PINA

By Nic Maclellan A no-confidence motion in the French National Assembly has ousted the government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. But for New Caledonians, still reeling from the economic, cultural and social impacts of six months of conflict this year, the collapse of the Barnier government raises concern about future support from Paris. A long-serving conservative politician and former diplomat,...

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has become a battleground in the global fight against climate change, as the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, and Solomon Islands presented impassioned arguments urging the Court to recognise the legal obligations of States in addressing the climate crisis. Representing some of the most climate-vulnerable nations, these Pacific Island countries called for...

Climate change has radically impacted the basic human rights of ni-Vanuatu people, and the international community must urgently implement its mitigation and finance obligations towards Vanuatu and other most-affected countries that have contributed least to the climate crisis, a UN expert said today. In a statement at the end of her visit to Vanuatu, Elisa Morgera, the Special Rapporteur on...

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed his visit to New Caledonia, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. “Over the last few days, we have listened to and learned from a wide range of people in New Caledonia - so that we can better understand the acute challenges it faces,” Peters said. “This was a great opportunity to hear a rich set...

After weeks of speculation, it’s now confirmed that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will face a no-confidence vote in the current sitting of parliament. Notice of the motion, which will be moved by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, has been filed in parliament Wednesday. “Lilo is moving the no-confidence motion for a number of reasons,” a spokesman for the...

A shelved security pact with Australia could be back on the table should Vanuatu change its government in the coming weeks: either at a snap poll or a no-confidence motion in the prime minister. Both options are in play after a chaotic period in Vanuatu politics which climaxed last month when Prime Minister Charlot Salwai's cabinet recommended to dissolve parliament...

Dueling powers the United States, China and Russia are having a rare moment of unanimity on the world stage. But it’s likely at the expense of the health of the planet. The top polluters have all argued against liability for global warming in landmark hearings on climate change at the International Court of Justice, or ICJ. Two weeks of oral submissions...

The Fiji Parliament has passed the Child Justice Bill Thursday. There was no opposition to the Bill. Minister for Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya thanked the former Fiji First government for initiating this piece of law. The Child Justice Bill, of course, sets the foundation for the rights and welfare of children across our nation,” she said. The new...

UNICEF welcomes Fiji’s passage of the new Child Care and Protection Act as well as Child Justice Act, commending the Government’s efforts to strengthen the child protection system. The Child Care and Protection Act includes the establishment of a Department for Children within the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, prioritises prevention of violence, and creates new criminal offences...

By Wesley Morgan Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in a bid to reduce China’s influence, and a giant exporter of fossil fuels. This diplomatic tightrope has become increasingly hard to walk, as Pacific nations see climate change as an existential threat. This week, Australia’s government was forced to make...