Latest news with #Gardi
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
A Voice At The Table: Refugee Panel Completes Successful First Term
Press Release – University of Auckland Recently named in the Kings Birthday Honours, human rights lawyer Rez Gardi MNZM, the project director for the NZRAP Secretariat and the co-director of the Universitys Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, says its a privilege to welcome the newly … Giving people from refugee backgrounds an official voice on issues that affect them has been the focus of the inaugural New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, now into its second term. Resettlement and integration, cultural and social inclusion, mental health support, youth education, legal and immigration processes, community safety and developing leadership in refugee communities are just some of the areas the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel (NZRAP) has been involved with since forming in 2022. And now six new members from around New Zealand will be joining the panel for its second term. Recently named in the King's Birthday Honours, human rights lawyer Rez Gardi MNZM, the project director for the NZRAP Secretariat and the co-director of the University's Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, says it's a privilege to welcome the newly appointed members. 'Their appointments reflect the calibre, depth, and diversity of leadership within refugee-background communities across Aotearoa.' Gardi says the panel plays a vital role in ensuring the perspectives and expertise of those with lived experience of forced displacement are not only heard but embedded in government policy and practice. 'We look forward to supporting the panel as it builds on the foundations laid by its inaugural cohort.' Highlights of the panel's first term include: developing a working definition of 'meaningful refugee participation', now adopted by the NZ government; playing a leading role in the National Refugee Resettlement Forum, alongside Immigration New Zealand; and co-drafting pledges made by the government at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, where panel members attended international conferences. Retiring panel member Somali-born Ayan Said says serving on the panel is about ensuring refugee participation is not just symbolic but changes the system for the better. 'The NZRAP is where experience meets expertise. Meaningful refugee participation is not a favour it's a fundamental right that strengthens policies and empowers communities. True participation means moving beyond tokenism to build trust, share power, and co-create change.' A former refugee from Syria, Rabia Talal Almbaid, another member now stepping down, says it's been an incredible honour to serve on the panel and a 'defining highlight' of his career, but the panel is in good hands. 'The newly appointed members bring remarkable talent, experiences, and insight into the space. We are excited to see them carry the work forward, as there is more work to do.' The acting national manager of Refugee and Migrant Support, Sarah Ward, says the panel's second term will build on the strong foundations laid by its inaugural members. 'We're proud to support the NZRAP as part of our ongoing commitment to meaningful refugee participation and to New Zealand's world-class refugee resettlement programme,' she says. 'We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing panel members for their leadership and dedication and warmly welcome the new members and look forward to the important mahi ahead.' The six new members were selected through an open nationwide process that attracted applications from across the country. Newly appointed members 1 July 2025: Sara Ahmad – Hamilton Nimo Ahmed – Whangārei Liaquat Ali Changezi – Hamilton Nada Haroura – Dunedin Beth Ketema – Auckland Abrar Saleh – Auckland Continuing members (since March 2024): Jane Smith – Christchurch Jose Tombe – Wellington The New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel is a collaboration between Immigration New Zealand and the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, supported by refugee-led organisations, academics, and civil society.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
A Voice At The Table: Refugee Panel Completes Successful First Term
Giving people from refugee backgrounds an official voice on issues that affect them has been the focus of the inaugural New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, now into its second term. Resettlement and integration, cultural and social inclusion, mental health support, youth education, legal and immigration processes, community safety and developing leadership in refugee communities are just some of the areas the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel (NZRAP) has been involved with since forming in 2022. And now six new members from around New Zealand will be joining the panel for its second term. Recently named in the King's Birthday Honours, human rights lawyer Rez Gardi MNZM, the project director for the NZRAP Secretariat and the co-director of the University's Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, says it's a privilege to welcome the newly appointed members. 'Their appointments reflect the calibre, depth, and diversity of leadership within refugee-background communities across Aotearoa.' Gardi says the panel plays a vital role in ensuring the perspectives and expertise of those with lived experience of forced displacement are not only heard but embedded in government policy and practice. 'We look forward to supporting the panel as it builds on the foundations laid by its inaugural cohort.' Highlights of the panel's first term include: developing a working definition of 'meaningful refugee participation', now adopted by the NZ government; playing a leading role in the National Refugee Resettlement Forum, alongside Immigration New Zealand; and co-drafting pledges made by the government at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, where panel members attended international conferences. Retiring panel member Somali-born Ayan Said says serving on the panel is about ensuring refugee participation is not just symbolic but changes the system for the better. 'The NZRAP is where experience meets expertise. Meaningful refugee participation is not a favour it's a fundamental right that strengthens policies and empowers communities. True participation means moving beyond tokenism to build trust, share power, and co-create change.' A former refugee from Syria, Rabia Talal Almbaid, another member now stepping down, says it's been an incredible honour to serve on the panel and a 'defining highlight' of his career, but the panel is in good hands. 'The newly appointed members bring remarkable talent, experiences, and insight into the space. We are excited to see them carry the work forward, as there is more work to do.' The acting national manager of Refugee and Migrant Support, Sarah Ward, says the panel's second term will build on the strong foundations laid by its inaugural members. 'We're proud to support the NZRAP as part of our ongoing commitment to meaningful refugee participation and to New Zealand's world-class refugee resettlement programme,' she says. 'We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing panel members for their leadership and dedication and warmly welcome the new members and look forward to the important mahi ahead.' The six new members were selected through an open nationwide process that attracted applications from across the country. Newly appointed members 1 July 2025: Sara Ahmad – Hamilton Nimo Ahmed – Whangārei Liaquat Ali Changezi – Hamilton Nada Haroura – Dunedin Beth Ketema – Auckland Abrar Saleh – Auckland Continuing members (since March 2024): Jane Smith – Christchurch Jose Tombe – Wellington The New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel is a collaboration between Immigration New Zealand and the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, supported by refugee-led organisations, academics, and civil society. Find out more about the panel's achievements.
Rudaw Net
30-03-2025
- General
- Rudaw Net
100,000 chicks burn in devastating Baharka farm fire
Also in Kurdistan Peshmerga father of 3 wins 2025 Toyota SUV in Rudaw Ramadan contest KRG cabinet distribution to be decided after Eid: PUK Muslims in Duhok perform Eid prayer Calling for peace, Kurdish leaders extend Eid al-Fitr greetings A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A devastating fire at a poultry farm in Baharka's sub-district, north of Erbil, killed 100,000 chicks ready for transport on Sunday, causing around two million dollars in damage, according to the farm owner. "This morning, nearly 100,000 chicks were produced, all of which were burned in the fire, and until now, the cause of the fire remains unknown," Haji Ibrahim Gardi, a relative of the farm's owner, told Rudaw. In addition to the 100,000 chicks, some 200,000 eggs at the facility were also destroyed, Gardi added. The farm owner reported the total material losses exceed two million dollars, noting that all the fire prevention systems within the facility were operational and functioning correctly. A farm worker additionally told Rudaw that they faced delays in emergency response to the fire that erupted some 20km from Baharka north of Erbil. "The emergency response teams did not get here soon enough,' he claimed, adding that 'it took them around an hour and a half to reach the location [of the fire],' a farm worker told Rudaw. However, a fire department spokesperson disputed the claim, stating that they 'were notified of the fire at 8:12 am local time,' and 'despite it being far from the city, our team reached the scene before 8:30 am.' Shakhawan Saeed also pointed out that for a farm this big, the owners did not have adequate fire prevention measures, relying primarily on a few fire extinguishers. Since the beginning of the year, Erbil has reported 315 fires, with 27 occurring in the past month alone.
CBS News
12-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Cardiologist shares how shoveling snow can be hazardous to your health
(CBS DETROIT) — With several inches of snow expected throughout most of Metro Detroit on Wednesday and Thursday, it will be a tedious task to shovel. Doctors say shoveling snow from your driveway can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack because of how cold it is and the increased exertion. Shoveling snow can be dangerous, especially for those with risk factors that could lead to a heart attack, like those with high blood pressure, obesity, and who are over the age of 65. Dr. Delair Gardi, an interventional cardiologist with the Detroit Medical Center, says it's all about minimizing risk. He encourages people to stretch before shoveling and take breaks periodically. "The best advice I can give you is stay well hydrated," Gardi said. "Number two, we have to be always warm. Number three, you should take breaks, which means if you are going to go out and do this for a few minutes, please take a break for a moment. The snow is not going to run away; you are not in a race." With most of Southeast Michigan projected to get between four and eight inches of snow and with the potential for single-digit wind chills, the American Heart Association warns that this is a perfect storm for heart health hazards. "If you grab the shovel and there is only a few inches of snow outside, that will add a lot of stress to your heart, and this move of you grabbing the snow and trying to move it up and throw it is going to put a lot of pressure on your heart, and believe it or not, the amount of pressure you put with just two minutes of doing those little moves is equal to exercising on the treadmill for 10-15 minutes," Gardi said. Dr. Gardi urges Metro Detroiters to bundle up appropriately because breathing in cold air causes constriction of blood vessels throughout the body. If you have any concerns about your heart health, talk to your doctor before shoveling snow, or consider alternatives like using a snow blower or hiring someone to plow your driveway.
Rudaw Net
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iranian prisoners in Sulaimani sew mouths shut in protest demanding repatriation
Also in Kurdistan Striking teachers from Sulaimani blocked from protesting in Erbil Erbil shuts down two more illegal refineries Fresh mountain snow draws tourists to Duhok province Three Duhok villages abandoned due to Turkey-PKK clashes A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Prisoners from Iran's western Kurdish regions (Rojhelat) in Sulaimani have been on a hunger strike for 9 days, demanding repatriation to Iran for trial. Fifteen individuals have been on hunger strike since February 1, a representative of the protesting prisoners in Sulaimani's Correctional Facility told Rudaw on condition of anonymity. 'Since yesterday, 8 of us have completely sewn their mouths shut and we will continue the hunger strike until our demands are met,' he said, highlighting that the health of most of the prisoners is deteriorating. 'From a humanitarian perspective, we sympathize with these prisoners, but from a legal standpoint, we don't, since some of these prisoners are being held for charges related to large amounts of drugs and should not be sent back,' head of Justice Network for Prisoners told Rudaw on Sunday. Shwan Sabir Gardi also warned that some of the prisoners could face the death penalty if they are sent back to Iran due to the severity of their charges. Amnesty International has repeatedly criticized Iran for executing a large number of individuals convicted of drug-related offenses. In June 2024, the human rights watchdog described Tehran's use of the death penalty for drug-related crimes as a 'deadly war on the poor.' The prisoners are requesting to be transferred to Iran due to financial hardship inside the prison. While they receive funds from their families in Iran, the amounts are minimal given the decline in the value of the Iranian rial. Gardi stressed that any retrial should be carried out 'within the framework of the law' and requires the detainees 'to present new and substantial evidence' to prove their innocence. The cases of these prisoners are currently being closely followed and actively addressed, said Ihsan Abdulrahman, head of the Correctional Facility told Rudaw. Soran Hussein contributed to this article.
