South Korea court landmark ruling recognises same-sex couple’s rights

Updated by Nakayima Ritah at 1354 EAT on Tuesday 21st February 2023. A South Korean court has delivered a landmark ruling by recognising the rights of a same-sex couple for the first time, with activists hailing the verdict as a major victory for LGBTQ equality in the country. The ruling in the case on Tuesday –…

Scientists urge global action after ‘historic’ US climate bill.

Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 2225 EAT on Monday 8th August 2022. Scientists welcomed the passing of US President Joe Biden’s “historic” climate bill while calling for other major emitters – namely the European Union – to follow suit and implement ambitious plans to slash emissions. The bill, which would see an unprecedented $370bn invested in…

Iran nuclear deal could be near as EU circulates ‘final text’.

Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 2159 EAT on Monday 8th August 2022. Tehran, Iran – An agreement on restoring Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers could be near after another round of negotiations led to a “final text” offered by the European Union. The bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the latest indirect,…

Talks under way to cause ceasefire in Gaza.

By Faith Barbara Namagembe Updated at 2117 EAT on 7th August.2022. Talks are under way to end the latest violence between Israel and Palestinian militants, which has killed at least 36 Palestinians since Friday. Islamic Jihad militants and Israel are reported to have agreed a truce brokered by Egypt, but officially talks are still in…

Grain Ships leave Ukraine as more exports expected.

Four more ships carrying grain and sunflower oil have left Ukraine ports via a safe maritime corridor. Millions of tonnes of grain have been stuck in Ukraine due to Russian blockades, leading to shortages and higher food prices in other countries. But last week the first ship left Ukraine’s ports since February. The latest ships…

US readies $1bn weapons package for Ukraine: Report.

Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 0826 EAT on Saturday 6th August 2022. The United States is preparing a new $1bn security assistance package for Ukraine, which will include munitions for long-range weapons and armoured medical transport vehicles, according the Reuters news agency. The package would be one of the largest so far and is…

Myanmar generals banned from ASEAN until peace plan progress.

Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 0804 EAT on Saturday 6th August 2022. Foreign ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to bar Myanmar’s ruling generals from the group’s meetings until they make progress on a 15-month old plan to address the crisis triggered by the military coup. Speaking at…

Abu Akleh: Official suggests US not seeking independent probe.

Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 0757 EAT on Friday 5th August 2022. Despite growing calls for an independent probe into the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akle, who was fatally shot by Israeli forces in May, a top US official has suggested that Washington does not back such an investigation. At a hearing…

Flights canceled, rerouted over China’s drills near Taiwan.

Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 0712 EAT on Friday 5th August 2022. Asian airlines have cancelled or rerouted numerous flights to avoid military exercises China is carrying out around Tiawan following Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the democratically-ruled island. The move comes after Beijing cautioned carriers to avoid six “danger zones” where the People’s Liberation Army is…