Latest news
7 December 2014
The rise of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea in the last few months has resulted in a global crisis that calls for a global humanitarian response. François Crépeau, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, said: “This requires a new and concerted strategic approach by European states and the international community”. (more…)
Source: UN News Centre | ‘Turning blind eye not a solution’ to Mediterranean migrant crisis – UN rights expert
7 December 2014
The New York Times reports that early on 5 December an American photojournalist and a South African teacher were killed during a joint rescue operation orchestrated by the US and aided by the Yemeni government. The hostages were being held by militants from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). (more…)
Source: The New York Times | American, South African Hostages Killed in Yemen
Source: BBC | US hostage Luke Somers and SA Pierre Korkie killed during Yemen rescue bid
Source: The Wall Street Journal | Luke Somers Raid in Yemen: How It Went Wrong
20 November 2014
Following the announcement by the Australian government to lower the yearly quota of refugees applying from Indonesia, Foreign Ministry spokesman Michael Tene said “Indonesia will monitor closely the implication of the implementation of this new policy and should it have adverse implication to the interests of Indonesia, then necessary measures will be taken in due course to protect our interests.” (more…)
Source: The Jakarta Post | RI to monitor impact of new Australian asylum seeker policy
19 November 2014
Nine fugitives are being pursued as part of a UN-backed joint INTERPOL global operation targeting individuals wanted for serious environmental – including wildlife – crime. (more…)
Source: UN News Centre | UN-backed treaty, INTERPOL operation targets ‘most wanted’ environmental fugitives
18 November 2014
Although not a topic for the board meetings, Russia’s actions in the Ukraine spilled over into the annual G20 meeting held in Australia this year. President Obama came close to calling Russian intervention in the Ukraine an ‘invasion’ stating that they are “very firm on the need to uphold core international principles, and one of those principles is you don’t invade other countries or finance proxies and support them in ways that break up a country that has mechanisms for democratic elections.” (more…)
Source: The New York Times | Obama Says Russia’s Arming of Separatists Breaks Pact With Ukraine