Stefano Vecchia

The outgoing president says the war will be less gruesome, centred on outreach and rehabilitation. Civil society groups fear it will still be marked by abuse and violence. Independent sources estimate that the crackdown claimed at least 30,000 lives in the past six years.

The city-state is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change with large areas in danger of being submerged. The authorities plan to increase the country’s carbon tax and invest some US$ 73 billion in coastal reforestation and green spaces to boost oxygen emissions.

The Bishops' Conference backs an executive order signed by Duterte protecting people fleeing the conflict in Europe. Meanwhile, discontent is growing among Filipinos over the government’s failure to condemn Moscow in the name of its policy of neutrality. Concerns are fuelled by the dispute with China over maritime borders.

A report by Thai police estimates that thousands of women and children are trafficked each year. Poor law enforcement by Japanese authorities against the sex trade weighs heavily on the matter. Thailand remains a major hub for international human trafficking.

Bishop Francis, who chairs the Bishops’ Conference of the three countries and 11 dioceses, issued an appeal, urging “all interested parties to put a stop to the madness of violence and war and come to the table of peace and justice.” At the UN General Assembly, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei voted in favour of a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion.

Military operations began today at dawn, resulting in some deaths. On the island of Mindanao, Islamic separatism has given way to jihadi-inspired groups.

Charges were laid against Maria Natividad Castro for kidnapping, illegal detention and membership in the Communist Party. She was not allowed to contact her lawyers or family. Other doctors and academics have slammed the arbitrary use of the country’s anti-terrorism law.

The drastic steps taken against the latest pandemic wave are causing serious problems for foreign workers employed as domestic helpers, cooks or babysitters. Their representatives complain that people are being fired it they test positive, forced to sleep outdoors, and denied hospital care.

A teacher, a farmer, a father: these are just some of the tens of thousands of refugees who have fled to Thailand to avoid the violence of the Burmese military junta. The Thai authorities are now threatening to expel them. AsiaNews reports on their stories.

A baby girl who recently disappeared from a kindergarten could be the victim of a criminal organisation that illegally sends children abroad. A woman can get up to US$ 15,500 per pregnancy. Higher demand could see existing legislation revised to allow the practice under certain conditions.

The population now stands at 32.2 million (3.8 members per family). About 24 per cent is under 14, while 6.8 per cent are aged 65 and over. The country’s ethnic make-up represents a delicate balance between Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Cambodia follows Indonesia's example to enhance environmental sustainability. The government's new strategy is aimed at protecting forests and achieve emissions neutrality by 2050. Local communities will benefit most of all.