The human rights record of Monaco will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on Monday29th January, in a meeting in Geneva that will be webcast live.
Monaco is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session from 22nd January to 2nd February. The first, second and third UPR reviews of Monaco took place in May 2009, October 2013, and November 2018, respectively.
The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.
The delegation of Monaco will be led by Ms. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
The HPV vaccine, recommended for both genders, is now available in Monaco free of charge.
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a significant health concern worldwide, known for their highly contagious nature and potential to cause various cancers. Recent data suggests that over their lifetimes, approximately 90% of men and women will experience at least one HPV-related infection, often without noticeable symptoms. This silent progression underscores the importance of preventive measures, especially in light of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) estimation that cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally.
The HPV vaccine, available since 2006, has emerged as a key player in the fight against these cancers. Utilising conventional technology, the vaccine targets the virus’s proteins to block its entry into the body. The WHO endorses this vaccine for both girls and boys, pointing to its effectiveness in reducing cancer risks. Countries like Australia, Argentina, and Belgium have reported promising strides towards eradicating HPV-related cancers, attributing this success to high immunisation rates.
Monaco’s progressive step
In Monaco, as of December 2023, the HPV vaccination has been made completely free for individuals covered by Monegasque social security, reflecting a commitment to public health and cancer prevention. The vaccine is equally recommended for girls and boys, as both are susceptible to HPV infections and the subsequent risk of developing cancer. The vaccination regimen consists of two doses, administered six months apart, with no need for a booster shot.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Wednesday the nominations for its 96th ceremony in March and nine were featured in Cannes’ Official Selection.
Actors Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid announced the nominations live from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater via a global live stream and the Academy’s digital platforms, an international satellite feed and broadcast media.
Afterwards, the Festival de Cannes congratulated the nine films that had received Oscars nominations and had also featured in its Official Selection. They will be represented in 16 categories and cumulating 26 nominations on 11th March in Los Angeles.
Among those to make the cut is Justine Triet’s 2023 Palme d’or winner, Anatomy of a Fall,produced by Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, distributed in France by Jean Labadie and Le Pacte, by Tom Quinn and Neon in the US and sold internationally by mk2 Films. The film is nominated in five categories: Best Director for Justine Triet, Best Actress in a leading role for Sandra Hüller, Best Original screenplay for Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Best Editing for Laurent Sénéchal and Best Picture.
Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet (France, 2023) – Competition – Palme D’Or
5 nominations: Actress in a leading role; Best picture; Film editing; Directing; Writing (original screenplay)
Justine Triet dissects relationships in her movie. The plot: Sandra, Samuel and their visually impaired son Daniel have been living in a remote mountain location for the past year. When Samuel is found dead outside the house, an investigation for death in suspicious circumstances is launched. Amidst the uncertainty, Sandra is indicted: Was it suicide or homicide? A year later Daniel attends his mother’s trial, a veritable dissection of his parents’ relationship.
Elemental by Peter Sohn (USA, 2023) – Out of Competition
1 Nomination: Animated feature film
Pixar’s Elemental is an original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.
Four Daughters by Kaouther Ben Hania (France, Tunisia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, 2023) – Competition
1 Nomination: Documentary feature film
Between light and darkness stands Olfa, a Tunisian woman and the mother of four daughters.
One day, her two older daughters disappear. To fill in their absence, the filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses and invents a unique cinema experience that will lift the veil on Olfa and her daughters’ life stories.
An intimate journey of hope, rebellion, violence, transmission and sisterhood that will question the very foundations of our societies.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny by James Mangold (USA, 2023) – Out of Competition
1 Nomination: Music (original score)
Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this fifth installment of the iconic franchise.
Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese (USA, 2023) – Out of Competition
10 Nominations: Actress in a leading role; Actor in a supporting role; Best picture; Cinematography; Costume design; Directing; Film editing; Music (original score); Music (original song); Production design
Based on David Grann’s broadly lauded best-selling book, Killers of the Flower Moon is set in 1920s Oklahoma and depicts the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation, a string of brutal crimes that came to be known as the Reign of Terror.
May December by Todd Haynes (USA, 2022) – Competition
1 Nomination: Writing (original screenplay)
Questioning the past with May December. Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.
Perfect Day by Wim Wenders (Japan, 2023) – Competition – Best Actor
1 Nomination: International feature film
Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past. A deeply moving and poetic reflection on finding beauty in the everyday world around us.
Robot Dreams by Pablo Berger (Spain, France, 2023) – Special screenings
1 Nomination: Animated feature film
Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 80’s NYC. One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again?
Robot Dreams is the first animation film by the award-winning director Pablo Berger (Blancanieves). A story about friendship, its importance, and its fragility.
The Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer (USA, UK, Poland, 2022) – Competition – Grand Prix
5 Nominations: Best picture; Directing; International feature film; Sound; Writing (adapted screenplay)
Jonathan Glazer reflects on Humanity with this movie. The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival will take place from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 25th May 2024. The Official Selection will be unveiled mid-April.
Pension payments in France will increase by more than 5% from February
The French government has confirmed that the more than 14 million pensioners affiliated with the Cnav, SRE, CNRACL and CNAVPL schemes, as well as those entitled to a reversionary pension, ASI and Aspa, will see their pension payments rise by 5.3% from February.
Pensions are annually re-evaluated in France according to increases noted in the average value of the consumer price index, excluding tobacco products, connecting the process to cost-of-living variables experienced the previous year.
In 2023, the increase was just 0.8%.
Supplementary schemes follow their own set of rules and therefore are not included in the state increase.
The holiday rental platform Airbnb has revealed that the taxe de séjour contributions generated by its listings in France during 2023 added more than €187 million to the coffers of villages, towns and cities up and down the country.
In the south of France, short and long-term stays booked via Airbnb created almost €40 million in tourist tax-based revenue: more than €13 million in the Alpes-Maritimes; in excess of €10 million in the Var and just under in the Bouches-du-Rhône; €2.7 million in Vaucluse; €1.4 million for communes in the Hautes-Alpes; and €770,000 in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Marseille’s Airbnbs produced over €4.2 million in tourist tax contributions, a figure no doubt buoyed by the influx of travellers who stayed in the city during the Rugby World Cup, while Nice and Cannes were close behind with €4.1 million and €2.9 million apiece.
But small and medium-sized communes in the region also did well out of their Airbnb-registered rentals. Over 260 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur communes saw at least €100,000 in tourist tax paid out by Airbnb at the end of 2023.
In total, just over €187 million was collected by the accommodation rental platform in France last year, benefiting the municipal coffers of over 24,5000 villages, towns and cities across the country. This represents a 25% increase on the amount generated in 2022.
What is the taxe de séjour?
France’s taxe de séjour – or tourist tax – is payable per person per night and varies according to the type of accommodation and the commune. It must be included on the bill given to the person renting the accommodation and should be collected either by the landlord or owner of the property, the hotelier or the “the professional who provides the internet booking service on behalf of the landlord, the hotelier [or] the owner.”
A commune-specific simulator is available here and more information on the tax can be found here.
ASM Danse Sportive, which was formed as an official sports association in Monaco in 2009, has transformed itself from an incubator for competition-level dancers to an entity that welcomes dancers from all walks of life – even those with two left feet!
The association recently released its 2024 schedule of classes, which are held at venues in the Principality itself as well as in the neighbouring French communes of Cap d’Ail, Beausoleil and La Turbie, and there really is something for everyone, regardless of age and ability.
This year’s variety of dance styles include West Coast Swing, Rock’n’Roll, Zumba, the exotically named Kizomba, Jazz and Modern, to name but a few.
Added to this is a range for couples only that features the likes of the Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot and Jive alongside perennial Latin favourites like Rumba, Samba and the Paso Doble. There’s also yoga and Pilates on offer for those looking to tone up in-between sessions!
Group lessons are available for the casual dancer, while private lessons and regular training can be had for those looking to take their talents to the competition floor.
To explore the schedule and get information on prices and times, click here. You can also find out more about the association by clicking here.
