Regional Archive May 2009

Amnesty International Report Highlights Issues in 3 Pacific Nations

The Amnesty International report for 2009 has highlighted some human rights issues in the region, mainly in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

Pacific Islands and the Clean Development Mechanism

Press Release - Bringing the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) closer to the homes of Pacific islanders is one of the key happenings at a gathering in Fiji this week.

Alert for A/H1N1 Flu Continues for Region as Numbers Rise

The region is still increasingly at risk of the A/H1N1 flu, otherwise known as Swine Flu, as confirmed cases increase around the world, especially in countries with links to the region.

Managing Chemicals in Kiribati

Press Release - A chemicals management monitoring and evaluation project in Kiribati has been completed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

People Fear Being Caught on the Internet in Fiji

People in Fiji are reportedly in fear of being caught using the internet because they fear being accused of reading anti-government blog sites.

ADB and World Bank Pledge Funding Support for Solomon Island

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank have pledged to provide funding support to Solomon Islands to address budgetary and balance of payment challenges attributed to the impacts of the global economic crisis.

ADB Regional Strategy Needs to be Consistent with Pacific Plan

Press Statement - Pacific Developing Member Countries (PDMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have called on the ADB to review its Pacific Strategy in line with the Pacific Plan.

Fiji Police Detain Lawyers Over Blogs

Three lawyers were detained by Fiji police earlier in the week over allegations that they were responsible for contributing to some of the blogs that have risen since the coup.

Pacific Island Countries Showcase Culture and Products at Trade Exhibition in Japan

Press Statement - The 4th Pacific Islands Trade Exhibition will take place at the JETRO Exhibition Hall in Tokyo, Japan from 21-26 May 2009.

3 Pacific Bird Species in Danger of Extinction

The three bird species are part of the 2009 Red List compiled by the Birdlife International and the International Conservation Union.

European Union Cancels Millions in Sugar Aid to Fiji

18 May 2009 - STATEMENT BY EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER LOUIS MICHEL ON FIJI

Influenza A(H1N1) Update: 40 Countries Affected

40 countries have officially reported cases of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, also known as Swine Flu.

Climate Change Threatens Coral Reefs and Livelihoods

Climate change is threatening the existence of coral reefs which threatens the livelihoods of millions, especially in the region.

Fiji Police Detain Church Leader

As the political situation in Fiji continues, the interim government has confirmed that it has detained the former Methodist Church president, Reverend Manasa Lasaro, 'for a possible breach of Fiji's Public Emergency Regulations'.

SPREP Honoured for Protecting the Ozone Layer

Press Release - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has been presented with a United States Environmental Protection Agency Ozone Layer Protection Award for 2009.

New ADB Report Shows Continued Shift Toward Environmental Sustainability

Manila, Philippines - ADB is continuing a shift in its emphasis and resources toward reducing poverty and, simultaneously, promoting environmentally sustainable growth in the Asia and Pacific region, according to a new report.

Fiji Media Still Being Censored

The media in Fiji is still under government censorship following the extension of the Emergency Regulation in the country with recent allegations of the detention of journalists.

Niue Signs on to Pacific Petroleum Project

Press Statement - Niue has sealed its support for the Pacific Petroleum Project.

Pacific ACP Leaders Wants EU to Address "Contentious Issues" in EPA

Pacific ACP States have reiterated their desire to see progress in the current negotiations of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union but want contentious issues be dealt with by the EU.

Climate Change: Our Century's Challenge, Our Pacific Response

Press Release - Dealing with climate change in the Pacific is everyone's business. This is the message of the 2009 Pacific Year of Climate Change being led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

23 Countries with Officially Reported Cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Infection

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released an update yesterday confirming that 23 countries have officially reported cases of the influenza A (H1N1) infection, commonly known as Swine Flu.

Carteret Islanders - First Climate Refugees

Carteret Islanders of Papua New Guinea have become the first climate refugees as they relocate to new sites to escape the effects of climate change on their homeland.

ADB President Urges New Development Paradigm for Asia and the Pacific

BALI, INDONESIA, 4 May 2009 - With the Asia and Pacific region hit hard by the global economic crisis, the region must rebalance growth, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda today told the opening session of the 42nd Annual Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Asia Must Urgently Adapt to Climate Change, ADB Panel Says

BALI, INDONESIA, 3 May 2009 - Governments in the Asia and Pacific region must urgently develop strategies to adapt to climate change or face soaring economic costs in the future, a seminar audience heard today.

'Business As Usual' Approach to Health Failing Women and Children in Asia

BALI, INDONESIA, 3 May 2009 - Despite decades of rapid economic growth, the Asia and Pacific region continues to suffer from surprisingly poor health outcomes for women and children, according to a new publication by experts in the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and nine other major international development agencies.

Pacific Can 'Take The Helm' in Responding to Crisis, Says Study

BALI, INDONESIA - Pacific island nations need to respond pro-actively to the global economic crisis, says a new book released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Sustainable Transport Key to Economic Development and Poverty Reduction, Says ADB Vice-President

BALI, INDONESIA - Asia and the Pacific's economies and their ability to lift people out of poverty may suffer unless urgent measures are taken to ensure better movement of people and goods, a seminar audience heard today.

Forum Chair on Suspension of Fiji Military Regime from PIF

Press Statement - The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Premier of Niue, the Hon. Toke Talagi MP, has announced that the military regime of Fiji has been suspended from the Forum.

WHO/SPC Response to Swine Flu Threat in Pacific Islands Region

The human swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak is evolving rapidly. As of 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported cases of the infection.