Remaining Migrant Children Leaves Calais ‘Jungle’

A week after the demolition, French Authorities started transporting a total of 1,500 minor migrants out from the Calais ‘Jungle’ Camp.

Based on reports, French authorities first bussed the minor migrants out of the camp around 08:30 local time. The unaccompanied minors will be brought to the relocation centers. Before the demolition, the children were housed in converted shipping containers, hoping to move to the UK.

Citing asylum application, French authorities released a document stating that no UK application transfer will be processed in Calais.

French President Francois Hollande released a statement last Tuesday in La Voix du Nord newspaper. He said, “Their cases could now be investigated individually by UK officials once they have been transferred to reception centers in France”.

Meanwhile, the two countries, France and the UK argued over who should take the responsibility for the children in Calais.

Records show that the UK adopted around 270 minors with families residing in the UK or are considered as vulnerable.

“The others will be looked after in France”, Mr. Hollande said.

The first out of 30 some buses were scheduled to travel going to Carcassonne in south-western France. The next will go to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer near Montpellier in southern France.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, “more than half of the children had left Calais during the morning and expected the operation to be over by the end of the day.”

According to Mr. Holland, “No-one will be allowed back into the dismantled camp, a staging post for irregular migrants fleeing war and poverty and trying to cross the Channel to the UK.”

After transporting 7,000 people to relocation centers somewhere in France, authorities totally demolished the remaining houses in Calais.

Major scuffle

On Tuesday night riot police were called to the camp when fighting broke out between Eritrean Christian and Afghan Muslim teenagers.

Police said about 100 youths were involved. Dozens of Eritreans reportedly took sanctuary in a makeshift church due to the fighting.

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UNICEF: Air Pollution Deadly Hazard to 2 Billion Children

New Delhi, India, – Over the weekend, Indian skies were filled with extravagant fireworks. The celebration, however, adds another significant misery to their daily lives. The smoke coming from the fireworks aggravated the city’s air pollution problems and is a severe health risk to residents, particularly children.

New Delhi turns out to be one of the most polluted cities in the world.

Deadly health hazard

According to The United Nations Children’s Fund report, air pollution worldwide affects 2 billion children. A third of the statistical data lives in Northern India and nearby countries. The outcome could not have been more serious, if not deadly. Serious health problems can be developed in prolonged exposure to air pollution which includes lung and brain damage to top the list.

Out of the 2 billion children worldwide, 300 million, including 200 million in Southeast Asia suffer unhealthy exposure. These children are subjected to the pollution level six times more that the average of the World Health Organization standard.

Sure enough, the cause of the pollution is the customary garbage burning of residents to stay warm in winter. Hence, air pollution in the Indian capital is at its highest during winter which is further exacerbated by the season’s weak airstreams.

The Diwali Effect

Prior to the much anticipated Hindu holiday, the Diwali festival, experts noted the high levels of concentration of microscopic lung- obstructing particles called PM 2.5. On Friday, the presence of PM 2.5 recorded was beyond 300 micrograms per cubic meter.

After the festive celebration, PM 2.5 levels rose above 900 mcg per cubic meter. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 10 mcg per cubic meter exposure to PM 2.5. Diwali’s aftermath pollution on Monday was more than 90 times greater than normal.

Correspondingly, local officials released health warnings mostly for children, elderly and to people suffering respiratory or heart problems. The notice instructs residents to just stay indoors because of the pollution. The nearby states of Punjab and Haryana worsened the condition because of an on-going burning of spent agricultural crops.

An 18-year-old student in Delhi, Dharmendra said, “My eyes are irritated, I’m coughing and I find it difficult to breathe”. He added that because of the pollution, he does not “go out so much nowadays.” The teenager is using only one name, an ordinary custom in India.

Health disaster

The executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment, Anumita Roy Chowdhury said, “Pollution levels every winter gallop, and we are already beginning to see the signs of it”.

Several local studies show that a third of the city’s children have acquired lung and respiratory illnesses which “signals health disaster”, according to Chowdhury.

Children are more vulnerable to develop air pollution related diseases since they breathe twice as fast compared to adults. Their brain and body are taking in more air while their immune systems are still developing.

According to UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake, “The impact is commensurately shocking”. A study published on Monday showed that 600,000 children not more than 5 years old are dying worldwide because of air pollution related problems. He added that “Millions more suffer from respiratory diseases that diminish their resilience and affect their physical and cognitive development.”

The Real Deal

Out of the total 2.26 billion children worldwide, 2 billion children suffered from air pollution; 620 million in South Asia, mostly in northern India, 520 million children in Africa and 450 million, chiefly in China.

The report was taken in ‘combined satellite images’ of air pollution with ground data to pinpoint demographic patterns of the highest risk areas. For the WHO, it is a very alarming state where a huge total of the population were exposed to unhealthy air.

“Change the Air”

New Delhi, well aware of their air pollution situation started to pass legislation to control the worsening condition.

They started to ban cargo trucks from main highways and require drivers to purchase new vehicles which can meet the higher emission standards. They created a strategic limitation of the number of vehicles on the road and planned experimental traffic control.

However, other major pollution sources like construction dust, burning wood or kerosene remains unmonitored.

Authorities also turn to mobile phones for their advocacy. Last week they launched “Change the Air” app. They hope it will spark a chain reaction for residents to send in photos and report illegal sources of pollution.

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Syrian Refugee Children Making Clothes for International Brands

Syrian children refugees have been making clothes for international brands, according to undercover investigation by BBC Panorama.

Panorama investigated factories in Turkey and found children illegally working for international brands such as Marks and Spencer, Zara, and Mango jeans.

These international brands however denied and reiterated that they do not tolerate the exploitation of refugees especially children.

Marks and Spencer added they didn’t find any single Syrian refugee working in its supply chain in Turkey.

However, Panorama found seven Syrian children working in one of the said retailer’s main factories. The refugee often earns little than a pound an hour, sew to survive. They were usually recruited through a middleman who paid cash on the streets.

The youngest worker was 15 years old and he is required to work more than 12 hours a day ironing clothes before they were shipped.

One of the refugees told BBC Panorama they were treated poorly at the factory; he also added, “If anything happens to a Syrian, they will throw him away like a piece of cloth.”

Marks and Spencer said all its Syrian workers were legally employed and finds the programme’s findings “extremely serious” and “unacceptable to M&S.”

M&S spokesperson said, “Ethical trading is fundamental to M&S. All of our suppliers are contractually required to comply with our Global Sourcing Principles, which cover what we expect and require of them and their treatment of workers.”

“We do not tolerate such breaches of these principles and we will do all we can to ensure that this does not happen again,” he added.

Danielle McMullan, from the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre said, “It’s not enough to say we didn’t know about this, it’s not our fault.”

“They have a responsibility to monitor and to understand where their clothes are being made and what conditions they are being made in,” he added.

12 hours of work for a pound

Most international brands now manufacture clothes in Turkey because of it’s prime location to Europe. Factories in Turkey allow retailers to get new designs into shops more quickly.

However, concerns are growing about exploitation of workers, especially children, after three million Syrian refugees entered Turkey.

“They speak of pitiful wages and terrible working conditions. They know they are being exploited but they know they can do nothing about it,” according to Panorama reporter Darragh Macintyre.

Panorama’s team saw several Syrian children working hard in one workshop in Istanbul. They also saw a sample product for Asos.

Asos, online retailer said all its clothes were made in the factory. However, after their inspection, they found 11 Syrian adults and 3 Syrian children under 16 at work.

Asos said they will financially support these children so they can return to school. Further, the adult refugees will be paid minimum wage until they found legal work. An Asos spokesperson said, “We have implemented these remediation programmes despite the fact that this factory has nothing to do with Asos.”

The investigation also found refugees working 12 hours a day in a factory making Mango and Zara clothes. For this they are paid a pound each.

No basic protection for hazardous work

Most of the refugee workers don’t have basic protection such as face masks. They spray hazardous chemicals to bleach the jeans hence they are at risk.

Inditex, Zara’s parent company said its factory inspection is a “highly effective way of monitoring and improving conditions”. They already found significant non-compliance audit in June and gave the factory an ultimatum to make necessary improvements until December.

Panorama also found another Istanbul factory with Syrian refugees at work alongside Turkish children as young as 10.

The owner of the factory showed the investigating team they have been working for Next. He also showed them a set of pyjamas.

However, Next denies working with the factory. They pyjamas were circulated as a sample and were actually made by another supplier.

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Hillary Clinton gets LeBron James’ Endorsement.

The Cleveland Cavaliers prized player has given his endorsement to Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday. LeBron James led the Cavs in their win at first NBA championship last season.

James in an op-ed article with Business Insider said. “We need a president who understands our community and will build on the legacy of President Obama.

James’ decision to endorse Clinton stems from his belief that she knows the difficulties of childhood poverty. He also believes that Clinton would rally for the cause of the children and would place educational opportunities on top of her agenda as well as “address the violence, of every kind, the African-American community is experiencing.”

James is a basketball icon looked up by the youth all across the nation. However, there is no clear indication on how his endorsement for Clinton would impact the Presidential race.

Surveys conducted in Ohio shows that Trump has a slight edge. Suffolk University poll made in September shows Trump leading with 42 percent against Clinton’s 39 percent standing.

James has been outspoken about recent police violence against African Americans. He wrote that Clinton would find ways to improve life for African Americans. On his op-ed article, he wrote. “Finally, we must address the violence, of every kind, the African-American community is experiencing in our streets and seeing on our TVs. However, I am not a politician, I don’t know everything it will take finally to end the violence. But I do know we need a president who brings us together and keeps us unified.”

James pointed out further that. “Policies and ideas that divide us more are not the solution. We must all stand together — no matter where we are from or the color of our skin. And Hillary is running on the message of hope and unity that we need.”

Endorsement from other Athletes

LeBron James joins a list of athletes who have staked their name for a candidate in the Presidential elections.

Trump got an endorsement from Pro golfer John Daly and former basketball coach Bob Knight. Sports Illustrated also said that former NBA player Dennis Rodman as well as retired wrestler Hulk Hogan are also endorsing Donald Trump.

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Brad Pitt Voluntarily Submits To Drug Test, “Cooperating Fully” With Investigators

Brad Pitt voluntarily endured a drug test to cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services.

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce just after their two year wedding anniversary. The couple spent 12 years together and has six kids. The basis of the divorce is about Brad Pitt’s behavior during an altercation that happened on board their private plane on September 14.

Authorities started an investigation, headed by County DCFS in LA after receiving an anonymous tip of the incident. Angelina accused the 52 year old actor of “getting physical’ and “verbally abusive”. The accusation concerns an event involving their eldest son, 15 year old Maddox and Pitt.

DCFS spokesperson told People that a drug test is “very standard” in an abuse investigation. Federal Bureau of Investigation created its own analysis and most likely will not recommend further investigation.

Brad “in the worst possible light”

A source close to Pitt told People that, “He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse on his children”. They said it saddens them that the allegations portray Pitt “in the worst possible light.”

Greenspoon Marder’s criminal law practice group’s chairman said, “I find it very hard to believe that they would take action with the facts that have been presented, given the fact that I don’t believe the child received any injuries”.

With all the legal battles, “Brad Pitt has been interviewed and is cooperating fully. The case remains open”, as another source supported Pitt.

Someone well informed on the details of the circumstances said beforehand that Pitt never struck Maddox. Rather, he “made contact” with the boy “in the shoulder area.” The informant declared, “There was absolutely no physical injury to him.”

The reason for the DCFS investigation stems from a requirement to check into anything reported. Stephanie I. Blum, certified family law specialist said, “A representative of DCFS will advise the individual of the complaints/allegations against him or her but will do so in such a way as to protect the identity of the reporting individual.”

DCFS’s decision on the truth of the allegations comes at the conclusion of the investigation. If the charges lack veracity, then DCFS finally closes the case.

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US Doctor Suspended for Using Vaccine on Children Made of Cat Saliva and Vodka

CHICAGO – Medical regulators from Illinois have suspended the license of a suburban doctor from Chicago. Initial reports indicate that the doctor administers patients with a modified vaccine containing cat saliva and vodka.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation executed the emergency action in the interest of public safety in the documents signed by acting director Jessica Baer.

Health care providers complained that Dr. Ming Te Lin is giving unapproved oral version of childhood shots. Investigators made a quick search at his office in Flossmoor. Investigators then arrived at a cluttered, unsterile office and found a box filled with vials and tube that Dr. Lin was using to make his own vaccines.

Charts recovered showed the patients who received the unapproved oral vaccines which included a seven-day-old infant. Lin is also being investigate for signing state forms certifying his pediatric patients received their conventional shots. The actual shots administered to the patients was actually his concoction and not the approved conventional vaccines.

Dr. Lin also informed the investigators that he has been preparing alternative vaccines for children for more than a decade already.

Lin also told investigators that he adds alcohol and sometimes cat saliva collected using a swab on a cat’s mouth. This mixture is used for patients with allergies.

He told investigators that he uses a device called the“WaveFront 2000”.  The contraption makes sure that the vaccines are detoxified and free from mercury.

Children, especially those patients who has a history of autism, eczema or neurological disorder receives his “special” mixture. Dr. Lin administers the vaccine either orally or through a nasal spray.

Unapproved Procedures

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved Lin’s methods. Furthermore, his process is not even considered as a legitimate medical practice. He has also failed to inform his patients of the risk involved by not following the standard vaccine guidelines.

The Medical Disciplinary Board is set to hear Lin’s case on October 11 in Chicago.

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Pope Francis: Those Responsible for Bombing Aleppo ‘Must Answer to God’

VATICAN – Pope Francis at a public speaking engagement in St. Peter’s Square has denounced the bombing of Aleppo in Syria. He pointed out that those responsible for killing civilians will have to answer to God. The Pope described Aleppo as “an already martyred city, where everybody is dying.”

Pope Francis said that he is “united in suffering through prayer and spiritual closeness” to the people in Aleppo. The Pope expressed “deep pain and strong worry for what’s happening,” he further said. “children and elderly … everyone is dying.”

“This is an imperative and urgent obligation. I appeal to the consciences of those responsible for the bombings, who one day will have to account to God”.  He urged all those involved to “commit themselves with all their strength to protect civilians”.

Once Syria’s largest city, Aleppo now comes in two parts – the government controlled west and rebel occupied east.

The Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad along with its Russian backers were accused of committing “barbaric” action against the people. Consequently, Moscow   is challenging the accusation and considers the Western allies’ rhetoric as unacceptable.

The current situation in Syria is that the Russian-backed Syrian forces have unleashed a major operation on the ancient city. In addition, air strikes have resumed pounding the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo overnight.

Aid groups working in Aleppo has determined that children constitute a large portion of casualties due to the air strikes. Furthermore, at least 100,000 children remain confined within the rebel controlled part of Aleppo.

Aid Severely Needed

World Health Organization is calling for an “immediate establishment of humanitarian routes” into Aleppo. Reports on the ground indicate that hospitals are in dire need of supplies. Emergency patients are coming in almost non-stop and emergency personnel as well as supplies simply aren’t sufficient.

The US have pledged to give an extra $364 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the Syrian conflict.

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