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Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Avis aux médias : dans une decision historique, une instance internationale examinera l'accréditation du Canada en matière de droits de la personne pour cause de discrimination anti-Noir.e.s

TORONTO, 12 juin 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dans une décision historique, l'instance internationale qui délivre les accréditations en matière de droits de la personne a conclu qu'il y avait suffisamment d'éléments pour revoir la classification de « statut A » attitrée au Canada. Il s'agit d'une décision historique qui positionne le Canada au même rang que des pays tels que la Russie, l'Irak et le Venezuela.

L'Alliance mondiale des institutions nationales des droits de l'homme (GANHRI), un organe des Nations unies, a lancé un « examen spécial » de l'accréditation de la Commission canadienne des droits de la personne (CCDP). Cette décision fait suite à une plainte déposée par une coalition d'organisations canadiennes de défense de la personne, qui a présenté des constats fédéraux de discrimination anti–Noir.e.s au sein de la Commission canadienne des doits de la personne à titre de preuve.

Bien qu'il ait admis avoir commis des violations des droits de la personne, le gouvernement canadien est actuellement en lice pour obtenir un siège au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies pour la période 2028–2030, avec un vote en 2026.

« Avec cet examen international, le gouvernement canadien est désormais averti », déclare Nicholas Marcus Thompson, président et directeur général du le Secrétariat du recours collectif des Noir.e.s. « Il ne peut pas prétendre être un leader mondial en matière de droits de la personne, tout en discriminant les siens dans son propre pays. »

Si cette instance internationale estime qu'il y a des raisons de rétrograder la CCDP au « statut B », pour la toute première fois, le Canada n'aura plus de droit de participation indépendante au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies, à ses instances subsidiaires ainsi qu'à certains organes et mécanismes de l'Assemblée générale. En outre, le Canada perdra le droit de voter et d'occuper des postes de gouvernance au sein de la GANHRI.

Si cette instance internationale estime qu'il y a des raisons de rétrograder la CCDP à la catégorie de « statut B », pour la toute première fois, le Canada n'aurait plus de droit de participation indépendante au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies, à ses instances subsidiaires ainsi qu'à certains organes et mécanismes de l'Assemblée générale. De plus, le Canada perdrait le droit de voter et d'occuper des postes de gouvernance au sein de la GANHRI.

« Les implications de cette décision sont très graves pour le Canada. Elle risque de ternir irrémédiablement sa réputation de leader mondial en matière de droits de la personne. Au cours de ses 30 années d'adhésion à la GANHRI, le Canada n'a jamais vu son statut révisé », a déclaré Ketty Nivyabandi, secrétaire générale d'Amnistie internationale Canada. « Nous exhortons le gouvernement canadien et la Commission à prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour garantir l'intégrité de la Commission et le rôle essentiel qu'elle joue pour les Canadiens et Canadiennes ».

La coalition des groupes canadiens de défense des droits de l'homme, dirigée par Le Secrétariat du Recours collectif Noir (SRCN), demande :

  • JUSTICE : Le ministre de la Justice et le procureur général Arif Virani doivent amorcer la création d'un modèle d'accès direct au Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne qui soit adéquatement financé (ce qui éliminerait par le fait même que la CCDP puisse agir comme gardien ayant le pouvoir de rejeter les plaintes avant qu'elles n'atteignent le Tribunal).
  • RECONNAISSANCE : Le gouvernement canadien doit accélérer les amendements à la Loi sur l'équité en matière d'emploi, attendus depuis longtemps, afin d'inclure les Canadiens noirs dans le groupe d'équité en matière d'emploi.
  • ACTION : Le gouvernement fédéral doit nommer un commissaire à l'équité pour les Noir.e.s qui sera un.e parlementaire indépendant.e chargé.e de superviser et de maintenir l'équité à tous les niveaux de l'administration et de la fonction publique.

REGARDEZ LA CONFÉRENCE DE PRESSE, ACCÉDEZ AUX LIENS, AUX INFORMATIONS GÉNÉRALES ET AUX PHOTOS ICI : https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

CONTACT MÉDIA: Ginella Massa, de Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

RENSEIGNEMENTS D'ORDRE GÉNÉRAL :

Le 26 février 2024, une coalition d'organisations de défense des droits de la personne a déposé une plainte auprès de l'Alliance mondiale des institutions nationales des droits de l'homme (GANHRI).

La coalition est composée des organisations suivantes : Le Secrétariat du Recours collectif noir (SRCN), Alliance de la fonction publique du Canada (AFPC), Syndicat national des employées et employés généraux du secteur public (SNEGSP), Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), Réseau Enchanté, Red Coalition, Fédération des Canadiens noirs (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC), et l'Association canadienne des employés professionnels (ACEP).

Le groupe a présenté comme preuves les conclusions du Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada et de la Commission sénatoriale des droits de la personne en matière de discrimination anti–Noir.e.s.

La plainte souligne les violations de la législation internationale en matière de droits de la personne et des Principes de Paris, qui sont les normes minimales convenues à l'échelle internationale auxquelles les institutions nationales des droits de la personne sont tenues d'adhérer.

L'Alliance mondiale des institutions nationales des droits de l'homme (GANHRI) est l'un des plus grands réseaux de défense des droits de la personne au monde, représentant plus de 110 institutions nationales de défense des droits de la personne. C'est un partenaire reconnu et de confiance des Nations unies. Le sous–comité d'accréditation de la GANHRI est chargé d'examiner et d'accréditer les institutions nationales des droits de la personne conformément aux Principes de Paris. Le SCA s'est réuni du 26 au 28 mars et a publié son rapport et ses recommandations le 7 juin 2024. Il a décidé d'entamer un examen de la situation de l'Irak et du Canada.

Le Canada est membre de la GAHNRI depuis sa création en 1993, par le biais de la Commission canadienne des droits de la personne. La dernière révision de son accréditation a eu lieu entre 2016 et 2022, et la prochaine est prévue pour 2027. Cet « examen spécia l» historique, auquel le Canada n'a jamais été soumis depuis qu'il est membre, concerne la période de cinq ans qui a précédé sa dernière accréditation au « statut A », en 2022.

Les membres de la GANHRI font l'objet d'un examen tous les cinq ans. En décembre 2023, la GANHRI compte 120 membres : 88 INDH accréditées du « statut A » et 32 INDH accréditées du « statut B ».

Il existe actuellement deux niveaux d'accréditation :

Le « statut A » (entièrement conforme aux Principes de Paris) : Les institutions participent pleinement aux travaux internationaux et régionaux et aux réunions des institutions nationales en tant que membres votants, et peuvent occuper un poste au sein du Bureau du Comité international de coordination ou de tout sous–comité créé par le Bureau. Elles peuvent également participer aux sessions du Conseil des droits de l'homme et prendre la parole sur n'importe quel point de l'ordre du jour, soumettre de la documentation et occuper des places séparées.

Le « statut B » (partiellement conforme aux Principes de Paris) : Les institutions peuvent participer en tant qu'observateurs aux réunions internationales et régionales des institutions nationales de défense des droits de la personne. Elles ne peuvent ni voter ni occuper un poste au sein du Bureau ou de ses sous–comités. Elles ne reçoivent pas de badge de INDH, ne peuvent pas prendre la parole sur les points de l'ordre du jour et ne peuvent pas soumettre de documents au Conseil des droits de l'homme.

Pays ayant déjà fait l'objet d'un examen spécial : Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chili, Équateur, Honduras, Mexique, Indonésie, Jordanie, Népal, Grande–Bretagne, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russie, l’Irak.

Processus d'examen spécial et chronologie : La GANHRI effectuera l'examen spécial du Canada à l'automne 2024 et prendra une décision dans les mois suivants. L'examen portera sur la période de cinq ans (2016–2022) qui a mené à la dernière accréditation de « statut A ». Si le Canada est rétrogradé au « statut B », il ne disposera plus de droits de participation indépendants au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies, à ses instances subsidiaires et à certains organes et mécanismes de l'Assemblée générale, et il perdra le droit de voter et d'occuper des postes de gouvernance au sein de la GANHRI.

DOCUMENTS COMPLÉMENTAIRES :

VIDÉO : Réunion de la GANRHI https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

CARTE : Pays soumis à l'examen spécial https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

CARTE : Pays de la GANHRI avec certifications A et B https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Syrians Seek UN Rights Ruling Against Russia for 2019 Hospital Attacks

New York, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Russian Federation has been accused before the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva of carrying out a deliberate attack on a hospital in Syria—in a legal action that highlights Moscow’s repeated use of military force against health care facilities in Syria, where its forces have been supporting the regime of President Bashar al–Assad.

A complaint before the Committee, filed on May 1, focuses on a series of air strikes on Kafr Nabl Surgical Hospital in Idlib province on May 5, 2019.

It accuses the Russian Air Force of killing two civilians and endangering the lives of all those working in and using the hospital at the time—medical practitioners, patients, support staff, and visitors.

The complaint has been brought before the Committee by a Syrian man whose two cousins were killed by the attack, and by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development, the humanitarian NGO that was supporting the hospital at the time. Hand in Hand is representing the interests of the patients of the hospital.

The applicants are represented by lawyers of the Open Society Justice Initiative, with Professor Philip Leach, professor of human rights law at the UK’s Middlesex University as co–counsel.

The evidence being presented to the Committee includes a detailed account of the Russian Air Force attack on the hospital at Kafr Nabl, and on three other hospitals near Kafr Nabl in just 12 hours on May 5–6, 2019. There was no fighting near the hospital at the time of the attack, which lay in opposition–controlled territory some 20km away from the front line.

The complaint draws on a wealth of video and audio recordings made at the time, as well as eyewitness accounts that point to direct Russian Air Force involvement in coordinating and executing the attacks. The material includes observations of Russian aircraft in the area at the relevant time, and audio recordings of communications between a Russian pilot and Russian ground control, authorizing the release of aerial munitions and confirming that the aerial munitions had been dropped, at the precise times that strikes were captured on video. Some of the material included as evidence in the complaint was used by the New York Times in a special report published on October 13, 2019.

Fadi al–Dairi, the director of Hand in Hand, said: “The Russian air force attack on Kafr Nabl hospital was a well–documented atrocity that was part of a systematic assault on hospitals and healthcare facilities in opposition–held territory in Syria in 2019. The coordinates of the hospital had been shared with Russia by the UN under the UN Deconfliction Mechanism. Syrians are looking to the Human Rights Committee to show us some measure of redress by acknowledging the truth of this brutal attack, and the suffering caused.”

James A. Goldston, executive director of the Justice Initiative, said: “This complaint before a preeminent international human rights tribunal exposes the Russian government and armed forces’ deliberate strategy of targeting healthcare in clear violation of the laws of war. It must remind us all that attacks on protected healthcare facilities—whether in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, or the Gaza Strip—are an abomination that must never be normalized.”

The complaint is being supported by expert analyses prepared by Syrian Archive and Physicians for Human Rights. Physicians for Human Rights has documented 604 attacks against medical facilities in Syria since 2011, the overwhelming majority conducted by Syrian and Russian forces.

Houssam al–Nahhas, MD, Middle East and North Africa Researcher for Physicians for Human Rights, said: “Widespread and systematic attacks on health care in Syria are part of a strategy implemented by the Syrian and Russian governments, devastating the country’s health care system. Despite the seriousness of these crimes, no perpetrators have ever faced accountability. We hope this landmark case helps to end the impunity for attacks on health care in Syria and serve as a warning to perpetrators in other conflicts around the world.”

The Geneva–based Human Rights Committee is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which has been signed by 173 countries. Under the ICCPR’s Optional Protocol, which the Russian Federation signed in 1990, individuals can bring complaints against signatory states before the Committee over rights violations.

The complaint accuses the Russian Federation of perpetrating a clear and serious violation of International Humanitarian Law by deliberately attacking a protected medical facility, in breach of the Right to Life under the ICCPR. The attack killed two brothers and endangered the lives of everyone working in and using the busy hospital. The hospital was operating normally at the time of the attack and neither Russia nor Syria provided any warning before the attack. This is not the only time the facility was targeted: Kafr Nabl Hospital was attacked 13 times between 2014 and 2019.

From a legal perspective, a decision against Russia would provide significant new jurisprudence on the extraterritorial obligations of States in armed conflict, and would pave the way for progressive decisions from other human rights bodies and courts.

The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of the Open Society Foundations, and pursues strategic litigation on a range of issues including advancing human rights and advancing the rule of law. Its work on Syria has included supporting efforts to bring top Syrian officials and leaders to trial before national courts in Europe for crimes against humanity committed in Syria.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9109977)

At Our Ocean Conference, Global Fishing Watch welcomes international partnerships to enhance ocean management

ATHENS, Greece, April 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Fishing Watch, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through transparency of human activity at sea, has announced three pioneering collaborations with Greece, Panama and the West African Sub–Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) in a bid to harness technology and data–driven solutions for enhanced transparency, improved fisheries management and greater ocean sustainability.

The partnerships, unveiled at the 9th Our Ocean Conference held in Athens, Greece, will leverage open data to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promote sustainable fisheries management and enable marine protection through deepened engagement with governmental bodies spanning three continents. In addition, they will provide Global Fishing Watch the opportunity to highlight transparency as a critical marine management tool and advance policy reforms regarding the adoption of vessel tracking methods like automatic identification systems (AIS) and vessel monitoring systems (VMS), as well as regional data sharing practices. 

“Today’s announcements mark a milestone in our collaborative efforts to mobilize open data and technology in the fight against illegal fishing and toward improved global fisheries management,” said Tony Long, chief executive officer of Global Fishing Watch. “More importantly, our expanding network of partnerships shows that governments and multilateral institutions are increasingly recognizing the role Global Fishing Watch can play in achieving better and more transparent ocean governance.” 

“Collaborative partnerships, political will and open data can drive tangible impact and help deliver lasting results for a sustainable ocean future for all,” Mr. Long added. 

Leveraging Technology for Ocean Action

Presented at an official conference side event co–hosted by Greece, the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation and Global Fishing Watch, the partnership with Greece commits authorities to utilizing Global Fishing Watch’s platform, which provides visualizations and analysis of fishing activity, for critical support in bolstering the country’s marine protection efforts.

“Greece commits to establishing a scientific monitoring and surveillance system for all its marine protected areas that will be supported with advanced monitoring techniques and digital tools, such as remote sensing and automatic communication with sea vessels,” Dr. Petros Varelidis, Secretary–General for Natural Environment and Waters of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy, confirmed. “The support of Global Fishing Watch and the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation will enable us to monitor fishing activity in near real–time.” 

A ‘significant step forward’ against IUU fishing

The Our Ocean Conference also welcomed a new partnership between Global Fishing Watch and the seven West African SRFC Member States comprising Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea– Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Through the new three–year agreement with SRFC, Global Fishing Watch will support Member States with analysis and generated insights to inform targeted monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) actions, bolstering countries’ abilities to manage activity in their waters and safeguard livelihoods and regional economic and environmental ecosystems. 

The 5,500 kilometer coastline of West Africa is home to some of the most diverse fisheries in the world and maritime activity plays a key role across the region. Indeed, fisheries and aquaculture directly contribute US$24 billion to the African economy, with the demand for fish expected to increase by 30 percent by 2030. Inadequate monitoring and enforcement, however, have led to rampant IUU fishing, with nearly 40 percent of fish caught illegally, resulting in substantial economic losses and environmental degradation.  

“The collaboration with Global Fishing Watch represents a significant step forward in the fight against illegal fishing in West Africa,” said Dr. Khallahi Brahim, Permanent Secretary of the Sub–Regional Fisheries Commission. “By joining forces, Global Fishing Watch and the SRFC can help transform fisheries governance, protect marine resources and secure the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the fishing industry.”

The new partnership will work to ensure that SRFC Member States are fully equipped for better cooperation, monitoring and compliance, and also help establish cross–cutting initiatives with key stakeholders in ocean governance. The collaboration will pave the way for policy reforms and seek to establish AIS usage and data sharing as central pillars of SRFC Member States’ governance practices. It will also support government agencies in developing and retaining capacity to harness data and technology to strengthen management, including MCS, enforcement and marine protection. 

Charting a new era of ocean governance

Global Fishing Watch’s activity on the margins of the Our Ocean Conference also saw the renewal of an ongoing collaboration with the Government of Panama, first launched in 2019, aimed at building an improved, collaborative framework for data–sharing and policy development.  

The updated agreement reflects a deepened relationship between the two parties and a growing commitment to fisheries transparency. Supplementing the VMS data of its vast international fleet, which has been visible on the Global Fishing Watch map since October 2019, Panama will now share vessel data from its list of international licenses, including fishing licenses, areas of operation and information related to fishing support vessels. Over the next five years, Global Fishing Watch will also provide technical and data–driven assessments for the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama to help inform national policies and regulations related to fisheries management.

“We are pleased to announce the renewal of the memorandum of understanding with Global Fishing Watch in our tireless fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” said Hamed Tuñón, General Administrator, Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama. “Our strengthened alliance reflects the continued commitment of both parties to protecting our oceans and preserving their biodiversity. Together, we will continue to use innovative technology and collaborative strategies to ensure the sustainability of our valuable marine resources.” 

“Now, more than ever, the global community must rally behind landmark initiatives to protect our ocean, combat harmful practices, and achieve ambitious conservation targets such as safeguarding at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030,” Mr. Long concluded. “Achieving these critical commitments will be virtually impossible without Global Fishing Watch’s innovative ocean monitoring technology and expertise.”

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9090876)

Park Place Technologies Acquires SDV Solutions

CLEVELAND, OH, March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Park Place Technologies, the world’s leading data center and networking optimization firm, has acquired Virginia–based SDV Solutions, which provides client–centric data center infrastructure solutions exclusively to Federal Government agencies.

Founded in 2004 by Service–Disabled Veteran and current Owners Mike McMahan (U.S. Air Force) and Erin McMahan, SDV is a multi–OEM, independent third–party services provider exclusively to the U.S. Federal Government. Mike McMahan will remain with Park Place to ensure clients have a consistent and trusted team supporting the most critical missions of the U.S. Government.

“SDV has always been about teamwork, efficient service to Government clients, and exceeding performance expectations,” McMahan said. “We will now be able to offer our Federal clients a larger breadth of Hardware Maintenance, Managed Services and Professional Services. Park Place will help government agencies accomplish more with their budgets, get longer life from IT assets, and carry forward SDV’s legacy of trust and high–level security.”

Park Place helps more than 21,000 clients optimize data center budgets, productivity, performance, and sustainability so they can think bigger – and act faster. From procurement to decommissioning, Park Place’s comprehensive portfolio of services and products helps IT teams optimize IT lifecycle management. This frees time and spend so they can focus on transforming their businesses for the future.

Chris Adams, Park Place Technologies President and CEO, said SDV’s reputation and business practices make it an important addition for Park Place’s established Federal client base.

“We have been firmly entrenched in the Federal space and continue to foster long–term relationships at the highest levels,” Adams said. “The trust and unquestioned dedication SDV is known for will be joined with our mission to optimize government data center budgets, productivity, performance, and sustainability.”

SDV’s Channel partners will have access to Park Place’s decades–long platforms of partner incentives, Federal–adherent processes, U.S.–based supply chain and deeper depth of security–cleared field engineers.

“SDV and Park Place will do more than maintain current standards; we will strengthen our services and provide options that will solidify our place as the U.S. Government’s most–trusted data center maintenance and optimization firm,” McMahan said.

Agile Equity provided exclusive investment banking transaction services to SDV Solutions.

About Park Place Technologies

Park Place Technologies is a global data center and networking optimization firm. Park Place’s industry–leading and award–winning services portfolio includes Park Place Hardware Maintenance™, Park Place Professional Services™, ParkView Managed Services™, Entuity Software ™ and Curvature Hardware sales. For more information, visit www.parkplacetechnologies.com. Park Place is a portfolio company of Charlesbank Capital Partners and GTCR.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9079019)

Open Society Foundations Announce 2023 Soros Justice Fellows

New York, Nov. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Open Society Foundations is pleased to announce the 2023 cohort of Soros Justice Fellows, which includes a mix of emerging and established leaders in the field of criminal justice reform, including public educators, artists, lawyers, activists, non–profit innovators, journalists, and filmmakers from across the United States.

"Over the more than a decade that I have worked with the Soros Justice Fellowships, I've seen a great number of fellows go on and continue to serve as changemakers in their local communities, and nationally," said Adam Culbreath, Senior Team Manager at Open Society""U.S. "This is an incredibly unique program to advance justice in the U.S., which supports the notion that change often happens from the ground up.

"Mass incarceration has an enormous and disastrous toll on our communities and represents one of the most glaring injustices of our nation. Today, nearly 10 million Americans""including millions of children""have an immediate family member in jail or prison," said Christina Voight, program manager at Open Society""U.S. "Each Soros Justice Fellow can play a role in changing this broken system."

Each fellow will receive stipends ranging from $100,000 to $140,000 for projects lasting between 12 and 18 months to ensure accountability in the U.S. criminal justice system by developing new ways to combat mass incarceration, youth criminalization, surveillance, immigration policies, racial disparities, and police violence. The Soros Justice Fellowships were founded in 1997 and have funded over 400 individuals working to curb mass incarceration and ensure a fair and equitable system of justice.

2023 Soros Justice Fellows

Ashley Rojas will educate movement leaders and cultivate power between the movement for #PoliceFreeSchools and the broader culture of abolitionist organizing efforts to end harm and punishment.

Avalon Betts–Gaston and Lloyd Gaston will research the scope and impact of Illinois Worker Rights amendment on incarcerated workers.

Betty Washingtonwill create OASIS (Our Aging Seniors Incarcerated Society), a project focusing on advocating for the needs of justice–impacted seniors.

Bridgette Simpson will educate the public and create The Protected Class Network, seeking to make justice–impacted people a protected class.

Cheryl Fairbanks will educate native Indigenous people and strengthen concepts of justice through an Indigenous peacemaking lens.

Dominique Branson will educate, document, and destabilize anti–Black ideologies that legitimize pretrial dangerousness predictions and harm Black communities.

Jenani Srijeyanthan will educate and establish a counter–narrative to carceral child sexual abuse prevention approaches through the amplification, technical resourcing, and proliferation of a nationwide prevention movement that does not prioritize policing, criminalization, or surveillance.

Jordan Martinez–Mazurek will educate the public and start local and regional dialogues around fighting the expansion of mass incarceration in the South and in Appalachia.

Mary Baxter will, through an art piece entitled Reimagining Dignity: A Love Letter to Ourselves, educate the public to reimagine racially–charged and gender–oppressive historical events. The piece will reckon with the fallacies of first– and second–wave feminism.

Omisade Burney–Scott will curate a multidisciplinary initiative and educate the public on reproductive justice, radical Black feminism, gender liberation, and pathways to normalizing menopause and aging for the marginalized Black population.

Rachel Gilmer will educate the public and build a united front of survivors and healthcare providers with the goal of creating non–carceral solutions that address the root causes of violence in our communities.

Talila Lewis will educate and create media and art that highlights how ableism informs and drives racism, anti–Blackness, capitalism, and other forms of oppression, violence, and inequity.

Toshio Meronek will educate the public and justice advocates about the expansion of involuntary medical conservatorship in Arkansas, with a focus on its potential human and financial consequences.

Wendi Cooper and Matt Nadel will organize a statewide screening tour of the documentary film CANS Can't Stand to educate the public about the archaic 1805 Crimes Against Nature by Solicitation statute and the harsh punishments it imposed.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8972502)

AIRADIO USES RAJANT KINETIC MESH® FOR ISTANBUL’S M8 METRO LINE WI-FI

Malvern, Pennsylvania (USA), Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rajant Corporation, the pioneer of Kinetic Mesh wireless networks and global distribution partner AIRadio, has solved the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM)'s Metro M8 line connectivity challenge, making reliable Wi–Fi available to all commuters. Using Rajant Kinetic Mesh wireless radio nodes, known as Hawk BreadCrumbs , all M8 passengers can access 300Mbps of uninterrupted internet while traveling at high speeds underground. IMM debuted the Rajant–enabled Wi–Fi commuter service on August 17, 2023, the 24th anniversary of the August 17, 1999, earthquake.

IMM is pointing out that the internet infrastructure put in place by AIRadio within the Metro cars and terminal is of great importance for day–to–day communication needs as well as emergencies. According to Erol Ozguner, CIO at IMM, "Thanks to the infrastructural investments we have made, 2.5 million passengers traveling by the metros will enjoy the internet as they can use it more efficiently." Nihat Narin, the President of ISTTELKOM, Subsidiary of IMM, stressed the desire to make the commuter travel experience more contemporary and comfortable by further expanding the free IMM Wi–Fi service on the metros. Noted Mr Narin, "We are working non–stop with a view to encouraging the people of Istanbul to prefer the rail systems more often, as we further improve the technological infrastructure of the city."

AIRadio VP Sales and Business Development Koral Turkkan shared, "Deploying a dedicated LTE or even a 5G network was not an option due to challenges, such as CAPEX and OPEX costs. Further, neither LTE or 5G provide seamless handoffs to maintain user–application connections, whether for entertainment like Netflix or live–streamed Google Meet. As a distributor of Rajant, we know Kinetic Mesh is a truly disruptive technology that has delivered several very large project wins for AIRadio, so we brought this high bandwidth wireless solution to IMM's attention. Now, the M8 metro line's 40,000+ daily passengers have the convenience and peace–of–mind access to the internet as they rapidly travel underground. A first ever real–time video conference between Turkey, Kazakhstan, and South Africa was captured using Google Meet." Watch here.

Rajant Sales Director in Eastern Europe/Central Asia Marcin Kusztal concluded, "Rajant Kinetic Mesh BreadCrumb wireless nodes have seen extensive deployments supporting high–mobility applications for underground and tunnel environments. In the case of the Istanbul Metro, AIRadio installed Hawk BreadCrumbs in combination with Rajant RCP tunnel antennas and SlipStream XG for both trackside and on–train deployment, which exceeded the required average throughput per customer, per train."

More details are available in the published case study.

####

About AIRadio
AIRadio is based in the United Arab Emirates and is a member of AIR Group, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. AIRadio is a premier technology company that began in 1990 and has since grown to direct offices in twelve countries and partners in over 60 countries all over the world, including the US, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

About Rajant Corporation
Rajant Corporation is the broadband communications technology company that invented Kinetic Mesh networking, BreadCrumb wireless nodes, and InstaMesh networking software. With Rajant, customers can rapidly deploy a highly adaptable and scalable network that leverages the power of real–time data to deliver on–demand, mission–critical business intelligence. A low–latency, high–throughput, and secure solution for a variety of data, voice, video, and autonomous applications, Rajant's Kinetic Mesh networks provide industrial customers with full mobility, allowing them to take their private network applications and data anywhere. With successful deployments in more than 80 countries for customers in military, mining, ports, rail, oil & gas, petrochemical plants, municipalities, and agriculture. Rajant is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with additional facilities and offices in Arizona and Kentucky. For more information, visit Rajant.com or follow Rajant on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8971852)