Human rights

Does Yang Hengjun have any legal hopes left after receiving a suspended death sentence in China?

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

The Chinese-Australian academic and writer, Yang Hengjun, has been detained in China for five years on suspicion of spying for Australia.

Key Points: 
  • The Chinese-Australian academic and writer, Yang Hengjun, has been detained in China for five years on suspicion of spying for Australia.
  • A secret trial was held in 2021 with no family, friends or Australian consular officials permitted in the courtroom.
  • Today, his fate has finally been made clear: Yang received a suspended death sentence which can be commuted to life in prison after two years of good behaviour.

Yang’s background

  • Yang was born in China and previously worked in the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of State Security.
  • He later moved to Australia, where he became a citizen in 2002, and then to the US where had been a visiting scholar at Columbia University from 2017.
  • Yang had been detained in China previously in 2011, but was quickly released ahead of a visit to China by then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

How frequently is the death penalty used in China?

  • China has a notorious record of imposing the death penalty for a number of different offences.
  • While there has been a downward trend in the number of countries that retain the death penalty and actually carry out executions, reliable data on China is impossible to attain.
  • As such, Amnesty no longer includes any Chinese figures in its annual Global Death Penalty reports.

Does Yang have any rights left under international law?

  • Yang can still appeal his sentence through the Chinese legal system, which effectively provides him with certain levels of protection until his appeals have been exhausted.
  • Diplomatically, though, this would be a basis for Australia to continue to advocate for his release on humanitarian grounds.

Is there anything Australia can do for Yang now?

  • This is significant as convictions for a capital offence in China are typically followed quickly by an execution.
  • Yang’s Australian citizenship will have no doubt have been taken into account in this instance.
  • Any formal efforts by Australia to provide Yang with diplomatic protection under international law are constrained while his legal case is still playing out.

Has China treated Yang with procedural fairness?

  • Australia had very few options to ensure Yang was being afforded these rights in China.
  • China has respected some of the minimum entitlements under this agreement, which has enabled consular staff to meet with Yang and monitor his wellbeing, though China restricted access during the peak periods of the COVID-19 lockdown.
  • And as Amnesty International notes, China has not put forth any evidence to support its assertion that Yang was, indeed, a spy.


Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council

Ingram Micro Earns Highest EcoVadis Medal for Strong ESG Performance

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

Ingram Micro Inc. today announced the company has received a platinum medal rating from EcoVadis, a third-party provider of business sustainability ratings.

Key Points: 
  • Ingram Micro Inc. today announced the company has received a platinum medal rating from EcoVadis, a third-party provider of business sustainability ratings.
  • Platinum is the highest recognition for ESG performance reserved for the top one percent of companies.
  • “This is an exciting milestone that affirms our commitment to responsible business practices, and our ability to take meaningful action that drives strong ESG performance,” said John Marler, Director of Global ESG at Ingram Micro.
  • Ingram Micro launched dedicated environmental sustainability and ESG programs called IngramMicroPlanetary and IngramMicroESG, and made investments in its DE&I program, Together at Ingram Micro.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces 2024 Guidance and Operations Update

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Costayaco: in this oil field, located in the northern Putumayo Basin, Gran Tierra plans to drill 3 to 5 development wells.

Key Points: 
  • Costayaco: in this oil field, located in the northern Putumayo Basin, Gran Tierra plans to drill 3 to 5 development wells.
  • Gran Tierra’s 2024 exploration drilling is planned to follow up on the encouraging results from the Company’s 2022 exploration program.
  • Gran Tierra remains focused on generating strong Free Cash Flow2, ongoing net debt5 reduction and shareholder returns via share buybacks.
  • Share Buybacks: During 2024, Gran Tierra plans to allocate up to approximately 50% of its Free Cash Flow to share buybacks in the Base Case.

Scientology Churches Honor the Memory of Victims of the Holocaust

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, January 27, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, Scientology Churches hold conferences and open house events to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust on the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Historians estimate some 1.1 million men, women, and children were murdered in Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, Scientology Churches hold conferences and open house events to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust on the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
  • With the bulk of Holocaust survivors now in their 80s and 90s, Scientologists believe it is vital that their stories not be forgotten.
  • The Scientology Network features The Age of Fear on International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
  • Since launching with an introduction by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in March 2018, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 237 countries and territories in 17 languages.

Faith Leaders Announce Pilgrimage for Peace to Call for Ceasefire in Gaza

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 26, 2024

NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Faith for Black Lives announces a "Pilgrimage for Peace" from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC to demand a ceasefire in Gaza in response to the International Court of Justice's report.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Faith for Black Lives announces a "Pilgrimage for Peace" from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC to demand a ceasefire in Gaza in response to the International Court of Justice's report.
  • "We embark on this pilgrimage inspired by the vision of a beloved community, a world without war, poverty, and racism."
  • Moved by our conscience, we stand united to address the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, where the death toll has reached over 25,000, the deadliest conflict in the 21st century.
  • "Gaza is at the center of a global crisis that will determine the future of human civilization", said Rev.

C1 Named to Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 24, 2024

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- C1, an advanced technology and solutions company delivering authentic human experiences, announced today that it was recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This survey of over 220,000+ individuals included representation at over 1.5 million companies in America. The recognition demonstrates C1's commitment to developing and supporting a diverse workforce through its culture and values, initiatives and policies, and working environments.

Key Points: 
  • BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- C1, an advanced technology and solutions company delivering authentic human experiences, announced today that it was recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
  • "C1 is honored to be recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity for 2024," said Jeffrey Russell, Chief Executive Officer of C1.
  • "Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024,' highlighting companies that are committed to offering diverse and inclusive work environment."
  • C1 is also a signatory of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.

Black Father-Daughter Legal Duo Listed as One of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in Law & Justice

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Zulu Ali and Attorney Whitney Ali are listed as two of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Law and Justice Edition ( https://www.mipad.org/files/MIPAD-ANNOUNCEMENT-2022-Online-Version.pdf ).

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Zulu Ali and Attorney Whitney Ali are listed as two of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Law and Justice Edition ( https://www.mipad.org/files/MIPAD-ANNOUNCEMENT-2022-Online-Version.pdf ).
  • MIPAD identifies high achievers of African descent in public and private sectors from all around the world as a progressive network of relevant actors to join together in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
  • Attorney Zulu Ali is also a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., serving as its general counsel.
  • Being in this fight with my daughter by my side ensures this type of advocacy spirit that was established by great black pioneers of the legal system continues," Attorney Zulu Ali adds.

Samsung Biologics receives EcoVadis Platinum, the highest sustainability rating

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024

INCHEON, South Korea, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced that the company was awarded the EcoVadis' Platinum Sustainability Rating, the highest recognition given, for the company's sustainability management.

Key Points: 
  • INCHEON, South Korea, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced that the company was awarded the EcoVadis' Platinum Sustainability Rating, the highest recognition given, for the company's sustainability management.
  • Samsung Biologics received the Gold Sustainability Rating in 2022.
  • "The Platinum Rating underscores our sustainability leadership and reflects our unwavering commitment to decarbonization, ethics, and responsible business practices," said John Rim, CEO and President of Samsung Biologics.
  • Samsung Biologics has also joined global initiatives, including the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance and the United Nations Global Compact.

SKF Awarded EcoVadis Platinum Rating for fourth year running

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has been awarded a Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, one of the most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for use in supply chains.

Key Points: 
  • GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has been awarded a Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, one of the most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for use in supply chains.
  • This prestigious recognition places SKF in the top 1% among the more than 100,000 companies assessed worldwide for its commitment to sustainable business practices.
  • The EcoVadis assessment evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four key themes: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
  • Magnus Rosén, Head of Sustainability at SKF, says, "We are proud to have been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the fourth year running.

SKF Awarded EcoVadis Platinum Rating for fourth year running

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has been awarded a Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, one of the most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for use in supply chains.

Key Points: 
  • GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has been awarded a Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, one of the most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for use in supply chains.
  • This prestigious recognition places SKF in the top 1% among the more than 100,000 companies assessed worldwide for its commitment to sustainable business practices.
  • The EcoVadis assessment evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four key themes: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
  • Magnus Rosén, Head of Sustainability at SKF, says, "We are proud to have been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the fourth year running.