Challenges and risks in the process of Russia’s post-pandemic economic recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has had a negative impact on economies around the world. The article analyses the macroeconomic indicators characterising the Russian economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this action on Russia’s global indicators have been compared with those of some countries in the world. The objectives and activities of the “National Action Plan for Employment and Income Recovery, Economic Growth and Long-Term Structural Changes in the Economy” (hereinafter the “National Action Plan”) have been considered. This document sets out the country’s development over the next two years and measures to recover the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of the Russian Federation is allocating 5 trillion roubles for the implementation of the “National Action Plan”. Meanwhile, the main objective is to ensure a sustainable economic development and income growth path within two years. The indicators of the main goal to be achieved by the end of 2021 are: sustainable growth of the personal income; reduction of unemployment to 5%; growth of the gross domestic product by 2.5% per annum. In conclusion, the challenges and risks in implementing the “National Action Plan” have been formulated.

Measures to combat racial discrimination and promote diversity in the labour market: a review of evidence

Racial discrimination in this report is understood to mean ‘any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin’ (ICERD, Article 1). Discrimination is distinct from racial prejudice (an attitude) and stereotypes (beliefs). Discrimination can be damaging to both individuals’ life chances and their wellbeing, as well as to society (OECD, 2013; Fibbi et al., 2021). Yet discrimination is difficult to measure accurately. It is also challenging to devise measures to combat discriminatory behaviour and promote diversity. This report reviews international literature on racial discrimination in the labour market and the effectiveness of measures to combat it. The aim is to distil the evidence into a short report to inform measures addressing discrimination in the labour market, including the current development of the National Action Plan Against Racism. The focus is on specific measures that can be implemented now to address current racial discrimination in the labour market.

- EU Harmonised Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in E. coli from Retail Meats in UK (2020 - Year 6, chicken)

In accordance with European Directive 2003/99/EC on the monitoring of bacteria that can pass from animals to humans and cause disease, Member States are obliged to ensure that procedures are in place to monitor and report on the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in such bacteria. The UK continued to be subject to EU rules during the transition period up to the end of December 2020. The requirements state that 300 retail chicken meats should be tested by culture for the bacterium Escherichia coli. E. coli bacteria are a normal part of the gut flora of mammals and as such can be useful “indicators” of AMR in gut bacteria. Whilst some strains of E. coli can cause disease, most strains of E. coli do not cause observable disease in healthy animals and humans. Addressing the public health threat posed by AMR is a national strategic priority for the UK, which has led to both a 20-year vision of AMR (Opens in a new window)and a 5-year (2019 to 2024) AMR National Action Plan (NAP)

Outcomes and Future Prospect of Japan’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2016–2020)

The threat from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to grow. Japan’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which was formulated in 2016 and targets six areas, has already had a major impact on the countermeasures implemented against AMR. Particular advances have been made in AMR-related surveillance, and we now know the situation regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the country. Educational and awareness-raising activities for medical professionals and the general public have been actively implemented and seem to have contributed to a gradual move toward an appropriate use of antimicrobials. However, there is still insufficient understanding of the issue among the general public. Determining how to use surveillance results and implementing further awareness-raising activities are crucial to address this. Tasks for the future include both raising awareness and the promotion of AMR research and development and international cooperation. The government’s next Action Plan, which will detail future countermeasures against AMR based on the outcomes of and tasks identified in the current Action Plan, has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is urgently awaited.

THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR GENDER EQUALITY: WOMEN, SPORTS AND MILITARY INSTITUTIONS

In Greece, sport as a tool for the promotion of gender integration and social justice has been included in the upcoming National Action Plan for Gender Equality (NAPGE) for 2021-2025 by the General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The social space of sport is also included in the currently in effect NAPGE, formulated for 2016-2020 by the General Secretariat for Gender Equality (GSGE) of the Ministry of the Interior. This article begins with a presentation of the upcoming-updated NAPGE 2021-2025 and subsequently examines NAPGE 2016-2020 which is currently in effect. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the strategic goals of the NAPGE are being implemented in the Hellenic Military Higher Education Institutions and specifically in their academic curricula and programs, focusing on coed sport activities. A strategic goal of the NAPGE 2016-2020, as in the one to follow for 2021-2025, is to promote equality in education, culture, sport, and the media. To eliminate gender inequalities the NAPGE, presently in effect in Greek society, sets six strategic goals, and incorporates the gender dimension in all social, political, educational and sports bodies. Following European Commission guidelines, the NAPGE priority areas focus on promoting health; eliminating gender-based violence; supporting equality in education, training, culture, sport, and the media; promoting social integration and equality. As regards education, the main objectives include eliminating gender stereotypes and all forms of discrimination. Research shows that women's sport participation challenges gender stereotypes. Subsequently, women’s integration and gender equality in the military is discussed, using the curricula and sport programs at the five military schools/academies along with the interview data from our previous study with twelve active-duty female officers, former cadets at these five institutions. Our findings indicate that the gender dimension is taken into account: the NAPGE is being implemented, to a certain extent. Our results show that coed sport activities and team sports cultivate acceptance, cohesion, teamwork, and collaborations, leading to women’s integration and inclusion, in addition to a healthier and more productive military environment and culture. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0876/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Gender Entrepreneurs in the Adoption of the Brazilian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

On 8 March 2017, International Women’s Day, Brazil adopted a two-year National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) with a clear commitment by the government for integrating gender perspectives in peace and security policies. With this decision, Brazil responded to the UN Security Council’s call for all Member States to develop national strategies to allow for successful implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000). Considering that it took almost two decades for Brazil to consider adopting its own plan, the driving forces behind this decision beg further exploration. This article draws on the concept of gender entrepreneurs to argue that the emergence of the Brazilian NAP was the result of an informal network of like-minded women, positioned inside and outside the government’s structures, who teamed up to harness political opportunities for change and push for the adoption of WPS global norms into a formal national commitment.

AMR Consumer Perceptions Survey

As part of the UK national action plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is working to improve the scientific evidence base around consumer perceptions and understanding. A consumer survey was carried out in 2016 and 2019, and replicated in 2021, to understand current views and awareness, and to identify any changes over time.

Biden stresses human rights in foreign policy

Significance While the administration’s response to these three situations has been muted, for both pragmatic and political reasons, Biden has taken steps to define his approach to a values-based foreign policy. However, his promise to convene a Summit for Democracy has been sidelined for now. Impacts Biden’s tendency to compartmentalise different aspects of foreign policy may diminish the impact of human rights interventions. Ahead of elections in 2022 and 2024, Biden will take broader US public opinion into account in his approach to human rights. Revival of the Obama-era National Action Plan (NAP) on responsible business conduct will add to the human rights policy toolbox. Biden’s approach to the southern border will remain a complicated tangle of domestic politics and foreign human rights issues.