PINA

Without urgent action, climate change could be linked to one in every ten cases of intimate partner violence by the end of the century. That is the warning from a new report by the UN Spotlight Initiative, which finds that climate change is intensifying the social and economic stresses that are fuelling increased levels of violence against women and girls. The...

Vanuatu’s Constitution will soon be amended to recognise only two sexes—male and female—at birth. However, the question remains as to how this will impact the constitutional law of freedom of expression and why other sins are not being put under the microscope, especially if the amendment is based on the constitutional preamble of ‘Christian Principles’. Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) Chairman and...

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen ties that have allowed their nations to navigate an “increasingly uncertain and turbulent world”. “In this increasingly uncertain and turbulent world... it has become more vital than ever for like-minded countries like us to come together – to collaborate for mutual benefit and...

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders have drafted a letter to the Trump administration, addressing concerns about the United States' support in the region. Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Ministry permanent secretary Collin Beck told RNZ Pacific that there are significant gaps between what Washington has committed to and what it has actually delivered in the region. The Biden administration promised US$200 million...

Fiji is at risk of a new and far more dangerous drug crisis as experts are now warning about the rise of fentanyl. The drug is a synthetic opioid that's killing thousands overseas and could soon affect Fiji if strong actions are not taken. Jemesa Lave from the Narcotics Bureau warned that Fiji's battle against drugs can be challenged further if...

New Zealand’s Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers, is travelling to Fiji and Sāmoa this week for the first time without a specific event prompting the visit. In November, the Government announced that Chambers, a three-decade veteran of the police force, would take over from Andrew Coster, who accepted a new role at the Government's Social Investment Agency. Chambers' visits to Sāmoa and...

The U.S is harming Pacific Islanders, destroying its relationships in the region, and letting China win the competition for influence. By Camilla Pohle The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Pacific Islands – because that’s what is happening – benefits China at the expense of U.S national security. Washington’s latest series of policy blunders comes at a crucial time when China is seeking...

Four young exciting talents from the Fijian Drua setup, Josivini Naihamu, Litiana Vueti, Isabella Koi, and Carletta Yee headline the list of potential debutants named in the Fijiana XV extended squad to face the Wallaroos in 2025. The quartet only joined the Drua this season as professional rugby players and have now been handed a shot at national honours following...

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre(FWCC) is calling for immediate and mandatory gender sensitization training for all Fijian rugby players and personnel, following the reported assault case involving Fijian Drua centre Iosefo Masi. FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says these incidents reflect a much deeper issue that must be addressed with structured and ongoing gender sensitisation training across all levels of rugby...

A political storm is brewing over the repayment of a US$190-million loan from China, originally borrowed to help rebuild the capital after riots in 2006. The money was also spent on major projects like the renovation of the royal palace, an upgrade of Nukuʻalofa wharf, and loans to local businesses to help them rebuild. With the loan repayments now due, debate...