Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) — We had much to be glum about as we came to the end of 2021. We are brainwashed with bad news. “If it bleeds it leads”, say the wags in the newsroom. One plane crash or celebrity’s death or royal family transgressions or Russian military manoeuvres are […]
Colombo’s Cry for Help
By Neville de Silva Neville de Silva is a veteran Sri Lankan journalist who held senior roles in Hong Kong at The Standard and worked in London for Gemini News Service. He has been a correspondent for foreign media including the New York Times and Le Monde. He was also deputy chief-of mission in Bangkok […]
UN Chief Welcomes Nuclear-Weapon States’ Pledge to Prevent Nuclear War
By Radwan Jakeem NEW YORK (IDN) — The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the joint statement by the five nuclear-weapon States on the prevention of nuclear war and avoidance of arms races. “The Secretary-General appreciates the recognition by the nuclear-weapon States of their need to comply with their bilateral and multilateral nonproliferation, disarmament, and […]
‘Secret plots’, sovereignty and Climate Change Challenges face Pacific in the New Year
Analysis by David Robie Dr David Robie is a retired professor of journalism and founding director of AUT University’s Pacific Media Centre. AUCKLAND (IDN) — In the South Pacific, the year 2021 has closed with mounting tensions over sovereignty and self-determination issues and growing stress over the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic in a region […]
Geo-Political Battle in The South Pacific Hots Up as China Prepares to Send Police Officers to Solomon Islands
By Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY (IDN) — China will be sending a number of police officers along with riot-control gear such as shields and helmets for the Solomon Islands police, to help train the local police to stem any more violence against Chinese interests and their citizens in the South Pacific nation. The announcement on Christmas […]
Omicron To the Rescue: NPT Review Conference Postponed—Again!
Viewpoint by Tariq Rauf* “The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is an essential pillar of international peace and security, and the heart of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Its unique status is based on its near-universal membership, legally-binding obligations on disarmament, verifiable non-proliferation safeguards regime, and commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy”. UN Secretary-General […]
UN Committee Rewards Countries for Protecting Human Rights Despite COVID-19
By Jamshed Baruah GENEVA (IDN) — The Human Rights Committee periodically scrutinizes the implementation of the legal obligations of countries that have ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Despite the challenges to its work brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee was able to hold online follow-up reviews of 12 […]
Review Conference on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Stalled due to Rising COVID-19 Infections
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IDN)— The United Nations, which has been brought to a virtual standstill because of an upsurge in coronavirus infections in New York City, has been forced to postpone a long-awaited 10th review conference (REVCON) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), scheduled to take place 4-28 January. Diane Barnes, NGO Liaison […]
UN Chief Calls for Making Recovery ‘Our Resolution For 2022’
By UN News NEW YORK (IDN) — Together, let’s make recovery “for people, planet and prosperity” our resolution for 2022, the UN chief said in his message for the New Year. “The world welcomes 2022 with our hopes for the future being tested by deepening poverty and worsening inequality…an unequal distribution of COVID vaccines…climate commitments […]
Omicron Surge Forces Australia to Redefine COVID-19 Response
By Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY (IDN) — In July 2021 Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Australians to go out and get vaccinated as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spread across the world. They were assured that once double-vaccinated the lockdowns will be lifted. He said at the time “by Christmas Australia will be a different place” […]