SUSTAINABILITY

‘Debt Trap Diplomacy’ Blamed For Zambian Debt Crisis

By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network

NEW YORK (IDN) — China, the builder of roads, energy, railways and telecom across Africa, came under fire from U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her recent three-country African friendship tour when she singled out the Asian giant for Africa’s looming debt crisis.

Driving past Lusaka, the capital city, with its renovated international airport and newly built firms bearing Chinese signage, Yellen urged Zambian leaders to address Zambia’s heavy debt burden with China immediately.

: Global Information Network; THE WORLD; Africa; 30 January 2023

No US Visas for Nigerians Threatening Democracy Back Home

By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network

NEW YORK (IDN) — Nigerians planning to visit the US will be barred from entry if officials believe they pose a threat to upcoming elections in Nigeria, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement.

The announcement also extends to the families of those accused of anti-democratic efforts, according to Sec’y Blinken. Nigeria’s Februray 25 elections will determine who will replace President Muhammadu Buhari, who has reached the country’s two-term limit after serving eight years in office.

: Global Information Network; THE WORLD; Africa; 30 January 2023

Killing Of Prodemocracy Activist in Eswatini Condemned

By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network

NEW YORK (IDN) — Hundreds of mourners around the world paid tribute to a renowned human rights activist, Thulani Maseko, brazenly shot dead in front of his wife and two children at their home in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, on January 21.

His murder drew widespread condemnation, including from the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and political activists in Eswatini, a landlocked nation in southern Africa.

: Global Information Network; THE WORLD; Africa; 30 January 2023

Image: Nuclear Power Plant in Cattenom. CC BY-SA 3.0

As Tensions Rise, WHO Updates its Radiological & Nuclear Emergencies

By Thalif Deen

UNITED NATIONS (IDN) — The rising nuclear threats over the Russian invasion of Ukraine—and the growing tensions in the Korean Peninsula triggered by a nuclear-armed North Korea—have prompted the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) to update its list of medicines that should be stockpiled for radiological and nuclear emergencies along with policy advice for their appropriate management.

: Thalif Deen; SUSTAINABILITY; Health & Well Being; 29 January 2023

Image: Chief of the Croatian Criminal Police and Deputy Chief Director of the Croatian Police Antonio Gerovac. Credit: HINA/ Damir SENČAR

Beyond the 'Blue Curtain of Secrecy' in Croatia

Conversation with the Head of the Croatian Criminal Police

By Aurora Weiss

VIENNA (IDN) — The esprit de corps, the misunderstood sense of togetherness, means that the police officers cover for one another. In such a culture, valuing loyalty over integrity facilitates misconduct by keeping it concealed. That’s why The United Nations Convention against Corruption calls for independent bodies or persons specialized in combating corruption through law enforcement that can “carry out their functions effectively and without any undue influence”.

: Europe Editor; THE WORLD; EU & Europe; 28 January 2023

Image: The historic Ukrainian city of Odesa. Credit: Alexander Alabin

UNESCO Protects Odesa Amid Threats of Destruction from War

By Jaya Ramachandran

PARIS (IDN) — Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, has denounced the decision of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to designate the historic centre of Odesa a World Heritage in Danger site.

Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, criticised the designation, saying the only threat to Odesa came from the "nationalist regime in Ukraine".

: Jaya Ramachandran; UN INSIDER; 28 January 2023

At the Global Top Table. Will 2023 Be India's Year?

Viewpoint by Herbert Wulf

This article was issued by the Toda Peace Institute and is being republished with their permission.

Three developments contribute to the fact that 2023 could indeed become India's global political year: India's chairmanship of the G20 countries, interestingly its role in the war in Ukraine, and the increasingly widespread critical view of China.

: Opinion Editor; OPINION; 26 January 2023

New UN Report Explores Criminal Exploitation of Human Beings

COVID and Other Crises Obstructing Victim Identification

By Aurora Weiss

VIENNA (IDN) — Though the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises are increasing the possibility of vulnerable human beings easily falling into the trap of criminal exploitation for the sole purpose of economic gain, a new UN report finds that fewer victims of this kind of modern slavery are being identified.

: Europe Editor; UN INSIDER; 25 January 2023

Image: "Dawn Reflections" Indigenous art projected on the Sydney Opera House, to kick off Australia Day, 26 January 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0

Heated Debate on Giving a Constitutional Voice to Indigenous Australians

By Kalinga Seneviratne

SYDNEY (IDN) — Each year on January 26, Australians celebrate “Australia Day”, a national holiday that marks the day Captain Arthur Phillip sailed into Sydney Cove in 1788, planted the Union Jack and proclaimed the continent for the British Crown.

Later it was enshrined in the Australian constitution that it was “terra nullius” (unoccupied land). But Australia’s Indigenous People claim otherwise, and they have protested in growing numbers in recent decades, calling it the “Invasion Day”.

: Kalinga Seneviratne; THE WORLD; Asia-Pacific; 25 January 2023

Spectacular Boom in Crypto Market in Africa

By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network

NEW YORK (IDN) — Why is cryptocurrency booming in Africa but sinking in rich western countries, including the U.S.?

For starters, cryptocurrencies have gained acceptance among a large proportion of the low-income population that was, previously financially marginalized. Most banks in Africa were not accessible to this segment. Even when they were, low-income account holders were discouraged by the high transaction fees.