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234win 111 com The inclusive development and prosperity of Laos can only be achieved if all individuals have the freedom to preserve their cultural practices and actively contribute to the country’s future, according to Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. Concluding her 10-day official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on 30 November 2024, Xanthaki called on the government to uphold cultural diversity and human rights amid its economic development initiatives. While praising Lao PDR’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms, Xanthaki voiced concerns over policies that marginalize ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. These policies, she noted, often emphasize assimilation into the dominant Lao ethnic group and the promotion of state-approved “good culture” for national unity and tourism purposes. “Cultural rights are enshrined in Lao legislation, yet their implementation is undermined by prejudice against non-dominant cultural practices, often labelled as ‘backward,’ and by policies that fail to accommodate cultural diversity in education and governance,” Xanthaki said. She also highlighted issues of: Village Relocations : Widespread resettlement in the name of development threatens traditional lifestyles. Xanthaki stressed that such relocations should only occur with the free, prior, and informed consent of affected communities and include fair compensation. Lack of Recognition for Ethnic Minorities : The refusal to acknowledge ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples as distinct groups denies them protections under international human rights standards. Limited Civic Space : Shrinking public participation and fear of retaliation prevent meaningful consultation with communities affected by development projects. Call for Inclusive and Equitable Development While acknowledging the government’s successes in poverty reduction and economic growth, Xanthaki argued that these achievements must be coupled with a broader understanding of development that includes human rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. “Development is not solely about economic progress,” Xanthaki said. “It must also ensure that diverse cultural practices and perspectives are valued and allowed to flourish.” She criticized the lack of human rights assessments in development projects, inadequate compensation for land loss, and the narrow socio-economic lens through which development is often viewed. “Development partners and international organizations have a duty to uphold human rights in their engagement with Laos,” Xanthaki added. “They must address these shortcomings and avoid complacency in the face of diminishing civic space.” Promising Developments and Local Initiatives Xanthaki noted some encouraging steps toward greater community involvement, including consultation efforts for the proposed World Heritage designation of Hin Nam No Park. However, she cautioned that these isolated examples cannot substitute for systemic changes. “The government’s insistence that all people understand and agree to development projects is not realistic,” she said, calling for greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. Key Recommendations The UN expert called on Lao PDR to: Recognize and protect the rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. Ensure that relocations occur only with consent and proper compensation. Expand civic space to enable meaningful dialogue and public participation. Embrace a more comprehensive approach to development that includes cultural and human rights considerations. Next Steps During her visit, Xanthaki met with government officials, civil society representatives, United Nations agencies, and villagers in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Khammouane Province. She plans to present a detailed report on her findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026. “This is a pivotal moment for Lao PDR to harmonize its economic ambitions with its cultural heritage and human rights obligations,” Xanthaki concluded.

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PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE: FSK) today announced that it has completed its previously announced offering of an additional $100 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% notes due 2030 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes due 2030 that FSK issued on November 20, 2024 , increasing the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the series to $700 million . BofA Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., and Truist Securities, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for this offering. FSK intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, including potentially repaying outstanding indebtedness under credit facilities and certain notes. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About FS KKR Capital Corp. FSK is a leading publicly traded business development company (BDC) focused on providing customized credit solutions to private middle market U.S. companies. FSK seeks to invest primarily in the senior secured debt and, to a lesser extent, the subordinated debt of private middle market companies. FSK is advised by FS/KKR Advisor, LLC. About FS/KKR Advisor, LLC FS/KKR Advisor, LLC (FS/KKR) is a partnership between FS Investments and KKR Credit that serves as the investment adviser to FSK and other business development companies. FS Investments is a global alternative asset manager dedicated to delivering superior performance and innovative investment and capital solutions. The firm manages over $83 billion in assets for a wide range of clients, including institutional investors, financial professionals and individual investors. FS Investments provides access to a broad suite of alternative asset classes and strategies through its best-in-class investment teams and partners. With its diversified platform and flexible capital solutions, the firm is a valued partner to general partners, asset owners and portfolio companies. FS Investments is grounded in its high-performance culture and guided by its commitment to building value for its clients, investing in its colleagues and giving back to its communities. The firm has more than 500 employees across offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia and is headquartered in Philadelphia . KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosure Notice This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to future events or future performance or operations of FSK. Words such as "believes," "expects," "projects," and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the economy, risks associated with possible disruption in FSK's operations or the economy generally due to terrorism, geo-political risks, natural disasters or pandemics such as COVID-19, future changes in laws or regulations and conditions in FSK's operating area and the price at which shares of FSK's common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Some of these factors are enumerated in the filings FSK makes with the SEC. FSK undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information: Investor Relations Contact Anna Kleinhenn Anna.Kleinhenn@fsinvestments.com FS Investments Media Team Melanie Hemmert Melanie.Hemmert@fsinvestments.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fsk-completes-public-offering-of-100-million-6-125-unsecured-notes-due-2030--302339667.html SOURCE FS Investments

Congress MP Rakibul Hussain has alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma resorted to controversial tactics, including hosting a beef party, to sway minority voters in Samaguri during the recently concluded elections. The allegations were made during a press conference on November 30, following the BJP's surprising win in the constituency. Hussain, whose son was the Congress candidate in Samaguri and faced defeat, claimed that Sarma’s actions were politically motivated to influence the voting patterns of minority communities. “Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma organized beef feasts to win the favour of minority voters,” Hussain alleged, adding that such tactics represent a stark departure from the BJP’s typical stance on such issues. Also Read: Samaguri has historically been a Congress stronghold, making BJP’s victory a significant political upset. However, these allegations have further fueled the political debate in the state, as parties prepare for future electoral battles. The BJP has not yet issued a response to Congress MP Hussain’s claims. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed the BJP’s focused strategy for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, asserting that the party is actively working to strengthen its presence in constituencies with significant minority populations. Speaking to the media, CM Sarma identified Rupohi, Samaguri, Laharighat, East Goalpara, South Karimganj, and North Karimganj as key constituencies where BJP has started preparations for a serious electoral contest.