The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded on Wednesday that Russia’s widespread use of enforced disappearances and torture during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine constitutes crimes against humanity. The announcement marks a significant development in the war, as crimes against humanity constitute one of the most serious classifications of international crimes.
Central to the commission’s findings was Rule 7 of the Rome Statute, which states that forced disappearance and torture constitute crimes against humanity when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against any civilian population. The report, which included evidence gathered by the commission and interviews of soldiers who deserted from the Russian armed forces, concluded that the enforced disappearances against civilians were perpetrated pursuant to a coordinated state policy, which would amount to crimes against humanity.
Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Erik Møse stated at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council:
These crimes were carried out as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, in all provinces of Ukraine where areas came under Russian control, and in the Russian Federation. They were perpetrated pursuant to a coordinated state policy and targeted categories of persons that Russian authorities perceived as a threat to their military objectives in Ukraine.
The announcement comes after the European Court of Human Rights found Russia violated free speech by censoring Ukraine conflict news in February. Earlier this week, the US also withdrew from the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), which was investigating Russia for the crime of aggression in Ukraine. Additionally, Amnesty International published a report earlier this month that found war crimes and crimes against humanity were being committed against Ukrainian POWs and detainees.
Russia’s Mission in Geneva declined to comment on the report, calling it ‘politicized and one-sided.’
150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership; plus
A $500 statement after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel within the first three months of card membership.
150,000 points has been the regular offer for a while now, so earning a nice statement credit is the cherry on top. This offer ends on June 30.
Although its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees) may sound hefty, there are still plenty of reasons this business card is worth considering.
Here’s what you need to know about the current offer on the Amex Business Platinum.
Current Amex Business Platinum welcome offer
New Business Platinum applicants can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Plus, they’ll receive a $500 statement credit after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel within the first three months of card membership.
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This offer ends on June 30.
To earn the $500 statement credit, you can buy flights across any number of airlines (it doesn’t have to be just one). The bookings can be made either directly with the airline or through Amex Travel. Note that you must meet the $2,500 minimum spending requirement for airfare purchases within three months of being approved for the card.
To earn the full 150,000-point bonus and statement credit, your business must spend a lot on the card quickly and purchase airline tickets. With its hefty initial required spending and statement credits (which we’ll talk about below), this card is targeted toward businesses with multiple employees and fairly significant expenses.
The $500 statement credit could be even more lucrative if paired with an Amex Offer providing additional cash back or bonus Membership Rewards points for airfare purchases.
In total, the Business Platinum offers over $1,500 in statement credits that you could potentially maximize. However, some cardmembers will not be able to fully utilize them all.
However, a notable difference between the personal and business versions of the card involves the bonus categories. Amex Business Platinum cardmembers earn 1.5 points per dollar on up to $2 million in eligible purchases in the U.S. per calendar year with:
U.S. Cloud service providers
U.S. Construction materials and hardware suppliers
U.S. Electronic goods retailers
Eligible purchases of $5,000 or more
U.S. Shipping providers
U.S. Software
Cardmembers also earn points on other purchases at the following rates:
5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Who is eligible for the Amex Business Platinum welcome offer?
This Amex Business Platinum welcome offer carries Amex’s standard language regarding welcome offer eligibility:
“Welcome offer not available to applicants who have or have had this Card. We may also consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.”
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The personal and business versions of the Amex Platinum are considered different products. So even if you currently have the Amex Platinum, the issuer’s one-bonus-per-card-per-lifetime rule won’t prevent you from earning the business card’s bonus.
Likewise, you may be eligible to earn a welcome offer on the Amex Business Platinum even if you already have another Amex business card, such as the American Express® Business Gold Card.
However, Amex may not give you a welcome offer based on the number of American Express cards you have opened and closed, as well as other factors. So, look out for any messages or pop-ups while you apply. Amex’s welcome bonus qualification tool should notify you if you aren’t eligible for the welcome bonus and allow you to withdraw your application.
The welcome offer and statement credits are only part of the Amex Business Platinum’s appeal. After all, the Business Platinum also confers many other excellent ongoing perks, including:
FOUR SEASONS TOKYO AT OTEMACHI/ DANYAL AHMED
* Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply. ** Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Bottom line
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has an array of credits and benefits, but one of the main reasons to consider the card is its juicy welcome offer, which ends on June 30. Not a bad start for a small business and you can also begin taking advantage of its many value-added benefits.
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