lengthy investigation, contributes to prolonged, and in many cases, indefinite detention, contravening international human rights law guaranteed the right to liberty, including on presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. The legislation is rampantly and selectively used against human rights defenders including journalists, civil society activists and students who remain imprisoned without trial such as Khalid. In 2024, the Financial Action Task Force in India’s Mutual Evaluation Report highlighted that the delays in prosecutions under the UAPA are “resulting in a high number of pending cases and accused persons in judicial custody waiting for cases to be tried and concluded.” The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and several independent experts of the United Nations Human Rights Council (special procedures) have consistentlyraised concerns about the vague and overly broad provisions of the UAPA and its use to criminalise legitimate human rights work in India. They have repeatedly called on the Government of India to end the use of the UAPA to curtail human rights and fundamental freedoms. Amnesty International has also echoed these concerns, noting the poor conviction rate under the UAPA and the prolonged detentions, which illustrate how the process itself has become a form of punishment, and has therefore called for its repeal. However, the Indian authorities have not responded to these calls.

In Khalid’s case, the prosecution has primarily rested the invocation of India’s counter-terrorism law on his speech in the Amravati town of Maharashtra state in India on 17 February 2020 that referred to phrases like ‘inquilabli salam’ (revolutionary salute) and ‘krantikari istiqbal’ (revolutionary welcome). While referring to these phrases, Khalid praised the attendees of the event for daring to peacefully dissent against the discriminatory law in the prevailing political context. This did not constitute incitement to violence in any way and instead showed Khalid exercising his right to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly.

However, over the past five years, his bail applications have been denied at least four times by trial and appellate courts, most recently on 2 September 2025. His petition before the Supreme Court of India was adjourned at least 14 times in eleven months due to requests for adjournment by the state, scheduling delays, and judicial recusals, ultimately leading Khalid to withdraw his petition. In the latest order denying bail, the Delhi High Court described five years of his pre-trial detention as the “natural pace” of proceedings, despite the fact that the trial has yet to begin and the evidence has not been substantively examined. The Court further characterized Khalid’s speeches, mere membership in WhatsApp groups and his role in mobilising protests as part of a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” without demonstrating substantial links to the incitement of violence. These repeated bail denials combined with persistent delays, and the continued absence of trial proceedings, amount to a violation of his right to a fair trial, including speedy trial, guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which India is a state party, as well as under the Constitution of India.

We are further concerned about the discriminatory application of bail standards in cases arising from the violence surrounding the CAA protests and more broadly in cases involving the UAPA. While similarly situated accused have been granted bail, Khalid continues to be denied relief. Such unequal treatment violates the principle of equality before the law and sets a deeply troubling precedent.

Independent investigations, including by Amnesty International India, Human Rights Watch and Delhi Minorities Commission, have documented the role of the Delhi Police in human rights violations during the CAA protests and the ensuing violence. Police officers were recorded engaging in beatings, torture and other ill-treatment, and arbitrary arrests, and in some cases standing by as mobs attacked protesters. Courts in India have repeatedly criticised the quality of the police investigations, describing them as “very poor,” “callous,” and “fraught with multiple flaws,” and have noted instances of fabricated cases and manipulated records. At the same time, senior political leaders employed inflammatory hate speech, branding protesters as “traitors” or “anti-national” and openly incited violence. Despite the existence of video and documentary evidence, no meaningful accountability measures have been taken against implicated political figures or police officials.

Khalid’s detention is not an isolated case; it is emblematic of a broader pattern of repression faced by those who dare to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association. Other students and human rights activists, including Gulfisha Fatima, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Shifa-ur-Rehman and Meeran Haider, also remain in detention for their peaceful opposition to the CAA, while police officials and political leaders responsible for incitement or complicity in violence continue to enjoy impunity. This selective prosecution erodes public trust in the justice system, entrenches impunity for state actors, and criminalises free expression.

Therefore, we urge the Government of India to:

• Immediately and unconditionally release Umar Khalid and all others detained solely for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression;
• Ensure equality in the application of bail standards and end the discriminatory treatment of human rights defenders;
• Hold accountable police officials and political leaders against whom there is credible evidence of incitement of and complicity in violence;
• Repeal the UAPA or amend it to bring it into full conformity with international human rights law;
• Respect, protect, and promote the rights to liberty, fair trial, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

SIGNED BY: 

Amnesty International

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

FORUM-ASIA

Front Line Defenders 

International Commission for Jurists 

International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

Migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia has welcomed the release of the federal government’s national response to Islamophobia report today.

The report says Islamophobia has been on the rise in Australia over the two decades since the September 11 terror attacks and has skyrocketed since the October 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel.

The ‘National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity’ report contains 54 recommendations across every government agency.

AMES CEO Melinda Collinson said the report was welcome and would be a step towards greater social cohesion.

“We work with Islamic communities, and we see the damage islamophobia can do to individuals and communities. So, the recommendations are very welcome and will go some way to assuaging the worries some people and communities face,” Ms Collinson said.

“More than that, it sends a message that Australia values these communities, and we want to connect with them as a society and empower them to take a full place in our multicultural landscape,” she said.

Handing down his report in Canberra, Multicultural Envoy Aftab Malik said Islamophobia had been “persistent” and “never fully addressed”.

He said the report “proposes a way forward for the religious protection of all religious communities who have not been afforded this to date”.

“Islamophobia is a deeply ingrained societal challenge,” Mr Malik said.

The recommendations encompass the inclusion of religion – and particularly Islam – in anti-discrimination laws, reviewing anti-terror laws to determine if they target Muslims and support for capacity building of communities and mechanisms for reporting Islamophobia.

One focus of the report is Muslim women, who comprise the majority of targets of reported incidents of everyday Islamophobia because of their visibility.

It says many have been “subjected to foul, disgusting and degrading behaviour”.

12 September 2025: Gaza City is facing a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel’s latest military assault escalates, pushing people to the brink and threatening the survival of what remains of the health system. 

September 11 2025 – Stock indices across the world are smashing through new peaks, yet the very momentum powering this rally could become its greatest threat, warns a global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

The MSCI All Country World Index has climbed to successive records, lifted by resilient earnings and a softer inflation pulse.

In the US, the S&P 500 has pushed to fresh highs alongside technology bellwethers, while Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi have logged unprecedented gains.

Investors are celebrating a cooling producer price reading and betting on a string of US interest-rate cuts through the final months of the year.

However, the euphoria carries risk.

“Markets are racing ahead of fundamentals,” warns Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group.

“The combination of weakening labor market signals, heavy bets on multiple rate reductions and escalating tariffs under President Trump is a combustible mix. Investors must not confuse policy hopes with economic reality.”

Fresh data show US wholesale prices unexpectedly declined 0.1% in August, far below consensus forecasts.

Traders now price in a quarter-point Federal Reserve cut at its September meeting with near-certainty, and many expect two more moves before year-end.

Meanwhile, headline consumer inflation currently remains near 3%, the highest since January, reflecting tariff-driven costs feeding through supply chains.

“Cheaper money is a tailwind for equities, yet it is not a panacea,” Nigel Green adds.

“If consumer prices remain sticky or tariffs bite deeper into margins, corporate earnings will face pressure just as valuations look stretched.”

Tech shares exemplify the exuberance. Oracle's blow-out forecast for artificial-intelligence revenue ignited its best session in decades and added more than $240 billion to its market value, underscoring investors' willingness to pay almost any price for perceived AI leadership.

Similar enthusiasm has propelled the Nasdaq to levels last seen during the late-1990s tech boom.

“This cycle is being driven by innovation and liquidity, but history shows liquidity can reverse quickly,” comments the deVere CEO.

“Investors chasing the rally need to diversify across geographies and asset classes. Holding only mega-cap tech at these valuations invites serious downside risk if expectations are missed.”

Global dynamics add complexity. Europe's major benchmarks are riding the wave, yet growth indicators remain tepid.

China's manufacturing rebound is uneven, and fresh US tariffs introduced in August are only beginning to filter through to Asian exporters.

Currency markets reflect these cross-currents: the dollar has softened on rate-cut wagers, but any hawkish shift from the Fed or escalation in trade disputes could jolt it higher and unsettle risk assets.

“The dollar's trajectory is pivotal,” Nigel Green notes. “A sudden strengthening would tighten financial conditions worldwide and squeeze emerging markets that have benefited from easier funding this year.”

He stresses that disciplined portfolio construction is essential—and that few investors should attempt it alone.

“Volatile conditions and fast-moving macro data demand more than instinct,” Nigel Green explains.

“This is the time to engage experienced, independent advisers who can stress-test portfolios, identify hidden concentrations of risk and ensure strategies remain aligned with long-term goals.”

Despite the warnings, he remains optimistic.

“Opportunities remain abundant for those who approach this rally with a clear strategy and rigorous risk management.

“High-quality companies with strong cash flow, sound balance sheets and global revenue streams will continue to reward patient investors.”

The message from deVere's chief is unambiguous in that extraordinary market highs demand extraordinary discipline.

“This is a moment to be fully engaged, not complacent. Prudent positioning and professional guidance today will determine who prospers,” Nigel Green concludes.

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.