By Sean Buchanan LONDON (IDN) – Freedom of information is not only a human right, but also an essential tool to engage and empower citizens to demand accountability from governments and fight corruption. Worldwide, around 120 countries have a right to information (RTI) act, indicating that most countries consider it important to spell out in […]
Japan Considers Ways of Shedding the Straitjacket and Go the Whole Hog for Nuclear Abolition
The following is a revised version of the article posted on September 30, 2018. By Katsuhiro Asagiri TOKYO (IDN) – Japan’s profound interest in the international community’s efforts to help usher in a world free of nuclear weapons was underlined in the run-up to the commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of […]
India Hosts UN Chief on International Day of Non-Violence
By Santo D. Banerjee NEW YORK (IDN) – In the run-up to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ four-day visit to India beginning October 1, a senior official of the world body has expressed “a special thank you” to the Government of India, which is contributing US$1 million to install solar panels and a green roof on […]
Afrophobia and Racism Keep India Trailing Behind China
By Shastri Ramachandaran The author is an independent journalist writing on political and foreign affairs. This article first appeared in NewsClick that claims to be an alternative to the corporate media in India on July 27, 2018, and is being reproduced by the permission of the author who give editorial support to IDN-INPS editor. – […]
A Rapper Accompanies South Korean President to Pyongyang
By J Nastranis NEW YORK | SEOUL (IDN) – South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea from September 18-20, 2018 with a view to encouraging Kim Jong-Un to break the deadlock in nuclear talks between North Korea and the United States. Moon played a crucial role in President […]
Sri Lanka Apparently Target of an Undeclared War
Viewpoint by Kalinga Seneviratne SINGAPORE (IDN) – In June this year, announcing U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Ambassador Niki Haley said, “We take this step because our commitment does not allow us to remain a part of a hypocritical and self-serving organisation that makes a mockery of human rights.” U.S. is […]
The Time Has Come for ‘Right Mindfulness’ in Journalism
By Kooi F. Lim This article is being moved in association with the Buddhist Channel (Malaysia). KUALA LUMPUR (IDN) – Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? – also called the six sigma of information gathering are the tools taught at basic journalism schools. Every budding reporting cadet is drilled to probe issues and to […]
Engaging with Faith and Faith Actors on Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
Viewpoint by Sudarshan Reddy Kodooru The author is Convener of the Asia Pacific Faith-based Coalition (APFC*) for Sustainable Development and Regional Director, Faith & Development, East Asia at World Vision International. The following is based on his speech during APFC’s first annual meeting on August 29-31, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. – The Editor BANGKOK (IDN) […]
Foreigners Suspected of Using Rohingyas to Destabilise Region
By Kalinga Seneviratne SINGAPORE (IDN) – The Myanmar government has slammed a ruling by the International Criminal Court (ICC) declaring that they have jurisdiction to investigate the deportation of Rhoyingya Muslims as a possible crime against humanity. In a statement, Myanmar’s President Win Myint dismissed September 6 ICC ruling as based on “faulty procedure” and […]
China and Sri Lanka: A History that Stretches Back into the Mists of Time – Trade, Religion and Diplomacy – 2
Viewpoint by Dr Palitha Kohona The writer of this 2-part series is former Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, former Foreign Secretary and former Head of the UN Treaty Section. The articles are based on a talk on ‘China and Sri Lanka: A History that Stretches Back into the Mists of Time […]