PINA

Monday, the crime of ecocide was formally introduced for consideration by member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) —an event that represents a major step forward in the global effort to enshrine mass environmental destruction as a crime under international law. ‘Ecocide’, as proposed by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa, is defined as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge...

The Flying Fijians are ramping up preparations their semi-final clash against the USA in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup. After topping Pool A, the Flying Fijians are set to take on the USA, who finished as runners-up in Pool B. The team has reconvened in Nadi following their decisive win over Tonga, resuming training with a focus on the...

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been approached to made a surprise comeback six years after he last ran onto a footy field at the top level. Fiji national coach and former NRL player Wise Kativerata hopes the 36-year-old will make a decision before the island nation competes in the Pacific Bowl tournament in November. The two-time Dally M Medal winner...

Fiji's Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure Tuesday stressed the urgency of addressing Fiji’s drug problem. Speaking at the National Workshop for Counter Narcotics Bill, Vakalalabure said this growing national crisis is starting to tear through the very fabric of society. He said the government is ramping up efforts to tackle the escalating threat of illicit drug trafficking with...

Two children who were detained offshore in Nauru have won federal court settlements from the Australian government for medical negligence and abdicating its duty of care. The judgments for the two cases, identified as FBV18 and AYX18, came within days of each other at the end of August. The confidential settlements, which protect the identities of the children and their families,...

Australia remains committed to addressing climate change issues affecting the Pacific region including Solomon Islands. That’s the assurance from Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, during his presentation last week at the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) in Honiara. The one-hour seminar focused on two main issues; climate change and, intellectual rights of indigenous people. However, he focused more...

The World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga met last week with Leaders and representatives of Forum member governments that are members of the World Bank Group. The meeting took place at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji. The high-level meeting provided a crucial platform for Pacific leaders to engage directly with the World Bank President and discuss a range...

Three developing countries have taken the first steps towards transforming the world’s response to climate breakdown and environmental destruction by making ecocide a punishable criminal offence. In a submission to the international criminal court on Monday, they propose a change in the rules to recognise “ecocide” as a crime alongside genocide and war crimes. If successful, the change could allow for...

The One Pacific journey to the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) is now underway in Apia, Samoa. Pacific delegates have convened at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) for a key preparatory meeting this week to discuss regional priority issues and positions to strengthen Pacific engagement at the conference,...

The head of the Commonwealth and Britain’s monarch King Charles III will arrive in Samoa on 25 October, towards the end of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The police have also confirmed the areas from Mulinuu where the School of Maritime is up to Matautu where Taumeasina is has been dubbed the CHOGM Peninsula. This was confirmed by Police...