Day: October 31, 2022

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No end in sight: International community continues to fail Eritreans says UN Expert

Eritrea poses a real challenge to the UN system and the international community a UN expert said today, warning that the country’s human rights situation was deteriorating drastically.

“Eritrea was elected to serve in the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2022-2024. However, its continuous failure to fully cooperate with his mandate and implement the recommendations of human rights bodies calls the credibility and integrity of the entire UN human rights system into question,” said Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, in a report to the General Assembly.

“The intensification of the armed conflict in Tigray, the de facto blockade by Eritrean forces, secret places of torture called “villas” and the forced indefinite national conscription, all contribute to violations of human rights in Eritrea,” the Special Rapporteur said.

The expert made note of the fact that Eritrea had used its Human Rights Council membership to oppose international scrutiny over violations in the Tigray Region and voted against the establishment of an international commission of experts to investigate allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations in Ethiopia.

Eritrea has been fighting alongside Ethiopia’s central government troops since the civil war broke out in Tigray in late 2020.

Babiker’s report to the General Assembly also noted that Eritrean journalists, political opponents and disappeared persons had been detained in the country for more than 20 years. “They are the longest detained persons in the world, languishing in jails and incommunicado detentions,” the Special Rapporteur said. December 2022 will mark 10 years since the arrest of Ciham Ali Abdu, an American-Eritrean child who had been held incommunicado since the age of 15. According to the UN expert, there had been a recent and worrying uptick in arbitrary arrests and detentions against clergymen in the country.

“The Government of Eritrea should release children, political prisoners, hundreds of disappeared persons and those imprisoned for their religious beliefs and allow all Eritreans to exercise their right to freedom of religion,” the UN expert said.

The Special Rapporteur said he had received information that people from the Afar region of Eritrea were being denied access to asylum procedures especially at the Asayita refugee camp in Ethiopia.

“Immediate action is imperative to protect refugees and other vulnerable populations. Humanitarian actors face difficulties operating in Tigray due to the complex security situation and lack of access, impacting humanitarian delivery to refugees,” he said.

Source: UN Human Rights Council

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Conagen’s fermentation platform expands on promising novel forms of vitamin K2

Bedford, Mass., Oct. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Biotech innovator, Conagen announced the development of its fermentation-derived vitamin K2 – a high-purity all-trans menaquinone-7 (MK-7).  This is the first molecule from a proprietary platform for producing novel, pure, long-chain menaquinone forms of the vitamin. The platform enables low-cost manufacturing and yields high-quality products, making it attractive to health brands.

“Conagen’s MK-7 technology produces a clean profile of the vitamin without other similar molecules, such as ubiquinone,” said Casey Lippmeier, Ph.D., senior vice president of innovation at Conagen. “Our process allows us to make pure forms of any long-chain menaquinone, be it 6, 7, 8, 9, and these can be consumed in various combinations with other vitamins or with each other to make the most effective supplement possible. As the clinical evidence evolves, so can the supplement.”

Vitamin K2 helps to regulate calcium mobility in bones and restricts calcium buildup in blood vessels, leading to stroke and heart disease. MK-7 is the more bioavailable form of K2 on the market; the other major form is MK-4, which both have taken a strong position in the markets for bone and cardiovascular health.

The biological activity of MK-7 is strictly linked to its all-trans configuration, which is naturally found in fermented superfoods such as natto. Cis-analogues are considered biologically inactive. Synthetic versions of MK-7 contain some amount of the cis-isomer form. Low-quality sources containing cis forms affect the efficacy of the vitamin.

Other long-chain forms of vitamin K2, such as MK-8 and MK-9, exist naturally in cheeses. Research on the health benefits of these other K2 forms has only begun to emerge.

Personalized nutrition is popular with consumers looking for technological breakthroughs in functional foods and nutrition. Conagen’s cost-effective fermentation-derived MK-7 provides new opportunities for brands to develop products to meet the demand of the growing aging population.

“We’re demonstrating our capabilities with innovative technologies that expand market choices in nutrition,” said Lippmeier. “Our fermentation and bioconversion platforms have also produced the clean nutrient ergothioneine and the antioxidant taxifolin, further demonstrating the versatility of our platform technologies.”

Conagen’s research into the MK-7 production process was done in part as a 3-year collaboration with the lab of Prof. Anthony Sinskey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Health brands interested in non-GMO, vegan vitamin K2 MK-4 and MK-7 and special ingredients, such as ErgoActive® L-Ergothioneine® and Taxifolin BC DHQ® for nutrition and food and beverage preservation, respectively, can contact Blue California, a pipeline partner of Conagen. To inquire more about Conagen’s products or partnerships, please visit www.conagen.com.

About Conagen

Conagen is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing service capabilities. Our scientists and engineers use the latest synthetic biology tools to develop high-quality, sustainable, nature-based products by precision fermentation and enzymatic bioconversion. We focus on the bioproduction of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavors and fragrances, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Conagen
+1.949.750.6812
ana.arakelian@conagen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8685378

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G20 Health Ministers Meeting Delivers Six Key Actions for the Upcoming Leaders’ Summit

BALI, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin closed G20 Second Health Ministerial Meeting in Bali, 28 October 2022. This meeting is the culmination of G20 discussions about strengthening the global health architecture and strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

G20 Health Ministers Meeting Produced Key Actions to Strengthen Global Health Architecture

While current geopolitical tension had been widely reflected over the three days’ meetings, G20 member states maintain a strong commitment, together addressing global health challenges and finding a common solution. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said, “Despite our differences, the G20 member states have come together to speak the same language—the language of humanity, the language of health that knows no border.”

The meeting produced a technical document to be submitted for consideration during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in mid-November. Six key actions will be carried forward as follow:

  1. The Health Track has led to the design and launch of the Pandemic Fund. G20 members will continue and deepen the work envisioned for the Joint Finance and Health Task Force (JFHTF) and call on all G20 countries to build on the major concrete achievement of the Pandemic Fund – previously known as the Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF) on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
  2. Following the completion of the ACT-A evaluation, G20 countries should continue to lead the shaping of successor entities and functions to ensure the readiness of mechanisms to respond to future pandemics
  3. Under the Indonesian G20 Presidency, G20 member states have brought progress on genomic surveillance, which should pave the way for continued attention and progress as a crucial part of pandemic prevention, preparedness and response
  4. Further global collaboration to build on the successes of existing travel certificate systems while moving towards interoperability of these systems;
  5. Conduct a gap analysis and mapping of existing and emerging research and manufacturing networks, which should be taken forward by the next Indian presidency of the G20
  6. Concrete actions emerge from the side events of the G20 Health agenda, with a call to action to increase funding to combat Tuberculosis; a commitment to implement the One Health initiative; and a call to action to enhance improvements in the capacity to prevent, detect and respond to AMR.

Indonesia will pass the G20 Presidency baton to India, where members will collectively further discuss and pursue efforts to address and strengthen global health architecture.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1933398/Image.jpg

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Dominica’s Anichi Resort & Spa provides a 2% annual return while under construction

Roseau, Oct. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anichi Resort & Spa will be providing a 2% annual return to investors despite being under construction. The management of the much-anticipated five-star luxury resort and spa in Dominica has said that the project is in full swing, and that once construction is completed, annual returns will be based on the resort’s operation.

Following an official update, an estimated 70% of the project is now complete; this includes the flooring as well as an extensive electricity infrastructure. The resort is being built on 12 acres of land, with 128 rooms. I will host world-class amenities, such as a lagoon swimming pool, an infinity pool, restaurants, a business centre and many others. Overlooking a picturesque beach, the resort will tastefully blend its modern architecture with the landscape’s tropical foliage.

Developed by Oriental Developers (Caribbean) Ltd, the resort will form part of the Autograph Collection, a premium international brand developed by renowned hotelier Marriott International. This links the resort to more than 100 luxury lifestyle hotels across 30 countries and territories – all of which have been constructed as part of Autograph Collection Hotels. Furthermore, Anichi Resort will be managed by Highgate, a dominant player in major US gateway cities with a growing footprint in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Anichi Resort & Spa is also one of the premium real estate options approved by the Dominican government’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme. The CBI Index of 2022, published by the PWM Magazine of the Financial Times, recognises it as the “World’s Best Citizenship by Investment Programme”. The minimum investment threshold for Anichi Resort & Spa is $220,000 (USD), an expenditure which also comes with lifetime Dominican citizenship and property ownership.

The resort will bolster the tourism sector and generate extensive employment for locals. The country already occupies a notable position, ranking first among 25 other Caribbean islands – winning due to its lush green jungles, hot springs and striking black-sand beaches. Annually, scores of investors fly to Dominica owing to its large number of government-approved investment projects. The Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica allows these individuals to purchase freehold shares in government-approved properties.

Anichi Resort & Spa provides investors and CBI applicants with a Return on Investment (ROI) as well as a route towards diversifying their portfolios and planning their wealth. 

The Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, praised the CBI Programme, “Thanks to the real-estate investment option of the Citizenship by Investment Programme,” he noted, “the country is catching the attraction of travel-enthusiasts and is now known for [its] luxury tourism offering. Under the Citizenship Programme, investors looking to expand their real estate portfolio have the opportunity to invest in established luxury hotel brands and villas.” 

Dominica’s real estate investment option has long provided premium, luxury projects for investment. A prior example of this is Secret Bay, a real estate property which paid out more than $1 million (USD) in returns to investors. The Residences at Secret Bay also promises great returns, having drawn more than 100 Citizenship by Investment (CBI) owners. The resort has already won a number of awards, and it is anticipated that Anichi Resort & Spa will likewise be counted as one of the jewels in Dominica’s real estate crown.

Anichi Resort promises to be a meaningful asset during this time of global uncertainty. CS Global Partners, a legal consulting firm working in the investment citizenship field, noted that, beyond the resort’s world-class architecture and lush surrounding environment, “[t]he project also brings in interest from investors keen to participate in the development through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Once completed, the resort promises to transform Dominica’s tourism sector while also boosting employment for the local community”.

Concurrently, Dominica is witnessing the construction of several other hotels, including a Hilton hotel, which will also fall under the government-approved real estate investment options of the country’s CBI programme. Many of these properties are being built to be sustainable and climate-resilient, with the continued construction of such resorts and hotels positioning the island as a top destination for eco-luxury resorts.

Dominica’s real estate is thus proving to be a popular option among investors and high net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Bolstering investment is the strength of the country’s CBI programme. The credibility and trustworthiness of Dominica’s programme has been maintained since its launch almost three decades ago, and it has been ranked the world’s best CBI programme for its sixth consecutive year. Alongside alternative citizenship, the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica provides a number of other opportunities to investors. These include:

  • The ability to become a global citizen and be part of a global community transcends Dominica’s land borders.
  • The ability to hold multiple citizenships.
  • A citizenship that is granted for life and can be passed on to future generations.
  • An opportunity to provide families and children with a peaceful, stable, safe and welcoming home.
  • Access to countless business opportunities, with the option of portfolio diversification.
  • Enhanced opportunities for wealth planning and expanding business overseas.
  • A stable currency, with Dominica’s currency, the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to USD.

These factors, combined with alternative citizenship, present individuals with a rich array of business and personal advantages. As the success and promise of the Anichi Resort & Spa attest, the island along with its CBI programme offers investment with unrivalled returns.

PR Dominica
Commonwealth of Dominica
001 (767) 266 3919
mildred.thabane@csglobalpartners.com
.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8685334
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Hisense a dévoilé son premier réfrigérateur H750FSB-IDS en Afrique du Sud

LE CAP, Afrique du Sud, 31 octobre 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, l’une des principales marques mondiales d’appareils électroménagers et d’électronique grand public, a lancé un nouveau réfrigérateur intelligent haut de gamme doté de caractéristiques impressionnantes en Afrique du Sud.

La première révélation du produit H750FSB-IDS a été dévoilée chez House & Home à Menlyn Mall, Pretoria, le 26 octobre. La direction de Hisense et House & Home ont assisté à la cérémonie.

« Nous sommes, en tant qu’équipe Hisense, professionnellement et personnellement, très excités de lancer l’un de nos produits Hisense les plus innovants et les plus luxueux en Afrique du Sud. Cette innovation va bien au-delà de la simple réfrigération, elle s’intègre parfaitement à la vie des familles et à leurs activités quotidiennes, en veillant à ce qu’aucun moment important ne soit manqué en raison des tâches de la vie quotidienne. Nous ne vendons pas seulement des appareils, Hisense a un impact positif sur les environnements dans lesquels vivent nos produits », a déclaré Mme Vivi, directrice générale de Hisense Afrique du Sud.

Le réfrigérateur H750FSB-IDS Smart Touchscreen Multi-Door Refrigerator possède des caractéristiques qui améliorent les moments en famille. C’est la valeur que la technologie des produits Hisense apporte aux foyers de nos clients.

Gardez vos aliments frais

Il dispose d’une fonction d’inventaire des aliments qui vous permet de gérer sans effort votre nourriture en nommant tous les articles présents dans votre réfrigérateur et en définissant des dates d’expiration. Le réfrigérateur intelligent PureFlat de Hisense vous avertit alors de l’expiration de vos aliments afin de minimiser le gaspillage alimentaire.

Vos aliments resteront frais plus longtemps grâce aux trois compartiments de refroidissement du réfrigérateur. Ceux-ci contrôlent indépendamment la température et l’humidité pour différents types d’aliments.

En outre, le troisième de ces compartiments a une plage de température allant de -18 degrés à +5 degrés, ce qui lui permet de fonctionner comme un réfrigérateur ou un congélateur.

En combinaison avec la protection antibactérienne du Hisense H750FSB-IDS, jusqu’à 99,99 % des bactéries sont éliminées, assurant que votre nourriture est toujours dans la meilleure condition possible.

Fonctions intelligentes

Le Hisense H750FSB-IDS est aussi intelligent à l’extérieur qu’à l’intérieur.

Son grand écran tactile peut être utilisé pour créer une liste de courses qui se synchronise avec votre smartphone, ce qui la rend facilement accessible en dehors de la maison. Si vous avez du mal à créer une liste de courses parce que vous ne savez pas quoi cuisiner, le Hisense H750FSB-IDS est équipé de plus de 150 recettes pour vous aider à planifier facilement vos prochains repas.

Ces recettes peuvent également être visualisées sur le grand écran tactile pendant que vous cuisinez. Si vous cuisinez alors que le dernier match de rugby est en cours, vous pouvez le regarder sur cet écran en plaçant votre smartphone en miroir sur le réfrigérateur.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1932224/IMG_3624.jpg