PINA

More than 100 countries have backed a plan by Vanuatu to enlist the UN's top court in tackling climate change, after what the nation's officials on Thursday described as a “herculean” diplomatic effort. With rising sea levels threatening its future, Vanuatu has spearheaded a drive for the court to define what legal responsibility countries have for the changing climate and...

A global conference to save the world's oceans kicked off in Panama on Thursday with an EU pledge of more than US$860 million for research, monitoring and conservation in 2023. For two days, political and business leaders, environmental activists and academics are grappling with how best to address a multitude of threats facing the oceans -- from climate change and...

The government must be sensitive to mainstream media roles and responsibilities before drafting a National Media Development Policy, says a Papua New Guinea provincial assembly member. That is a comment from deputy governor of New Ireland, Sammy Missen, after sighting a draft copy of the National Media Development Policy which has been circulating for the public to see. Speaking on behalf...

Japan’s persistent plan to discharge radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean constitutes a “disregard for the human rights” of people living in the region, according to the Pacific Elders Voice (PEV). “Japan has obligations not to allow pollution from their own waters to pollute international waters or the waters of other countries,” PEV said...

Just one day after being battered by Tropical Cyclone Judy, Vanuatu is bracing itself for a second cyclone which is intensifying with the possibility of developing into a category 3 system. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will bring more destruction while the people are still cleaning-up after category 3 TC Judy. Some homes have not been rebuilt and the government is yet...

There are already calls to reconsider former Nauru president Baron Waqa's appointment as Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general. Waqa — who has a controversial record on human rights and press freedom — has been selected to lead the Pacific Islands Forum as secretary-general starting next year. The choice was part of a deal to bring Micronesian countries back into the fold after...

By Sadhana Sen and Stephen Howes In early 2021, the five Micronesian members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) decided to withdraw from the Forum because, despite an understanding they thought they had that a Micronesian would be the next Forum Secretary-General (SG), their candidate was unsuccessful. Efforts to avoid their departure have been underway since, and were concluded last week...

A state of emergency has been declared in Vanuatu following the damage to infrastructure and homes left by severe tropical cyclone Judy. It comes as the country deals with a second cyclone, called Kevin, bears down on the country. At 2am local time the category 2 cyclone was about 165km south-west of Santo and 225km west north-west of Malekula. Red alerts are...

Indonesia has protested to Fiji’s government after the prime minister of the Pacific island country met with a Papuan leader in a morale boost for the regional independence movement. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who was elected in December, also said he would support Papuan membership in a UN-recognised organisation of Melanesian nations. Fiji’s previous government and Papua New Guinea...

“Government is committed to consider the views of every person in all important decision making affecting the people. We now have a Government that listens. Our people's perception and experiences are important to us and are necessary for any progressive policy making” This was highlighted by Fiji’s Attorney-General Siromi Turaga while delivering his opening remarks at the Transparency International Pacific...