Latest news with #RichardBennett
Forbes
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
UN Experts Concerned About Mass Forced Returns Of Afghan Nationals
Afghan refugees deported from Iran, wait to board a bus at a makeshift camp in Kabul on July 16, ... More 2025. Three million Afghans could return to their country this year, a UN refugee official said July 11, warning that the repatriation flow is placing intense pressure on an already major humanitarian crisis. (Photo credit: WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP via Getty Images) On July 18, 2025, several United Nations experts, including Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, and Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, published a statement condemning ongoing deportations and mass forced returns of Afghan nationals from Iran and Pakistan, and other countries. As the statement indicated, 'More than 1.9 million Afghans have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan so far in 2025. More than 300,000 people have returned from Pakistan and over a 1.5 million from Iran, including 410,000 who have been deported from Iran since June 24. Thousands of the returnees are unaccompanied children. Following the Iran-Israel conflict, forced returns of Afghan nationals have escalated, including those with valid documentation. Security-related discourse has intensified anti-Afghan sentiment.' As the statement added, 'Returns must be halted immediately. Afghanistan is not a safe country for returnees, given the constantly deteriorating human rights situation since the Taliban seized control, nearly four years ago.' In August 2025, it will be four years since the Taliban took over power (on August 15, 2021). What followed the takeover can only be described as a total reversal of the progress made in the country during the twenty years of the Afghan Republic, and the return of terror. Gross human rights violations became a common occurrence yet again with atrocity crimes against ethnic and religious minorities, gender persecution and gender apartheid, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, attacks on journalists and human rights defenders, and much more. Women and girls are systematically deprived of their fundamental rights to the point that they are effectively confined to the four walls of their homes. Former security and government officials, including judges and prosecutors, those critical of Taliban policies, such as human rights defenders and journalists, as well as religious and ethnic minorities are at particular risk of reprisals and serious harms in the country, and even more so - if they are returned. With every decision taken so far, the de facto authorities in Afghanistan ensure that there is no human rights and no viable opposition to the Taliban - so that their reign could continue without even the slightest criticism. The Taliban have been resorting to inhumane punishments, including capital and corporal punishments, often enforced in public to terrorize Afghan population. Among others, in April 2025, four men had been publicly executed as part of the Taliban's Qisas (retribution in kind –in reference to religious law) - bringing the total number of reported public executions carried out since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 to at least 10. Furthermore, the Taliban has been using corporal punishment, mostly lashings, often for such acts as sodomy, running away from home, and 'illicit relationships.' The U.N. reported at least 213 such punishments (169 males and 44 females) since the beginning of 2025. Afghanistan is not a safe country, and Russia formally recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan's government will not change this. As the U.N. experts emphasized, 'Those forced to return have genuine fears for their safety and security and face very real risks of persecution, threats, and violent reprisals. No government should ignore these very real dangers in Afghanistan – doing so would constitute an abandonment of their moral and legal responsibility.' The forced returns may violate the principle of non-refoulement. Furthermore, as the U.N. experts warned, 'States, due to the sheer quantity and forceful nature of returns, cannot ensure that Afghan nationals have access to fair procedures where their individual protection needs are fully assessed. Many Afghans have experienced discrimination, mistreatment, arbitrary arrest and detention, raising serious concerns under international refugee and human rights law.' The dire situation in Afghanistan calls for an increased humanitarian response for Afghanistan and host countries to address the international protection needs - not the opposite as recently seen. As the world is dealing with one of the worst refugee crisis in years, as exacerbated with every new conflict and situation of concerns, we cannot abandon the rules-based order designed to ensure humane responses to such situations.
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AIX 2.0 Set to Launch: From Elite Community to Global Platform, Redefining AI-Driven Intelligent Finance
Colorado, USA, June 23, 2025 -- AIX is set to launch the groundbreaking AIX 2.0 on July 2, marking not only a comprehensive upgrade of its technical architecture but also a strategic leap—from an exclusive community to an open global ecosystem. From Exclusive Community to Global Ecosystem: The Evolution of AIX Since its inception, AIX has been committed to deeply integrating AI and blockchain technologies, driving the intelligent transformation of the global digital economy through continuous innovation. As its global user base expands and international partnerships deepen, AIX is stepping onto the world stage with a renewed vision—bringing intelligent financial solutions to a broader global audience. Richard Bennett, CEO of AIX, stated: 'AIX 2.0 is more than an upgrade—it's an evolution. We're redefining intelligent asset management by making cutting-edge AI technology truly accessible, empowering individuals to enhance their financial lives and generate tangible value.' With the launch of AIX 2.0, the platform evolves from a single AI strategy engine into a diversified intelligent ecosystem—encompassing interaction, social impact, entertainment, and rewards. It aims to build an intelligent financial community that integrates technological advancement, ecosystem expansion, and community empowerment—enabling users to not only benefit from the platform but also actively contribute to its development and social good initiatives. Brand Upgrade Launch: A New Identity Redefining Trust and Vision Alongside the release of AIX 2.0, the platform is unveiling a refreshed brand identity—featuring modern visual design and a technology-driven tone that reinforces its core values of intelligence, transparency, and user-centricity. A fixed portion of the platform's revenue will be allocated to blockchain-verifiable global philanthropic initiatives, supporting causes such as education and environmental protection—demonstrating AIX's commitment to the principle of AI for Good and its broader social responsibility. Co-Creating the Future: AIX Extends a Global Invitation for Collaboration The launch of AIX 2.0 marks the beginning of a new era in intelligent asset management. AIX extends a global invitation to developers, investment institutions, AI innovators, and nonprofit organizations to help shape this open ecosystem powered by AI and blockchain technologies. Together, we can drive a new wave of fintech innovation and co-create a roadmap for the next decade of intelligent asset management. In this collaborative and inclusive ecosystem, every participant will find their unique value and share in the opportunities brought by technological advancement. Contact Info: Name: Allen Email: Send Email Organization: AIXecute Ltd. Website: Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. Information verification has been done to the best of our ability. Still, due to the speculative nature of the blockchain (cryptocurrency, NFT, mining, etc.) sector as a whole, complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. You are advised to conduct your own research and exercise caution. Investments in these fields are inherently risky and should be approached with due diligence. Release ID: 89162931 Should there be any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arising from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is central to our commitment.
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Taliban Weaponising Justice Sector To Entrench Gender Persecution In Afghanistan: UN Expert
GENEVA (16 June 2025) – The Taliban has dismantled legal and institutional frameworks and abolished crucial protection for women and girls in Afghanistan, a UN expert said in a new report presented to the UN Human Rights Council today. 'Since the Taliban seized power in 2021, women and girls have been stripped of their fundamental rights, and support networks have either collapsed or been forced underground,' said Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan in his latest report which examines access to justice and protection for women and girls. 'The Taliban is instrumentalising the legal and justice sectors in Afghanistan as part of their efforts to entrench the group's institutionalised system of gender oppression, persecution and domination,' Bennett said. The expert warned that Taliban policies of persecution – which amount to crimes against humanity – have created an environment of abuse against women and girls that – despite great efforts of Afghans – is almost impossible to challenge on the ground, effectively blocking access to justice and protection in the country. 'Women and girls face such immense barriers to access justice and protection that the only reasonable conclusion is that the system is designed to enforce and sustain the Taliban's repressive and misogynistic ideology,' Bennett said. While all Afghan women and girls suffer under Taliban policies, the Special Rapporteur stressed that the situation is exacerbated for women and girls in remote and rural parts of the country, or with intersecting identities, particularly those from minority and marginalised backgrounds. Bennett welcomed efforts by the International Criminal Court and a group of Member States to hold Taliban leadership to account for violations and crimes under international law. 'But much more needs to be done. Member States of the Council must acknowledge and respond to the demands of Afghans to establish an additional, complementary international mechanism to support existing efforts to hold the Taliban to account. 'Justice and protection in Afghanistan must be understood not only as legal accountability, but also as the restoration of rights, the recovery of access to essential services, and the creation of conditions in which women, girls, and all Afghans can live with dignity and self-determination,' the expert added. He called for a principled and human rights centred 'all tools' approach, a range of interventions which together form more than the sum of their parts, including centering women's rights and voices in all discussions and strategies on Afghanistan, supporting Afghan-led civil society groups, strengthening efforts to ensure accountability though international mechanisms, and prioritising economic and social rights as a vehicle for increased access to justice and protection. 'Such an approach responds to the demands of Afghan women and girls and maximises pathways and potential for the emergence of a safe, stable and inclusive Afghanistan. Until then, any normalisation of the de facto authorities would be premature,' Bennett said.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Dad ‘desperate for a holiday' blamed exhaustion on work only for his daughter to spot sign of killer ravaging his body
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EXHAUSTED dad was desperate for a holiday - but he got a deadly diagnosis after his daughter spotted a subtle sign of the killer disease at the airport. Richard Bennett, 64, began to feel unwell in the days before his holiday to Portugal with his wife Lesly, 57, in May 2024. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Richard Bennett with his daughter Sophie Credit: SWNS 6 The dad was diagnosed with cancer when his daughter noticed how yellow he looked after returning from his holiday Credit: SWNS 6 The swim coach was told he had stage 4 melanoma Credit: SWNS But the dad dismissed his symptoms as he was "desperate" to get away for a break. Despite the tiredness he felt, Richard put it down to working and his general lifestyle catching up with him. Whilst on holiday, his condition worsened, and Richard noticed changes in his urine and faeces, as well as feeling weaker and struggling to eat. When his daughter, Sophie, 23, picked them up for the airport and exclaimed, "Dad, you're yellow," Richard knew he needed to get help as jaundice had set in. He went to St John's hospital, Livingston before being transferred to Royal Infirmary Edinburgh where he was diagnosed with stage four melanoma - a form of skin cancer - which had moved from its original site and formed a mass on his pancreas. After attempting to overcome the "shock to the system", Richard has remained determined to focus on his work as a swim coach whilst training for a cycle ride to raise money for cancer charity Maggie's. He is currently undergoing immunotherapy once every four weeks to manage his condition. Richard, from Whitburn, West Lothian, said: "It was quite a shock to the system. "It was so difficult for myself and my family. "Even just believing cancer had come to your door and chosen you. Sun Health Explainer: Skin cancer and moles "When I went to the hospital, and I spoke to some of the specialists, they told me it was melanoma, and they told me it was stage four. "All the thoughts in my head was, 'This is it, curtains for me'. "I didn't think there was much of a future left. "I didn't realise that all that stage four means is that the cancer has moved from the original site to somewhere else." Richard initially struggled with coming to terms with the tag of 'stage four' associated with his condition. 6 Richard with his wife Lesley Credit: SWNS 6 Richard's cancer diagnosis was a huge blow to the family Credit: SWNS He said: "It's not necessarily a death sentence. "After reading Chris Hoy's book, I understood more about that, and it's made such a difference." Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy revealed in October 2024 that his stage 4 prostate cancer was terminal, after being initially diagnosed with cancer in September 2023. He published his autobiography All That Matters at the end of last year. Richard said: "I'm trying to be strong for the kids at the swimming club, and when I reflect, there's no point in dwelling on it and being sad - I want to be upbeat and brave. What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. "I'm surrounded by positive people and that in itself gave me a focus to keep going. I'm glad that the swimming club is there in my life. "And my family - even though I feel quite fit and well, even though I'm still trying to push on, they're always making sure I'm okay. "You're so used to looking after your kids and your family but they just took over and looked after me. "If I could turn the clock back, I would have acted immediately. "I don't think it would have made a big difference in respect to my diagnosis, but I would encourage anybody if things are not normal, then please speak to your doctor." Raising awareness Richard has now turned his attention to the Tour De 4 cycling challenge on September 7 - a 38-mile loop around Glasgow in support of cancer research. He said: "I had a mountain bike, and I quite liked going down the trails, but when I read Chris' book, he spoke about arranging the Tour de 4. "I said to my wife that this is something I want to do - it would be good to raise awareness. "As a stage four cancer patient, it would be great to raise money and help people just like me. What does stage 4 melanoma mean? Stage 4 means the melanoma has spread to parts of the body away from the original cancer site and further than the nearby lymph nodes. Melanoma can spread to other areas on the skin or to soft tissue. Soft tissue includes muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. Sometimes it can spread to more than one area. Other common places for melanoma to spread include your: Lymph nodes further away from the melanoma – which ones depend on where the melanoma is Lungs Liver Bones Brain Small bowel Source: CRUK "I've been blown away by the fundraiser - I was so touched by everybody's kindness. "A few days in, and it's over £900 - I can't believe that. "I'm still currently employed by Lloyds Banking, and their support has been outstanding, too." You can support Richard's fundraiser here.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dad ‘desperate for a holiday' blamed exhaustion on work only for his daughter to spot sign of killer ravaging his body
AN EXHAUSTED dad was desperate for a holiday - but he got a deadly diagnosis after his daughter spotted a subtle sign of the killer disease at the airport. Richard Bennett, 64, began to feel unwell in the days before his holiday to Portugal with his wife Lesly, 57, in May 2024. 6 6 6 But the dad dismissed his symptoms as he was "desperate" to get away for a break. Despite the tiredness he felt, Richard put it down to working and his general lifestyle catching up with him. Whilst on holiday, his condition worsened, and Richard noticed changes in his urine and faeces, as well as feeling weaker and struggling to eat. When his daughter, Sophie, 23, picked them up for the airport and exclaimed, "Dad, you're yellow," Richard knew he needed to get help as jaundice had set in. He went to St John's hospital, Livingston before being transferred to Royal Infirmary Edinburgh where he was diagnosed with stage four melanoma - a form of skin cancer - which had moved from its original site and formed a mass on his pancreas. After attempting to overcome the "shock to the system", Richard has remained determined to focus on his work as a swim coach whilst training for a cycle ride to raise money for cancer charity Maggie's. He is currently undergoing immunotherapy once every four weeks to manage his condition. Richard, from Whitburn, West Lothian, said: "It was quite a shock to the system. "It was so difficult for myself and my family. "Even just believing cancer had come to your door and chosen you. Sun Health Explainer: Skin cancer and moles "When I went to the hospital, and I spoke to some of the specialists, they told me it was melanoma, and they told me it was stage four. "All the thoughts in my head was, 'This is it, curtains for me'. "I didn't think there was much of a future left. "I didn't realise that all that stage four means is that the cancer has moved from the original site to somewhere else." Richard initially struggled with coming to terms with the tag of 'stage four' associated with his condition. 6 6 He said: "It's not necessarily a death sentence. "After reading Chris Hoy 's book, I understood more about that, and it's made such a difference." Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy revealed in October 2024 that his stage 4 prostate cancer was terminal, after being initially diagnosed with cancer in September 2023. He published his autobiography All That Matters at the end of last year. Richard said: "I'm trying to be strong for the kids at the swimming club, and when I reflect, there's no point in dwelling on it and being sad - I want to be upbeat and brave. What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: A symmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape B order – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border C olours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours D iameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter E nlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. "I'm surrounded by positive people and that in itself gave me a focus to keep going. I'm glad that the swimming club is there in my life. "And my family - even though I feel quite fit and well, even though I'm still trying to push on, they're always making sure I'm okay. "You're so used to looking after your kids and your family but they just took over and looked after me. "If I could turn the clock back, I would have acted immediately. "I don't think it would have made a big difference in respect to my diagnosis, but I would encourage anybody if things are not normal, then please speak to your doctor." Raising awareness Richard has now turned his attention to the Tour De 4 cycling challenge on September 7 - a 38-mile loop around Glasgow in support of cancer research. He said: "I had a mountain bike, and I quite liked going down the trails, but when I read Chris' book, he spoke about arranging the Tour de 4. "I said to my wife that this is something I want to do - it would be good to raise awareness. "As a stage four cancer patient, it would be great to raise money and help people just like me. "I've been blown away by the fundraiser - I was so touched by everybody's kindness. "A few days in, and it's over £900 - I can't believe that. "I'm still currently employed by Lloyds Banking, and their support has been outstanding, too." You can support Richard's fundraiser here.
