PINA

Several international human rights organisations have expressed grave concern over recent discussions in Tonga's Parliament suggesting the extension of the death penalty to drug-related offences. “We are gravely concerned about the debate held in Tonga’s Parliament late last month, which suggests the country may be considering extending the death penalty to drug-related offences,” said a joint statement by Amnesty International,...

The political landscape in Fiji is facing a perfect storm, with the governing coalition and the opposition party plagued by internal divisions. This has been highlighted by the academic director of parliamentary law at the University of Tasmania, Richard Herr. Herr said that the internal strife within the government, marked by policy disputes and personality clashes, combined with an opposition in...

AOSIS Climate lead negotiator, Anne Rasmussen of Samoa, emphasised the coalition's vulnerability to climate change at the Sixtieth Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) of the UNFCCC in Bonn. “SB60 began amid severe climate crises,” Rasmussen said, opening her closing remarks for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). “Wildfires in Belize, coral bleaching worldwide, a deadly landslide in Papua New...

A historic meeting of traditional leaders has been a poignant moment at the 50th anniversary Pacific arts and culture festival in Hawaii. Traditional leaders from across the Pacific have met during the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) to sign a declaration solidifying their commitment to strengthen relationships and share knowledge on how to collectively face challenges confronting...

USAID Administrator Samantha Power has announced Fiji’s inclusion in USAID’s Democracy Delivers Initiative, highlighting its commitment to democratic principles. “Last year, when I visited Fiji to open the USAID Pacific Islands Mission in Suva, I saw firsthand Fiji's continued commitment to democratic principles. “This has led to meaningful benefits in the lives of Fijians, from improvements in health services to greater...

Fiji stands ready to support the newly-appointed Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFs) Baron Waqa in his leadership role. While welcoming the SG during a special traditional ceremony at the Forum Secretariat last night, PM Rabuka said he is looking forward to working with Waqa. He highlighted that Waqa will serve the region and the Pacific people well, given...

A delegation from the Front de libération nationale kanak et socialiste (FLNKS) visited the World Council of Churches (WCC), sharing concerns about human rights and self-determination for the people in Kanaky New Caledonia. The delegation included Mickael Forrest, permanent secretary of External/Foreign Affairs and the permanent representative to the UN of the Republic of Vanuatu; and David Wanabo, political officer...

After the surprise announcement of the French National Assembly's dissolution on Sunday, French Pacific entities are already busy preparing for the forthcoming snap election with various expectations. Following the surprise announcement by President Emmanuel Macron, the snap general election will be held on 30 June (first round) and 07 July (second round). Unsurprisingly, most of the incumbent MPs for the French...

For Pacific Island nations like mine, the transition to clean and renewable energy is not just a goal but a necessity for survival  By Ralph Regenvanu A few weeks ago, leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) met in Antigua & Barbuda to discuss our next decade of action. This, for us, is the critical decade, no less. We have...

Commentary by Tess Newton Cain It has become something of a truism that there is no political stability in Vanuatu, motions of no confidence are common, and prime ministers rarely serve a full four-year parliamentary term. Vanuatu’s first ever constitutional referendum saw citizens vote overwhelmingly in favor of greater political stability, especially after three prime ministers held office in a space...