Source: Government of Sweden
Migration State Secretary Anders Hall visited Ethiopia on 3–6 March to discuss issues related to return and migration. During his trip, Mr Hall met various government and agency representatives, including State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga and General Director, Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) Selamawit Dawit.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leoni Connah, Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated this week after India launched missile strikes on its long-time rival, killing more than 30 people.
India was retaliating for a terror attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, most of them Indian. New Delhi has blamed a Pakistan-based militant group for the incident.
Pakistan has vowed revenge for the airstrikes, calling them an “act of war”.
If a full-scale war does break out between the two nuclear powers, it wouldn’t be the first time they have fought over the disputed region of Kashmir. In fact, the two sides have been in conflict over Kashmir since 1947.
The people of Kashmir, meanwhile, are stuck in the middle of this geopolitical rivalry, trapped in a security state with little hope for the future.
Before the attack on the tourists last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had made repeated claims that “normalcy” was returning to the region.
However, Kashmir remains one of the most heavily militarised zones in the world and the people have long suffered human rights abuses the Indian government has justified on the grounds of counter-terrorism.
In 2019, the Modi government revoked Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which had granted a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, along with a high degree of autonomy.
The revocation of this article brought Jammu and Kashmir, now a “union territory”, under the full control of the Modi government in New Delhi.
This decision was made on behalf of Kashmiris, not in consultation with them. Speaking with Kashmiris in 2020 as part of my ongoing research on the region, there was a huge sense of betrayal at the move.
One of my interview subjects claimed Indian security forces were “instilling fear and psychological warfare” in Kashmir. Another said “it’s no exaggeration to say after every three kilometres, there’s a checkpoint” manned by Indian security forces. The situation worsened during the COVID pandemic, with increased lockdowns and curfews.
Some hope did return last September when Kashmiris were able to vote in regional assembly elections for the first time in a decade.
The election meant the new local assembly would have the power to make and amend laws, debate local issues and approve decisions for the territory, particularly in education and culture.
However, this doesn’t mean “normalcy” had returned, nor was Kashmir peaceful and tranquil.
In February of this year, there were reports that Indian security forces had conducted operations against suspected militants, resulting in a lockdown and 500 people being detained.
A young Kashmiri man died by suicide after allegedly being tortured by police in February. The next day, another man was shot dead by the army.
These are just two incidents that are part of a wider cycle of violence that has become a part of everyday life in Kashmir.
After the April 22 tourist attack, the central government has doubled down on its heavy-handed approach to Kashmir under the guise of counter-terrorism.
Kashmiris have been subjected to an increased security presence, new lockdowns, “cordon and search operations”, social media surveillance, house demolitions and other draconian measures.
Police say some 1,900 Kashmiris have been detained and questioned since the attack. This number will no doubt continue to rise.
It is no wonder Kashmiris were saying “everyone lives in fear”, even before India launched missile strikes on its neighbour.
Possible retaliation from Pakistan – or a wider war – now looms, with Kashmiris again on the front lines.
There is a very big concern that right-wing Indian media outlets and social media posts are now encouraging the Indian government to respond to the terror attack in the same way Israel has retaliated against Hamas in Gaza.
Some commentators are portraying the April 22 attack as India’s version of the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which could become a dangerous precedent for what the future holds for Kashmir.
Israel also recently announced its support for India’s right to “self-defence”.
In addition, the rise in right-wing rhetoric increases the likelihood of Islamophobic attacks taking place against Kashmiris, as well as Muslims in India more broadly.
Each war fought between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has ended with negotiations and treaties.
Bilateral relations have been attempted numerous times over the years and would be a preferable option to increased escalation in the current conflict.
Ultimately, it is the Kashmiris who suffer the most whenever tensions boil over between the two nuclear powers. As one young man recently said:
My parents don’t allow me to step outside. Every time I get a call, I feel a wave of anxiety, fearing it might be the police.
Kashmir might be a wonderland, a mini-Switzerland or a paradise for others, but for us, it is an open prison. Everyone lives in fear. What future do we have?
Leoni Connah does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. ‘Everyone lives in fear’: trapped between two warring nuclear giants, the people of Kashmir continue to suffer – https://theconversation.com/everyone-lives-in-fear-trapped-between-two-warring-nuclear-giants-the-people-of-kashmir-continue-to-suffer-256085
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josh Holloway, Lecturer in Government in the College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University
The Greens’ federal election result has been widely condemned as a “disaster”.
The party has been all but wiped out in the House of Representatives. It has lost three of its four members, including leader Adam Bandt, who has just conceded his once safe seat of Melbourne. This leaves the Brisbane electorate of Ryan as the Greens’ only remaining seat in the lower house.
Yet the tired explanations being rolled out – the party is too extreme, too obstructionist, too distant from a mythical single-issue environmentalist past – misidentify the party’s dilemmas.
And they overlook the fact the Greens’ influence will be greater in the new parliament, at least in the Senate.
The Greens share the blame for the tone of these election post-mortems.
This is a party of campaign hubris, consistently over-promising and under-delivering.
Bob Brown’s “green government” is yet to emerge. Christine Milne’s aspirations of gains in the bush barely materialised. And the “small-l liberals” chased by Richard Di Natale now prop up independents.
Bandt’s list of new target seats appears to have stretched resources too thin and underscored the challenges of taking a Senate party into the House.
The campaign narrative of “keeping Dutton out and getting Labor to act” may have suited a time when either a Labor or Coalition minority government was a possibility. But it did little to distinguish the Greens as Labor gained momentum.
Many voters may have thought kicking Peter Dutton out was best done by voting for Labor, backed up by supporting the Greens in the Senate to encourage more ambitious Labor action.
And yet – is the election result all that bad?
Despite a small negative swing, the Greens’ nationwide primary vote was still above 12%. This election sits alongside 2010 and 2022 as among the party’s largest ever share of votes.
Support ticked up in seats as divergent as Lalor, Fraser, Macarthur, Barton, Newcastle, Page, Spence, and Swan. Even in divisions lost to Labor, such as Griffith and Brisbane, voters did not abandon the party in large numbers.
The Greens will also maintain their Senate numbers. This gives them sole balance of power, making them pivotal to Labor’s legislative success.
Clearly, if the Greens are too “extreme”, it’s an extremism shared by a significant and relatively stable share of Australians.
So, what explains this mix of loss and achievement?
The Greens routinely highlight the barriers of the lower house electoral system. They have a point. Single member districts tend not to produce a chamber that reflects primary vote share.
Preferential voting can be a boon to minor parties. But it also makes the outcomes of tight, multiparty electoral contests – the kind the Greens relied on to win in 2022 – susceptible to even slight shifts in voters’ preferences.
Given the Nationals and a slew of independents held their seats, this may read like a cop out.
But unlike the Nationals, the Greens lack a clear geographic cleavage that corrals large numbers of electors their way. And contrary to vaguely centrist independents, the Greens occupy ideological space where most voters don’t reside – even if many of the Greens’ “social democratic” policy positions have broad support when considered individually.
This is hardly new. The party is no more stridently left-wing than in 2022. But even in the country’s most progressive seats, there is always a conservative rump. If the Liberal Party is knocked out of a race, most of their preferences will flow to Labor, which can be decisive.
Much has been made of the Greens’ legislative obstruction in the Senate. Delaying Labor’s housing agenda is one such example.
Dabbling in opposition before ultimately capitulating for minor concessions may have dampened Greens support.
The Greens reaped neither the benefits of opposition nor those of compromise, but instead the costs of both. It’s hard to see crucial segments of voters in lower house seats not being repulsed by this, even as the party finds sufficient support to meet Senate quotas.
The future requires serious internal reflection on who the party appeals to, and how.
A new parliamentary strategy is needed to leverage Senate balance of power for progressive outcomes and electoral growth. Greens also need to navigate a relationship with the government that is seemingly hostile to the very existence of the party (has anyone mentioned the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme yet?).
With the loss of Bandt from parliament, the party’s leadership – spilled following an election, regardless of outcome – is now wide open.
Bandt’s replacement will need to balance electoral appeal with an ability to contain internal ructions that have diminished, not disappeared.
Senator Larissa Waters ought to be a frontrunner. She has held leadership positions for 10 years and is popular, both electorally and internally. Crucially, she represents Queensland, a state where the Greens need to regain votes.
Another option is Senator Nick McKim, who would return the party’s centre of gravity to Tasmania, and offer previous state party leadership experience.
Another candidate could be Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who has long held leadership aspirations.
In a party where members are stridently advocating for greater say in leadership selection, the process could open up and be unpredictable.
The Greens do best when voters turn away from Labor.
As the government advances an unambitious agenda of, at best, “thin labourism”, the number of disappointed and disaffected voters will grow.
Even a modest swing against Labor at the next election puts several House seats back in play, alongside the Greens’ ongoing presence in the Senate.
Josh Holloway does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Greens’ election hubris – how the minor party lost its way and now its leader – https://theconversation.com/greens-election-hubris-how-the-minor-party-lost-its-way-and-now-its-leader-255954
Source: US Government research organizations
You will need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) when you check into the Visitors Center at the entrance of NIST and if bringing a vehicle onto the NIST campus, a vehicle registration card.
PLEASE NOTE: Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-frequently-asked-questions), agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver’s license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD’s Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID. See Visitor Information for the latest information.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
MOSCOW, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Wednesday that China and Russia have found a right path of state-to-state interactions between neighboring major countries.
He made the remarks in a written statement upon his arrival in Moscow for a state visit to the country and attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.
Xi noted that the two sides, as good neighbors that cannot be moved away, true friends who share weal and woe, and good partners of mutual achievement, have forged a spirit of strategic coordination for a new era, which features permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The independent, mature and resilient bilateral relationship, Xi said, not only brings great benefits to the two peoples, but also makes important contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, he noted.
China and Russia, both major countries of the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, will join hands to safeguard the victorious outcome of World War II, firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, Xi said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)
The Chinese president also said that during the visit he will have in-depth communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations, practical cooperation as well as major international and regional issues of common concern, which will inject strong impetus into the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
Noting that he will attend Russia’s May 9th Victory Day celebrations again after a decade, Xi said he looks forward to working with leaders of other countries and the Russian people to deeply commemorate the martyrs who heroically sacrificed their lives for the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and send out a strong voice of the times to safeguard international fairness and justice.
Xi’s plane was escorted by Russian Air Force aircraft after it entered the country’s airspace.
When Xi arrived at the Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, he was warmly welcomed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other senior government officials.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
MOSCOW, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Wednesday to pay a state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.
Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the guard of honor during a grand welcome ceremony at the Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025. Xi arrived here on Wednesday to pay a state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Chinese President Xi Jinping is warmly welcomed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other senior government officials at the Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025. Xi arrived here on Wednesday to pay a state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ABUJA, May 8 (Xinhua) — Eleven terrorist leaders have been killed in recent anti-terrorist operations by government forces in Nigeria, the country’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru said on Wednesday.
One of the “most wanted” terrorist leaders in northern Nigeria, known as Bello Turji, is on the run as a result of ongoing military operations, he said.
M. Badaru did not give an exact time for the anti-terrorist operations, adding that government troops have also doubled intelligence activities to prevent attacks by criminals. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Speakers:
Mr. Wang Lingjun, vice minister of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC)
Mr. Lyu Daliang, spokesperson of the GACC and director general of the Department of Statistics and Analysis of the GACC
Chairperson:
Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
April 14, 2025
Xing Huina:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we will conduct a routine release of economic data. We have invited Mr. Wang Lingjun, vice minister of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), to introduce China’s import and export performance in the first quarter of this year and answer your questions. Also attending today’s press conference is Mr. Lyu Daliang, spokesperson of the GACC and director general of the Department of Statistics and Analysis of the GACC.
Now, I’ll give the floor to Mr. Wang for his introduction.
Wang Lingjun:
Good morning. I will start by briefing you on the import and export performance in the first quarter of this year, and then my colleague Mr. Lyu and I will answer your questions.
Since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has adhered to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, fully and faithfully applied the new development philosophy, accelerated efforts to foster a new pattern of development, and solidly promoted high-quality development. Both existing policies and incremental policies have continued to exert their effects. The economy has got off to a steady start, and the development trend is positive and dynamic. China’s foreign trade has withstood pressure, achieving growth in scale and improvement in quality. Customs statistics show that in the first quarter of this year, China’s foreign trade in goods stood at 10.3 trillion yuan, up 1.3% year on year. Exports were 6.13 trillion yuan, up by 6.9%, and imports were 4.17 trillion yuan, down by 6%. Specifically, there were four main features:
First, the growth rate of imports and exports rebounded month by month. In the first quarter, China’s imports and exports reached a record high for the same period, exceeding 10 trillion yuan for eight consecutive quarters. Looking at the monthly trends, imports and exports fell by 2.2% in January, remained basically flat in February, and grew by 6% in March.
Second, the proportion of private enterprises in imports and exports increased. In the first quarter, the imports and exports of private enterprises in China reached 5.85 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.8%, accounting for 56.8% of the total import and export value, an increase of 2.4 percentage points compared with the same period last year. During the same period, the imports and exports of foreign-invested enterprises reached 2.99 trillion yuan, an increase of 0.4%, accounting for 29% of the total import and export value.
Third, the growth rate of imports and exports with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was higher than the overall level. In the first quarter, China’s imports and exports with BRI partner countries reached 5.26 trillion yuan, increasing by 2.2%, which was 0.9 percentage points higher than the overall growth, accounting for 51.1% of the total import and export value. Among these, imports and exports with ASEAN countries reached 1.71 trillion yuan, up 7.1%.
Fourth, the imports and exports of mechanical and electrical products grew rapidly. In the first quarter, China’s imports and exports of mechanical and electrical products reached 5.29 trillion yuan, an increase of 7.7%. Among these, exports of goods such as household appliances, notebook computers and electronic components grew relatively quickly; and imports of parts and components of automatic data processing equipment, ships and offshore engineering equipment also grew relatively quickly.
Generally speaking, in the face of increasing external difficulties and challenges, local governments, various departments and a large number of foreign-trade operators actively responded, promoting a stable start for China’s imports and exports in the first quarter.
Recently, the United States government has wantonly imposed tariffs, which will inevitably have a negative impact on global trade, including that between China and the U.S. China has resolutely taken necessary countermeasures in a timely manner. This is not only to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests but also to defend international trade rules and international fairness and justice. China will unswervingly promote a high level of opening up and carry out mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation with other countries.
Customs authorities will resolutely implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, firmly uphold their duties, strictly implement all countermeasures against the U.S. in accordance with the law, and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. We will accelerate the construction of smart customs and international cooperation, innovate customs supervision systems, continuously improve supervision efficiency and service levels, facilitate enterprises’ customs clearance, and promote the stable development of foreign trade with more optimized supervision, higher security, greater convenience and stricter anti-smuggling efforts. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your introduction. We will now move on to the Q&A session. Please raise your hand if you have a question. Please identify your news outlet before asking your question.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday lowered the number of living hostages in the Gaza Strip from 24 to 21.
“There is no dispute that 21 hostages are alive,” Netanyahu said in a video posted via his social media accounts. “Unfortunately, there are three others whose conditions are uncertain.”
Hamas took 251 hostages to Gaza during its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. The Israeli side said previously that 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 of them believed to be alive.
Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed 2,545 Palestinians.
On Monday, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan to expand its military offensive in Gaza, which includes intensified assaults, continued occupation of the strip, and full control of aid distribution. Netanyahu said the plan aims to “defeat Hamas and, in the process, secure the release of the hostages.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the plan approved Monday would force Gaza’s entire population to either relocate to a confined area in the south or to “voluntarily” emigrate, as Israeli forces prepare to seize control of the entire territory.
Katz said that even if a ceasefire is reached, “Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone,” referring to land the Israeli army has already seized.
Global concern over the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been growing recently amid the Israeli blockade, renewed assaults, and newly-approved operation expansion plan. Families of the hostages held in Gaza said in separate statements that the Israeli government’s moves are expected to kill their loved ones in Gaza, accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging efforts to reach a ceasefire deal.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A damaged mosque is seen at a residential area after an Indian missile attack in Bahawalpur district, Punjab province, eastern Pakistan on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that his country is fully capable of defending its geographical boundaries as well as responding to any kind of Indian aggression.
Sharif made the remarks while addressing the National Assembly, or the lower house of the country’s parliament.
He said that Pakistan shot down five Indian jets without crossing into the Indian airspace.
The National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan has “authorized” the country’s army to “undertake corresponding” retaliation for Indian attacks which killed 26 civilians and injured 46 others, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Wednesday.
Tensions between the two South Asian neighbors have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, in which at least 25 people were killed, according to Indian media reports.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday convened a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II, as the international community marks the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.
China, which won the war in the major Oriental theater of WWII, endured casualties exceeding 35 million, said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasizing China’s role in the global victory over fascism.
“By holding back the main forces of Japanese militarism, China not only secured its own survival and national salvation, but also provided strong support to the resistant forces in Europe and the Pacific, making an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War,” said Fu.
Fu said that 80 years later, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, with unilateralism on the rise and bullying running rampant.
Fu called for jointly promoting “a correct understanding of the history of WWII.” “Any scheme or action seeking to downplay, deny, or distort the history of WWII and any rhetoric that glorifies wars of aggression and colonial rule tantamount to a mockery of history and an affront to human conscience, and will surely lose the trust of the global community,” he said.
“We must firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the rules-based multilateral trading system, and unequivocally say no to all forms of power politics and bullying,” he said.
He also called for jointly upholding the authority and status of the United Nations.
“Certain countries treat the UN as something they can use when it suits them and discard when it doesn’t. They willfully withdraw from agreements and organizations, default on contribution payments, and cut funding in an attempt to place their narrow interests over the collective global good,” Fu said, adding that such practices are “deeply unpopular and are ultimately doomed to failure.”
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the victory came at the cost of millions of people.
“China lost 35 million people. The United States, approximately half a million. Serbia organized the largest partisan movement in Europe. The struggle for the freedom of the peoples was carried out by heroes from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The cost for the Soviet Union was 27 million people. Twelve million of them were military losses,” Nebenzia said.
“We will forever remember the great feat that was achieved by the Soviet people, the participants of these historic events. This was a time that was exceedingly difficult, but it was very sacred. A person who experiences significant trials and who vanquishes this will forever draw strength from this victory,” he said.
Antje Leendertse, Germany’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the war, unleashed by Nazi Germany, caused immeasurable suffering, in Europe and beyond.
“That legacy of pain, destruction, and loss will forever be tied to my country’s name. We carry this burden with humility and a moral responsibility, and we accept it without hesitation,” she said.
“‘Never again’ is not only a commitment for Germany. It is a universal obligation — one that binds us all. An obligation to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To protect civilian lives and defend the vulnerable. To uphold the dignity of every human being. And to safeguard the principles of the United Nations Charter for all, including future generations,” said Leendertse.
Stavros Lambrinidis, head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations, said it is the occasion to “honor the sacrifices made and mourn the countless lives lost during and after the war.”
“It is also an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to collaborating with all Member States of the United Nations to ensure a more peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come,” Lambrinidis said.
He said that 80 years on from the end of the Second World War, “we are reminded of the solemn responsibility entrusted to us: to remain true to our collective commitment to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and to ensure that the horrors of war are never repeated.”
Philemon Yang, president of the UNGA, said in his remarks: “On this 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the millions who fought and died to secure the freedoms we too often take for granted.”
“As time passes, these commemorations take on a deeper meaning. Most surviving veterans are now centenarians… Preserving their stories is not only a tribute to them, it is a moral responsibility for us all. We must ensure that the lessons they leave behind do not fade but endure,” he said.
Yang called on world leaders “to choose dialogue over conflict. Diplomacy over escalation. Cooperation over division. Peace over the absence of peace.”
“We stand at a defining moment — not only for this institution, but for humanity,” said the UNGA president.
In March, the UNGA passed a resolution to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The resolution calls for a special commemorative meeting to be held in the second week of May 2025, and every five years thereafter, to honor the victims of the war.
It was introduced by Russia, China, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Fu Cong (on the screen), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a UN General Assembly’s special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster U.S. STEM Leadership, Address Financial Insecurity for Graduate and Postdoctoral Researchers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster U.S. leadership in STEM by requiring federal research agencies to help address the financial insecurity crisis among graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The Relieving Economic Strain to Enhance American Resilience & Competitiveness in Higher Education & Research (RESEARCHER) Act would also commission studies to better understand the landscape of financial insecurity for these researchers and improve the STEM career pipeline.
The scientific workforce is fueled by our graduate and postdoctoral researchers making groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations that help protect American global competitiveness. However, these young researchers face significant financial stressors — including food insecurity, student loan debt, housing costs, and child care costs — that threaten to force many of them to drop out of the STEM pipeline entirely.
In a 2023 “Postdoctoral Barriers to Success” survey, nearly 95 percent of postdoctoral researchers reported that their salary negatively affected their professional or personal lives, with 85 percent indicating that a lack of benefits was harming their careers. In California, the percentage of University of California graduate students facing food insecurity has increased dramatically in recent years, from 21 percent in 2021 to 35 percent in 2023.
“As a mechanical engineer, I know a strong STEM workforce pipeline is essential to securing America’s global leadership and promoting lifesaving scientific and technological innovation. But rising costs of living and insufficient salaries are forcing graduate and postdoctoral researchers to look toward other careers,” said Senator Padilla. “The current system is unsustainable for researchers in California and across the country. Our bipartisan bill would help address and improve our understanding of the widespread challenges young researchers face — like food insecurity, student loan debt, health, housing, and child care — to support the researchers who will guide the future of our scientific enterprise.”
“To remain globally competitive, it is critical that our nation is supporting and prioritizing STEM education and research,” said Senator Moran. “Recent reports demonstrate that financial insecurity is a major barrier for postdoctoral research. This legislation will help equip universities with the tools to better support the success of STEM students in higher education and encourage postdoctoral researchers to pursue a degree in the Midwest.”
“Although a vital part of the scientific enterprise, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers have endured insufficient support to sustain their most basic needs while doing innovative science. The Relieving Economic Strain to Enhance American Resilience and Competitiveness in Higher Education and Research, or RESEARCHER Act, is imperative to addressing these barriers. From increasing access to affordable housing, food and health care to addressing costs of caregiving for family members, this legislation seeks to standardize policies and guidance for the federal government agencies to examine as they provide financial support for the future STEM workforce. The University of California thanks Sen. Padilla for his leadership in introducing the RESEARCHER Act and encourages Congress to pass this important legislation quickly,” said UC Vice President for Research & Innovation Theresa A. Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E.
“The California State University applauds the introduction of the RESEARCHER Act. Addressing the financial instability faced by graduate and postdoctoral researchers is critical to ensuring a strong and sustainable research workforce. This legislation is an important step toward creating equitable and supportive conditions for the next generation of innovators and scholars,” said Dr. Ganesh Raman, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research at the California State University.
“Fair compensation is the issue most frequently raised by postdoctoral researchers nationally,” said Thomas P. Kimbis, executive director and chief executive officer of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). “The NPA encourages passage of the RESEARCHER Act to increase understanding of the financial needs of postdocs and graduate students, including locality pay issues, and steps that can be taken to address them.”
“Graduate students and postdocs are the future of the nation’s STEM workforce, yet we are failing to pay many a competitive, livable wage. The RESEARCHER Act is a first step towards ensuring a continued, thriving U.S. scientific enterprise in an increasingly competitive world,” said Jonathan A. Bagger, American Physical Society CEO.
“AGU applauds the RESEARCHER Act for working to support our nation’s student and early career scientists. Science needs us like never before with support and resources. By reducing the financial hardships for graduate and postdoctoral researchers, the bill will help increase participation in STEM fields and help build long-term American leadership and innovation in the sciences,” said American Geophysical Union.
“Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers have long been the foundation of America’s standing as a global leader in science and technology—often while facing enormous financial uncertainty. The RESEARCHER Act is a vital step toward giving these researchers the stability they deserve to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and maintaining U.S. leadership in innovation,” said Michael Espinal and Braden Gilleland, Co-Chairs of Federal Affairs, MIT Graduate Student Council.
Specifically, the RESEARCHER Act would:
Require federal research agencies to implement policies to address the financial instability of graduate and postdoctoral researchers based on policy guidelines developed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy;
Increase data collection on the financial instability of graduate and postdoctoral researchers by amending the CHIPS and Science Act and directing the National Science Foundation to award institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations with grants to research the subject;
Commission a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study on the status of graduate and postdoctoral researcher financial insecurity; and
Direct the Government Accountability Office to report on the implementation of the guidelines enacted by federal research agencies and make recommendations to improve said guidelines.
The RESEARCHER Act is endorsed by the American Physical Society, American Geophysical Union, American Mathematical Association, National Postdoctoral Association, Association for Women in Science, American Association of Immunologists, University of California, California State University, and the MIT Student Graduate Council.
As a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) mechanical engineering graduate and a Commissioner of the bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), Senator Padilla has worked to advance U.S. scientific and technological leadership. He recently introduced the bipartisan National Biotechnology Initiative Act of 2025 to set in motion a whole-of-government approach to advancing biotechnology for U.S. national security, economic productivity, and competitiveness. The bill followed the Commission’s release of their major report and action plan, urging Congressional action to protect U.S. national security by bringing the full weight of American innovation to improve and maintain U.S. global leadership in biotechnology.
Senator Padilla also hosted students and advocates last year to reintroduce the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act, bicameral legislation to help ensure college and university students can better meet their basic needs while pursuing higher education.
A one-pager on the bill is available here.
Full text of the bill is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Bennet, Salinas, Lofgren Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farm Workers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act to provide compensation for farm workers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
California is home to as many as 800,000 year-round and seasonal farm workers who help power the state’s $59 billion agricultural economy, yet despite their contributions to the local, regional, and national economies, there are few protections for the farm workforce. The California agricultural economy faced almost $4 billion in damages from 2023 to 2024, and that’s without even accounting for flooded farm worker homes in Pajaro or lost farm worker income. Existing federal disaster relief programs insufficiently compensate farm workers when they lose wages as a result of conditions out of their control.
“California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Senator Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”
“Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”
“Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Representative Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”
“When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Representative Lofgren.
The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farm workers. Specifically, this bill would:
Make grants available to eligible farm worker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
Ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
Require USDA to work with eligible farm worker organizations.
Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farm worker organization, and migrant or seasonal farm worker.
Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farm workers.
The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, and Voces Unidas de las Montañas.
“Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”
“Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.”
“Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).
Senator Padilla has fought hard to deliver relief to agricultural communities devastated by natural disasters. Earlier this year, Padilla announced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve access to federal agriculture disaster programs. Padilla also introduced the Smoke Exposure Research Act, legislation to better protect winegrape growers against wildfire smoke damage by strengthening research and risk management efforts at West Coast land-grant universities. Last year, he led a bipartisan coalition of California members in urging the Senate and House Agriculture Committees to incorporate permanent disaster assistance for agricultural producers and communities in the Farm Bill. The letter called for the inclusion of his bipartisan Agricultural Emergency Relief Act, which would create a permanent structure at the USDA to provide relief for farmers who lost crops due to natural disasters. Previously, Padilla introduced a pair of bills to equip the USDA to better meet the needs of farm workers. He also introduced the Fairness for Farm Workers Act last Congress to update the nation’s labor laws to ensure farm workers receive fairer wages and compensation.
Full text of the bill is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Bob Brooks with Newsmax last night to discuss his new legislation to codify one of President Donald Trump’s key campaign promises – the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act – as well as ongoing tariffs and trade negotiations with foreign powers.
You may click HERE to watch Senator Marshall’s full Newsmax interview.
On the introduction of the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act:
“You know, this One Big Beautiful Bill will be President Trump’s legacy. And he wants to make sure that this bill prioritizes those hard-working Americans, those hourly wage employees you’re talking about. And that’s exactly what we do with this. We’re going to let that first $10,000 of overtime wages that you make – we’re going to make sure the government doesn’t take home any of, that’s $20,000 for a couple. That means you could keep up to $4,000 more of your hard-earned money. And you’re just absolutely right – if you weren’t a Republican before you saw that first overtime check and all the government took out of it, you were after.”
On experiencing overtime wage taxes at a young age:
“My first job off the farm, I wasn’t quite 16 yet. The minimum wage was… $2.30 an hour, believe it or not. And to your point, I was working at a sale barn, sorting heifers and steers, shoveling manure, those types of things. My brother and I often would work 18, 20, 24 hours at a time. And after eight hours, it was overtime, so you sat there thinking, my goodness, this is going to be a huge check. I’m saving up money to buy a car someday. And you open up that check and there you say, oh my gosh, I thought I worked all these extra hours, time and a half, and you saw the government take so much of it and across America, again, hardworking Americans, that’s exactly what they’re experiencing today.
“So, President Trump, promises made, promises kept. He’s going to let you keep more of your hard-earned money and fulfill one more of his campaign promises.”
On future trade deals with foreign nations:
“Even just moments ago, President Trump announced, the White House announced that they’re going to sit down with the Chinese and work on a trade deal with them. I think they’re very close on a deal with Mexico and Canada, probably Japan as well.
“But remember what President Trump’s goals are. His goals are to bring more manufacturing jobs, more jobs back to America, and to negotiate free and reciprocal trade agreements, trade agreements that will last and take care of our children and our children’s children, not just fix the moment.
“I am reminded of President Eisenhower, who did so many things that it took decades to come to fruition, for people to recognize his success. So yes, we’re enduring a little bit of pain right now, but already across the state of Kansas, small manufacturing companies are having spikes in sales. Because why? Because people want to invest in American-made products and not have to deal with the potential tariffs of something coming from abroad. So, it’s already working. Things are, things are just, just starting to shine here right now, better days are ahead of us. For America, I’m not tired of winning yet.”
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Digital Storytelling Team, The Conversation
Are you keen to know how many women there are in the new House of Representatives? And how the parties fare on gender balance?
What about how many young people will have a vote in the parliament, given they’re such a big voting bloc?
We’ve pulled together information from the Australian Electoral Commission, the ABC and some party websites to give you the most complete picture of the new parliament.
Digital Storytelling Team does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Explore the new House of Representatives – https://theconversation.com/explore-the-new-house-of-representatives-256214
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samara Kim, PhD Candidate & Researcher, Southern Cross University
Korean adoptees worldwide are grappling with a devastating possibility: they were not truly orphans, but may have been made into orphans.
For decades, adoptees were told they were “abandoned”, “rescued” or “unwanted”. Many were told their Korean families were too “poor” or “incapable” to raise them – and they should only ever feel grateful for being adopted.
But these long-held stories are now under scrutiny.
Our recent research interrogates the narratives that have obscured the darker realities of intercountry adoption. Rather than viewing adoption solely through the lens of “rescue”, our work examines the broader power structures that facilitated the mass migration of Korean children to western countries, including Australia.
In March, South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its preliminary findings after collecting records and testimony from a coalition of overseas Korean adoptee-led organisations (including the Australia–US Korean Rights Group).
The preliminary report revealed a disturbing pattern of human rights violations in the country’s adoption industry, including:
The commission’s chair described finding
serious violations of the rights of adoptees, their biological parents – particularly Korean single mothers – and others involved. These violations should never have occurred.
The commission is expected to release its final report soon, but due to the upcoming presidential election and political uncertainty in South Korea, the timeline remains unclear.
This is not the first time intercountry adoption has made headlines for irregularities, human rights abuses, or illicit and illegal practices.
While Australia was expanding the number of children for intercountry adoption from South Korea in the 1980s, Park In-keun – director of South Korea’s infamous Brothers Home, an illegal detention facility that sent children overseas for adoption – was arrested for embezzlement and illegal confinement.
He was ultimately acquitted of the most serious charges in South Korea before escaping to Australia. He was then charged again in 2014 for embezzlement, including government subsidies and wages of inmates forced into slave labour in South Korea. He died two years later.
Other allegations of human rights violations and abuses came to light around the same time with the arrest of Julie Chu.
She was accused of facilitating a “baby export” syndicate. Children were believed to have been kidnapped from Taiwan to send to Western countries, including Australia, in the 1970s and 80s. She was convicted of forgery, but denied being involved in trafficking.
Since then, other cases have continued to emerge involving countries such as Chile, Sri Lanka, India, Ethiopia and Guatemala.
Intercountry adoption is not just a social practice. It’s also an economic and political system sometimes known as the transnational adoption industrial complex.
This network of organisations, institutions, government policies and financial systems created a globalised adoption economy worth billions of dollars. According to numerous investigations, Western nations, as “receiving” countries, drove the demand for the continuous sourcing of children.
As Park Geon-Tae, a senior investigator with South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said:
To put it simply, there was supply because there was demand.
Australia received an estimated 3,600 Korean children from the 1970s to the present, as part of more than 10,000 intercountry adoptions.
Prospective parents typically paid between US$4,500 and $5,000 to facilitate acquiring a child in Australia in the 1980s, equivalent to A$21,000 today.
Since colonisation, Australia has had a long and painful history of child removal. From the Stolen Generations involving First Nations children to the forced adoption of children born to unwed mothers, child separation has been deeply embedded in the nation’s social policy.
While national apologies have acknowledged the irreparable harms caused by these policies, the same ideologies and structures were repurposed as the blueprint for intercountry adoption.
In recent years, other western nations, such as Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland, have begun to investigate their own roles in the intercountry adoption industry. These nations have either suspended their adoption programs, issued formal apologies or launched formal investigations.
Thus far, Australia and the United States have not.
Intercountry adoption has long been framed as a humanitarian act. The central idea was that children needed “rescuing” and any life in a Western country would be “better” than one with their families in their home country.
Many adoptees and their original families were expected to just move on or be grateful for being “saved”.
However, research shows this gratitude narrative disregards the deep trauma caused by forced separation.
Studies have reported that adoptees experience lifelong ruptures due to cultural, familial and ancestral displacement. Forced assimilation makes reconnection with family and culture complex or nearly impossible.
Many intercountry adoptees have also voiced concerns about abuse, violence and mistreatment in adoptive homes.
The myth of a global orphan crisis has also been a powerful driver of intercountry adoption.
Adoption groups often reference outdated UNICEF estimates that there are 150 million orphans globally. However, this figure obscures the fact most of the children classified as “orphans” are children of single parents, or children currently living in homes with extended family or other caregivers.
This was the case in South Korea. Most children sent for adoption were not true orphans, but children who had at least one parent or extended family they could have stayed with if they were adequately supported.
The belief that millions of children of single parents were “orphans” in need of “rescue” was used to justify calls for faster, less regulated adoptions.
Labelling these children as “orphans” also helped attract millions of dollars in philanthropic donations. However, donors were rarely interested in supporting children to stay with their families and communities in their home countries.
Instead, the focus was often on removing and migrating them for the purpose of intercountry adoption.
The question then emerges: was this about finding families for babies or finding babies for Western families?
Samara Kim is a founding member of KADS Connect, an advocacy organisation for South Korean adoptees.
Kathomi Gatwiri and Lynne McPherson do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. ‘These violations should never have occurred’: the troubled history of intercountry adoption – https://theconversation.com/these-violations-should-never-have-occurred-the-troubled-history-of-intercountry-adoption-254200
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has today announced the new Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council.
“We have world-class scientists in our universities and research institutes, but they’re working in a system held back by outdated settings. To unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home,” Mr Luxon says.
“This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders.
“The Council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy.
“I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren’t delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It’s about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.”
Members of the Council bring a strong mix of scientific, commercial and strategic expertise. They include:
Sir Peter Gluckman
Craig Piggott
Professor Merryn Tawhai
Komal Mistry-Mehta
Malcolm Johns
Dr John Roche
“I am also pleased to announce that Dr John Roche has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor. In this role, John will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. John, in his capacity as my science advisor, will also be a member of the council.”
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council, with Dr John Roche as deputy chair.
“These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals,” Mr Luxon says.
“A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.”
The Council will provide its first formal advice to the Prime Minister and Minister Reti later this year.
Biographies of Council members:
Sir Peter Gluckman
Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FMedSci FRS trained as a paediatrician and biomedical scientist. He is Director of Koi Tu- Centre for Informed Futures and holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the University of Auckland. He is currently the chair of the Science System Advisory Group. Sir Peter is President of the International Science Council (ISC, 2021-2026). From 2014-2021 he was the inaugural Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and from 2009-2018 he was the first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was also Science Envoy for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated the secretariat of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. He has written and spoken extensively on science-policy and science-diplomacy and science-society interactions. He has received the highest scientific and civilian honours in New Zealand and numerous international scientific awards.
Craig Piggott
Craig Piggott is the founder of Halter. The company’s solar-powered collar for dairy and beef cows, pairs with an app for farmers and allows cows to respond to guidance cues, enabling virtual herding and fencing while monitoring health 24/7. This innovation helps farmers increase milk and protein production propelling the company to become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing businesses with a thriving international customer base. Craig brings experience in innovation, agriculture and business.
Merryn Tawhai
Merryn Tawhai graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Engineering Science in 2001. She leads a research programme at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in applied computational physiology of the respiratory system. Merryn is the Director of the ABI and sits on the Board of Directors for Cure Kids Ventures and the Virtual Physiological Human Institute. She was ABI’s Deputy Director for 10 years, Director of the Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), and an independent Director for Izon Science. Merryn was awarded the 2016 MacDiarmid Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) Te Apārangi, is a Fellow of the RSNZ, a Fellow of IAMBE and AIMBE, and an elected member of the Fleischner Society.
Komal Mistry-Mehta
Komal is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra and Managing Director of the Ki Tua Fund, Fonterra’s corporate venture capital arm. She leads global innovation, research and development, digital, brand and marketing functions for New Zealand’s largest company. Prior to joining the Fonterra Executive Team, Komal led Fonterra’s global health and nutrition business based in Singapore. With experience across Asia, the America’s and Europe, she has led major transformations in sales, innovation, digital enablement and technology. Komal was named New Zealand’s Young Executive of the Year in 2017 and serves on several international boards. Komal has completed the Executive Program at Stanford University School of Business and holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Waikato. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand as well as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Malcolm Johns
Malcolm is the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy. Previously he was the Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand’s transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors. He is Convenor of the Climate Leaders Coalition and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change. Malcolm has extensive business acumen and understanding of Government systems
John Roche
John was appointed MPI’s Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective. He leads MPI’s Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser’s forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences. John was previously DairyNZ’s Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd. Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexandra Allen-Franks, Senior Lecturer, Law School, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
A recent Supreme Court decision could have far reaching consequences on how police can use photographs as evidence.
The central question in Mahia Tamiefuna v The King was whether a photo taken by a police officer on a public road during a routine traffic stop could be used to convict a person of an unrelated crime.
According to the decision, which became public this week, the answer is no. And there are clear and compelling reasons why a majority of the court made this call.
The Tamiefuna case started with a traffic stop by a police officer in 2019. Finding the driver was unlicensed, the officer impounded the car and the occupants had to get out.
While they were standing on the road, the officer took pictures of them with his phone and uploaded the images to the national intelligence database.
The photo of Tamiefuna matched CCTV footage taken three days earlier after an aggravated robbery. At the time of the robbery, police weren’t able to identify Tamiefuna because his face was obscured.
But after the photo was uploaded to the database, police realised the clothing Tamiefuna was wearing in the photo matched the clothing from the aggravated robbery. The photo became a key piece of evidence linking him to that case and resulted in a conviction of aggravated robbery.
His appeal against the conviction was dismissed before the case came before the Supreme Court, where a majority of the court agreed with his arguments.
The court found the taking of the photo was unlawful and unreasonable because the officer wasn’t investigating any specific crime when he took it. Uploading the photo to the database and keeping it there was also unlawful and unreasonable.
If the officer had been investigating a specific crime, there is a legal framework that would have allowed the taking of photos and other information by police.
The impropriety in taking and retaining the photo was such that the court said it should have been excluded from Tamiefuna’s trial under section 30 of the Evidence Act 2006. The Crown has subsequently said it would not seek a retrial of Tamiefuna due to insufficient evidence. He is a free man.
Under the Evidence Act, a judge must decide whether to exclude evidence from the trial if a court finds it was obtained improperly. That decision is made by balancing whether exclusion would be “proportionate to the wrongdoing”.
In making that decision, the judge has to take account of “the need for an effective and credible system of justice”. If the evidence is excluded, the judge may be depriving the jury of relevant material which could help them determine what truly happened.
As such, we need a strong justification for why it may be right to keep evidence out of a trial.
In my view, there are two compelling justifications for what happened in Tamiefuna’s case. The first is called the “rights thesis”: the idea that we should exclude evidence if it has been obtained in breach of a defendant’s rights.
The logic is that if parliament declares we have a right, it should be taken seriously. And there should be consequences for violating a person’s rights. When evidence is obtained through breaching a person’s rights, the most appropriate remedy is the exclusion of the evidence.
For Tamiefuna, the evidence was obtained in breach of his right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure under section 21 of the Bill of Rights Act. With the rights thesis, we return a person back to the position they would have been in had the breach not happened.
The other justification is that we should exclude evidence if we need to uphold the integrity of the justice system (the “integrity principle”).
Courts need the ability to exclude improperly obtained evidence, because integrity as a rule-of-law concept requires our courts to act coherently. By this logic, they shouldn’t ignore wrongdoing in the obtaining of evidence.
The court shouldn’t condone illegal actions by state actors such as the police, while condemning some other conduct by finding someone guilty of crime. It matters if evidence is obtained in breach of a right.
In circumstances where parliament has marked out certain rights by including them in the Bill of Rights Act, relying on evidence obtained in breach of such rights raises serious integrity concerns.
The best way for the court to show it’s acting with integrity would be to approach this sort of evidence by presuming it should be excluded.
This may mean that “the criminal is to go free because the constable has blundered”, as American judge Benjamin Cardazo once complained. But that is a consequence we have to accept to be sure we have an effective and credible system of justice.
Tamiefuna’s case will likely lead to greater guidance for police around the taking of pictures so the same thing doesn’t happen in the future.
Some people might baulk at Tamiefuna going free, but it’s the right decision overall.
Alexandra Allen-Franks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Inadmissible evidence: why a routine traffic stop and police photo went all the way to the Supreme Court – https://theconversation.com/inadmissible-evidence-why-a-routine-traffic-stop-and-police-photo-went-all-the-way-to-the-supreme-court-256203
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 8, 2025.
Women’s sports are fighting an uphill battle against our social media algorithms
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business, Head of Sport Business Insights Group, Victoria University Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves. Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold
New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney Poetra.RH/Shutterstock The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds. Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in
New Caledonia’s political talks – no outcome after three days of ‘conclave’
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific Desk After three solid days of talks in retreat mode, New Caledonia’s political parties have yet to reach an agreement on the French Pacific territory’s future status. The talks, held with French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls and French Prime Minister’s special advisor Eric Thiers, have since
Forest home of ‘polar dinosaurs’ 120 million years ago in southern Australia recreated in detail for the first time
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vera Korasidis, Lecturer in Environmental Geoscience, The University of Melbourne Artwork © Bob Nicholls 2024 Roughly 140 million to 100 million years ago, the piece of land that is modern day Australia was located much further south on Earth. In fact, what is now Victoria was once
Ovarian cysts can be painful when they burst. When do you need to see a doctor?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Chruścik, Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Cysts are small pockets of fluid that form inside the body. Ovarian cysts are common, affecting around one in ten women. But sometimes they can cause pain – especially when they burst. You
Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – International Trade over time: gifts with strings
Analysis by Keith Rankin. The ‘see-saw’ chart above shows the accumulated ‘excess benefits’ that Aotearoa New Zealand, and a few other countries, have enjoyed from international trade over the last 40 years. These are benefits arising from ‘unbalanced trade’ which are in addition to the regular benefits – arising from efficient specialisation – of ‘balanced’
‘Utu’ as foreign policy: how a Māori worldview can make sense of a shifting world order
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Ross Smith, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury Getty Images There is a growing feeling in New Zealand that the regional geopolitical situation is becoming less stable and more conflicted. China has ramped up its Pacific engagement, most recently with
While the Liberals haemorrhaged, the Nationals held their own. Is it time to break up the Coalition?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Among the notable features of this year’s election campaign was that Australia’s second-oldest political party was apparently missing in action. At the same time, it managed to avoid the rout inflicted on its coalition partner.
Why is hospital parking so expensive? Two economics researchers explain
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Farrell, Professor of Economics (Health Economist), RMIT University ThirtyPlus/Shutterstock Imagine having to pay A$39 dollars a day to park your car while visiting your sick child in hospital. For families already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, hospital parking fees are not just another expense. They can
Vietnam is poised to become a top 20 economy, so why is Australia taking so long to make trade and investment links?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Vo, Senior lecturer in Vietnamese culture and politics, University of Wollongong Aritra Deb/Shutterstock At a time of widespread global trade instability, Australia should be expanding and diversifying its economic partnerships. Supply chains remain fragile, and protectionist rhetoric is once again gaining traction in major Western economies.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* shines a light on men’s mental illness – but falls down with this outdated plotline
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily Baulch, Research Associate, Discipline of Media and Communications, University of Sydney Marvel Studios This piece contains spoilers. Marvel’s men are sad. And that’s a good thing. Thor’s depressed in Avengers: Endgame. Tony Stark has panic attacks in Iron Man 3. Peter grieves in Spider-Man: No Way
Australia is set to be a renewables nation. After Labor’s win, there’s no turning back
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney bmphotographer/Shutterstock An emphatic election victory for the incumbent Labor government means Australia’s rapid shift to renewable energy will continue. As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday: In 2022, the Australian people
Financial Times: The West’s shameful silence on Gaza – do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu
EDITORIAL: The Financial Times editorial board After 19 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and drawn accusations of war crimes against Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is once more preparing to escalate Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The latest plan puts Israel on course for full occupation of the Palestinian territory and would
‘Under no illusions’ about France, says author of new Rainbow Warrior book
Pacific Media Watch The author of the book Eyes of Fire, one of the countless publications on the Rainbow Warrior bombing almost 40 years ago but the only one by somebody actually on board the bombed ship, says he was under no illusions that France was behind the attack. Journalist David Robie was speaking last
Australia doesn’t have a federal Human Rights Act – but the election clears the way for overdue reform
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Maguire, Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle Master1305/Shutterstock The Albanese government has achieved an historic re-election, substantially building its majority in the House of Representatives. Much has already been written about the potential for a more ambitious legislative program on the back
Samoa down in RSF media freedom world ranking due to ‘authoritarian pressure’
Talamua Online News Samoa has dropped in its media and information freedom world ranking from 22 in 2024 to 44 in 2025 in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled annually by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF). For the Pacific region, New Zealand is ranked highest at 16, Australia at 29, Fiji at 40,
How maximum security prison inmates and officers worked together to create a farm behind bars
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Tietz, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design, UNSW Sydney Macquarie Correctional Centre Media Unit At Macquarie Correctional Centre in western New South Wales, a story of collaboration and persistence is unfolding. Inmates and prison officers are farming commercial quantities of fresh food in a purpose-built indoor facility.
Can what you eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding affect whether your child develops food allergies?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Evidence and Translation Lead, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Chief Investigator, Centre of Food Allergy Research; Associate Professor and Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology Group, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Maria Evseyeva/Shutterstock Many questions pop up when you’re growing or raising
How do you put a tariff on movies? Here’s what Trump’s plan could mean for Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark David Ryan, Professor, Film, Screen, Animation, Queensland University of Technology Kirk Wester/Shutterstock US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a plan to impose a 100% tariff on movies “produced in foreign lands” could have a massive impact on the global entertainment industry. Film and television production
Labor says its second term will be about productivity reform. These ideas could help shift the dial
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roy Green, Emeritus Professor of Innovation, University of Technology Sydney Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock In his victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted social policy as a major factor in Labor’s electoral success, particularly Medicare, housing and cost of living relief. He was justified in doing so. But
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
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The Protocol between the ATO and Tax Ombudsman (PDF, 2.4MB)This link will download a file outlines the nature of the co-operative working relationship between the agencies.
The Tax Ombudsman and the ATO are currently in the process of updating the operational guidelines for both the review and complaint handling processes.
Individual clients are able to lodge complaints with the Tax Ombudsman if they have been unable to resolve a complaint directly with the ATO.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney
The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds.
Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in the Senate, suggests the legislation is likely to become law in the near future.
Australia’s retirement income system comprises two pillars: a government-funded age pension as well as private superannuation.
Super includes compulsory employer-funded contributions as well as additional personal contributions.
These two pillars are complementary; a person can receive a pension even if they have private super. But the more super they have, the less pension they are eligible for.
About 70% of superannuation assets are held in Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)-regulated funds and 25% are held in self-managed super funds (SMSFs).
There are two types of tax – and tax concessions – on super. First, employer contributions and capped personal contributions are taxed at a concessional rate of 15%. Second, income earned by a super fund is taxed at 15% for balances in the accumulation phase (when contributions are being made). Income earned in the pension phase is tax-free.
Starting July 1, the government proposes to increase the concessional tax rate on super account earnings in the accumulation phase from 15% to 30% for balances above A$3 million.
Those affected – about 80,000 super account holders, or 0.5% of the total – will continue to benefit from the existing 15% concessional tax rate on earnings on the first $3 million of their super balance.
They will also be able to carry forward any loss as an offset against their tax liability in future years.
Concerns have been raised this reform implies the taxation of unrealised capital gains on assets held in super accounts, such as shares or property, even if they have not been sold.
This is, indeed, a significant departure from the status quo. Both APRA-regulated funds and SMSFs are currently only required to pay capital gains tax once the asset is sold and the gain is crystallised.
The move to tax unrealised capital gains is likely to prove particularly onerous for SMSFs. The typical industry super fund has a diversified portfolio of assets of varying liquidity, including significant cash holdings. But SMSF portfolios are often dominated by a large and illiquid asset (ones that cannot be easily sold and converted into cash) such as a farm or business property.
As a result, an SMSF facing a large unrealised capital gain, say from an increase in property values, may not have sufficient cash flow to pay the associated tax bill. The SMSF trustee might be forced to prematurely sell assets to meet the fund’s tax liability.
In the United States, President Joe Biden’s 2025 budget included a similar proposal to tax unrealised capital gains for households with more than US$100 million in wealth.
In announcing this initiative, Treasurer Jim Chalmers suggested the motivation was two-fold.
First, the federal government is facing pressure on the budget bottom line and generous tax concessions for super are becoming expensive.
Second, current super tax concessions are highly regressive. This means most benefits of the concessions flow to the wealthiest households which, in any case, will not be eligible for the pension.
The cost of current super concessions to the federal budget is about $50 billion in foregone revenue, according to Treasury. That is almost the cost of the age pension.
The Grattan Institute argues superannuation has become a “taxpayer-funded inheritance scheme”. A Treasury review found most Australians die with large outstanding super balances.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Retirement Standard calculates that, for a comfortable retirement, a couple needs a super balance of about $700,000 if they retire at age 67. The $3 million threshold is out of the ballpark. However, if the threshold is not indexed more people will be affected over time.
According to the government’s Retirement Income Review, the objective of Australia’s super system should be to “deliver adequate standards of living in retirement in an equitable, sustainable and cohesive way”.
While the proposed tax change aims to improve the equity and sustainability of Australia’s super system, it is not clear how it will work in practice.
In response to SMSF concerns about the difficulty in paying tax bills, the government’s proposal gives taxpayers 84 days to pay the tax liability instead of the usual 21 days. This hardly mitigates the risk that SMSF trustees may have to liquidate the main asset in their fund.
The Biden proposal had presented an alternative model, allowing for the tax liability to be paid over several years, not all at once. Alternatively, taxpayers could pay an interest-like charge while deferring their unrealised capital gains tax liability.
Such alternatives do not appear to have been seriously considered in the Australian government’s proposal.
Ultimately, though, the question must be asked: is taxing volatile unrealised capital gains really the most effective way to improve equity in, and the sustainability of, the superannuation system?
Mark Melatos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement – https://theconversation.com/new-taxes-on-super-didnt-get-much-attention-in-the-election-campaign-but-they-could-be-tricky-to-implement-255871
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Passengers disembark at Harbin Railway Station in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, May 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Work Safety Commission under China’s State Council on Wednesday urged greater efforts to prevent the occurrence of serious accidents in the country.
In a notice, the commission called on governments at all levels and central enterprises to take strong actions to ensure that safety prevention responsibilities and measures are implemented at the grassroots level and among frontline personnel.
The notice also highlights the need to respond actively to the challenges that adverse weather conditions pose to production safety.
Further efforts should be made to enhance safety prevention in the transportation sector, with intensified inspections and patrols, as well as strengthened early warnings during adverse weather and peak traffic periods, according to the notice.
Additionally, it stresses the need to strengthen safety supervision in crowded places. Measures for visitor evacuation and the suspension of operations in extreme weather conditions should also be implemented.
The notice also calls for the elimination of hidden dangers in key industries and fields. This includes improving the safety of chemical parks, promoting the rectification of aging chemical equipment safety, and enhancing expert guidance services in key areas.
Source:
Labour is launching a members’ bill to stop the Government from putting tobacco industry interests ahead of public health.
“The Tobacco Transparency Bill will strengthen the law surrounding tobacco industry lobbying, to ensure tobacco profits are never put ahead of New Zealander’s health,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.
“This Bill aims to prohibit government support for the tobacco industry and requires transparency around tobacco lobbying.
“Around the world, tobacco companies have a long history of influencing and weakening health policies to better suit their bottom line.
“This Bill will address those influences, and help us protect people’s health by meeting the obligations we’ve signed up to under the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“One of those obligations is to protect tobacco policy from ‘commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry’.
“New Zealand’s 2025 smokefree goal is at risk and we need to be doing everything we can to meet it, to save lives, and keep people healthy and out of hospital.
“Our world-leading smokefree laws were scrapped by the National Government and smoking rates in New Zealand have risen for the first time in over a decade.
“It’s time we get rid of the smokescreen and protect Kiwis from big tobacco’s lobbying tactics – they have no place in health policy,” Ayesha Verrall said.
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Source: Govt’s austerity Budget to cause real harm in communities
Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green): Thank you, Mr Chair. I want to ask the Minister a couple of questions. The first one is around the commencement date. Now, we have seen that the commencement date is the day after Royal assent. I would want to see if the Minister would consider pushing it back at least three months, so that way there is some clarity that is able to be granted to also the people who are applying or who have existing consent on some of the issues that we have heard our previous speaker, the Hon Rachel Brooking, mention. There is confusion around a lot of this because of the fact that we didn’t get sufficient clarity.
Now, the reason I’m suggesting pushing it back by at least three months, or even—just three months; I think that’s sufficient. The reason is that the Minister, throughout this debate, talked about the fact that this is required under urgency, etc. However, if we, again, go back to what started a lot of this, which is a High Court ruling, the judgment was made on 5 March, and it was two months ago. If Cabinet, and if the Minister, were really serious about the urgency of this situation, this bill would have been brought to the House a lot earlier. It did not need to be brought into the House two months after that particular ruling. So, clearly, the backlog that the Minister was referring to is not urgent enough for this bill to be brought to the House earlier. So I think another three months is not outside the realm of possibility and probability, over here.
In terms of the title of this bill, I really like the suggestion that the Hon Rachel Brooking has made in terms of, just, who knows? What about if the Minister considered the “Wildlife [shrug emoji] Amendment Bill”, because that is, essentially, what we’ve got out of this entire debate. What we have heard is pulling teeth from the Minister to try to get any ounce of any information out of him that we have gotten quite succinctly and clearly by the officials during the select committee stage. But over here, what we have largely heard throughout the debate is politicisation and “back on track”.
In terms of other potential titles, I would actually propose an alternative pathway when we are looking at the title for this, because what we are seeing with this, and this is fundamental to democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand, is a distortion of the separation of powers and the overstepping of that, and where the executive has decided to overstep into the judiciary and affect the rulings of the judiciary, and also the principle of comity.
I would ask if the Minister would consider “Wildlife (Distortion of the Separation of Powers) Amendment Bill”. Further on from that, the fact that we have been doing this under urgency, we are being criticised for doing our job as the legislature to scrutinise the executive because we have no opportunity and the New Zealand public has no opportunity to contribute to this. I would say that this actually is not about even parliamentary supremacy, because we have not been granted the privilege of that supremacy as the legislature, so I would recommend, finally, for the Minister to consider the title “Wildlife (Forget about Parliamentary Supremacy, the Executive Rules Supreme) Amendment Bill.”
Port-au-Prince, May 6, 2025 – Port-au-Prince is undergoing extremely high level of violence as armed groups are coordinating attacks on several areas of the city that were previously beyond their control.
Plagued by years of political instability and an alarming humanitarian situation, Haiti has been experiencing a new upsurge in violence since mid-February as armed groups, united in a single coalition, attempt to increase their control of Port-au-Prince. Fighting is intensifying and the front lines are shifting, squeezing the last remaining districts of the capital.
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is warning that its Tabarre trauma hospital – one of the last in the capital is nearing the limits of its capacity. This would create an even more desperate situation for the city’s residents, whose access to surgical care would be considerably reduced.
MSF’s Tabarre hospital is under great pressure, having already increased its capacity by half. The hospital is strained by the growing number of seriously injured people requiring treatment. Although the number of trauma beds is officially 50, the hospital regularly has over 70 trauma patients. Beyond the 75-patient limit, it will be virtually impossible to accept new cases.
“The number of seriously injured patients has risen steadily over the past four weeks. Nearly 40% of them are women and children,” said Dr Seybou Diarra, coordinator of MSF’s Tabarre hospital. “We’re already overloaded, and we can’t push the walls. We are now creating hospital rooms in the meeting rooms. The medical teams are exhausted, and the intensification of violence around the hospital complicates the conduct of our activities, as we are located next to areas that are regularly under attack, with a high risk of stray bullets.”
In this unprecedented context, where over 60% of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are closed or non-functional according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, those that remain open are facing severe shortages of human resources, equipment and specialized services. In just one month, the number of hospitals able to treat trauma cases has fallen from four to two.The Mirebalais University Hospital, one of the last hospitals capable of providing trauma care, suspended its activities on April 23 due to insecurity in the area, as it is located on a road now controlled by armed groups. MSF had to suspend its activities at its trauma center in Carrefour, following a security incident in March, while the Hôpital Universitaire de la Paix, which remains open, is overloaded.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Haitians to access health facilities, and nearly impossible for those requiring trauma care,” explains Dr Diarra. “If the situation doesn’t calm down, I fear that many of the wounded will die for lack of available treatment.”
MSF calls for the protection of civilians and respect for health facilities in combat zones.
For over 30 years, MSF has been responding to the urgent medical needs of vulnerable populations in Haiti. In 2024, our teams carried out more than 72,000 consultations, treated 31,500 emergencies,performed 7,400 surgical procedures and assisted 1,300 births. Located in the most vulnerable areas of Port-au-Prince and beyond, we provide essential care, particularly in trauma, maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for survivors of sexual violence.
MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au
The Central Honiara Constituency (CHC) office has provided timely support with the delivery of two brand-new 15-seater buses worth $497,231.80 to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Health Division last week, Friday.
The assistance was part of the constituency’s ongoing commitment and resolute action under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP), Gordon Darcy Lilo, to boost the delivery of healthcare services to communities within the constituency.
The support was made possible under the national government’s Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the CHC budget allocation for 2024.
Direct beneficiaries are Mbokonavera Clinic and Mataniko Pikinini Clinic.
The generous assistance is targeted towards improving logistics and supporting the transportation needs of the council’s health outreach programs, medical supply delivery, community health workers’ mobility, and for transporting critically sick patients from respective clinics to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for immediate medical attention if the need arises.
“…because of the obvious challenge our nurses from these clinics faced every day with transportation, we stepped in to support, ensuring our nurses reach their work stations on time to serve our clinics, the constituents, and the wider Honiara community. Not only that, but one of the constituency’s top priorities is support for health under the essential services sector, to ensure quality and timely health services are accessible for our people,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Rexford Paul explained.
Mr. Paul further said, “Working collaboratively with HCC is one of our missions going forward under the Essential Services sector.
“It is the firm commitment of the constituency office, under the guidance of our Member of Parliament Gordon Darcy Lilo, to put the community first through strategic support and partnership.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen service delivery and ensure the well-being of our people. We are proud to stand with the Honiara City Council in this shared mission,” he underscored.
Meanwhile, the Honiara City Clerk, Justus Denni, while acknowledging the generous assistance, recognized Hon. Lilo’s leadership and his constituency’s officers for their strong commitment to public service and community well-being, adding that the provision of this logistical support will greatly enhance the delivery of the much-needed health services in Honiara.
Held at the HCC Car Park, the handover ceremony was attended by the City Clerk Justus Denni, HCC’s Health Director, Dr Lawrance Diau, Nurses from Mbokonavera and Mataniko Clinics, CHC Officers, CHC Ward Leaders, and HCC staff.
Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country, purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
ALGIERS, Algeria, May 6, 2025/ — The Entities of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org), including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH), are pleased to announce the 13th edition of the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2025), taking place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers, Algeria. This prestigious event will take place on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and is organized under the high patronage of His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Under the theme “Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives” PSF 2025 aims to reinforce the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing trade and investment flows, and unlocking opportunities for strategic partnerships across the IsDB member countries. The forum will provide an exclusive platform for key stakeholders to explore new business opportunities, exchange knowledge, and strengthen regional and international economic cooperation.
PSF 2025 will promote investment and trade by highlighting emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance while facilitating cross-border investments and trade. The forum will enhance public-private partnerships by strengthening collaboration between governments and private enterprises to drive economic diversification and sustainable development. It will also empower entrepreneurs and startups by providing a dedicated platform to support innovative startups and SMEs through networking, capacity-building, and funding opportunities. Additionally, it will facilitate business networking by organizing B2B and B2G meetings, fostering strategic alliances between businesses, investors, policymakers, and financial institutions. Finally, it will showcase success stories and best practices by sharing real-world insights from industry leaders and experts to inspire growth, resilience, and transformation within member economies.
The event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including high-level government officials, chairpersons, presidents, and CEOs of leading local and international companies, multilateral development institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, investment promotion agencies, individual investors, and entrepreneurs.
In addition to insightful panel discussions and keynote speeches, PSF 2025 will feature a dedicated exhibition where partners can showcase their projects, services, and investment opportunities. It will include a startup competition designed to foster innovation and highlight groundbreaking business ideas. For the third time, the event will introduce the IsDB Group recognition awards, honoring distinguished organizations and individuals for their contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.
The forum will welcome prominent speakers, including the Chief Executive Officers of the IsDB Group entities, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC and Acting CEO of ICD, and Eng. Adeeb Al Aama, CEO of ITFC. These leaders, along with industry experts, will share success stories, experiences, and best practices to further strengthen investment and trade across the IsDB member countries.
For further details, please visit the event’s official website: www.IsDBG-PSF.org
About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):
The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities around the world and making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships between communities in its 57 member countries, the Bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, and put the infrastructure in place to enable them to realize their potential. The Bank’s new business model of “making markets work for development” contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries in order to improve participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the field of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance. The Bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world, and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.
About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)
About ICIEC:
ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC member countries and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is uniquely the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its member countries. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, ICIEC has been assigned a First-Time “AA-” long-term Issuer Credit Rating by S&P with Stable Outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than US$121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors – energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
For more information, visit: http://ICIEC.IsDB.org ,
About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral organization affiliated with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). It supports the economic development of its member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with the principles of Shari’ah. It also mobilizes additional resources for projects and encourages the development of Islamic finance. ICD’s operations complement the activities of IsDB in member countries and also those of national financial institutions. ICD has 55 member countries and five public financial institutions as its shareholders and has an authorized capital of USD 4 billion.
About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$ 83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH):
The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitate contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.IDBGBF.org)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A tourist enjoys paragliding in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)
A helicopter was slowly ascending, offering a breathtaking view of the vast blue ocean below and the stunning tropical coastal city of Sanya in south China’s Hainan.
Sat in the cabin of the helicopter was He Jixu, a tourist from southwest China’s Sichuan Province. It was the first time he had enjoyed a helicopter ride over the resort city, an unforgettable highlight of his trip.
“Seeing the ocean from the sky is an entirely different experience. The view is incredibly expansive, the scenery is more breathtaking, and it feels so unique,” he said.
For tourists, the charm of the island now extends beyond its signature sea and beaches. From helicopter tours and paragliding, to skydiving and hot air balloon rides, a thrilling array of aerial adventures has enriched tourists’ experiences.
At Sanya Tarhe skydiving base, the largest of its kind in Hainan, the lobby bustled with visitors from across the country. Some awaited their turn with eager anticipation, while others returned excitedly after their skydiving.
“The moment I jumped out, my heart raced. But when calm returned, I enjoyed the sight of the glittering sea and the endless blue sky, and felt completely at peace,” said Wang Xiaoling, a tourist from north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. For Wang, skydiving is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a gateway to a whole new world.
“I love exploring different places and having diverse experiences. This skydiving attempt is also about challenging myself to become braver,” she added.
Zhang Enming, general manager of Sanya Tarhe Skydiving Club, said the base offered several skydiving packages, with prices ranging from 3,999 yuan (about 550 U.S. dollars) for fixed-wing aircraft to 6,999 yuan and 8,699 yuan for helicopter-based experiences.
During the May Day holiday, the number of skydiving bookings surged, with daily traffic increasing by about 70 percent compared to usual.
Low-altitude tourism, a burgeoning sector, offers a unique perspective and experience for tourists, and is especially appealing to young people, said Zhang. The base served over 10,000 customers last year, and the number in the first quarter of this year has reached 6,000.
As China’s only tropical island province, Hainan enjoys a significant advantage in developing low-altitude tourism, with over 300 days of flyable weather each year.
Hainan’s low-altitude tourism market mainly focuses on aerial sightseeing and skydiving. According to the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, in 2024, Hainan recorded 209,800 takeoffs and landings for aerial sightseeing and 14,900 for skydiving, accounting for 48 percent and 44 percent of the national totals, respectively.
Flight hours for aerial sightseeing and skydiving reached 11,200 and 3,600 hours, respectively, representing 28 percent and 31 percent of national totals, with both categories ranking first in China.
Policy support has played a key role in the sector’s growth. China has included low-altitude economy in the government work report for two consecutive years, vigorously promoting its development.
As an innovative application of the low-altitude economy, low-altitude tourism has injected new vitality into tourism while revealing the sector’s enormous market potential.
Many local governments have also taken proactive steps to develop low-altitude tourism. In July 2024, Guangzhou introduced a series of measures to support low-altitude tourism and aerial sports development. In January 2025, Shanghai successfully tested its first low-altitude passenger route directly connecting to a hotel, enriching the city’s tourism offerings in the area.
A three-year plan on the development of low-altitude economy in Hainan from 2024 to 2026 proposes expanding low-altitude aircraft tourism scenarios. It supports cities and counties along Hainan’s round-the-island highway to open low-altitude tourism routes using helicopters, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and flying cars, enhancing the diversity of low-altitude tourism.
“With the government’s strong support for the low-altitude economy, we’re highly confident about the future of skydiving and the entire low-altitude tourism sector,” Zhang said.
Chen Yao, director of a Hainan-based tourism development research institute, said in the future Hainan will develop low-altitude tourism along the round-the-island highway, creating multi-dimensional, immersive and innovative tourism products.