Pacific News In Brief For 28 April
Article – RNZ
A round-up of news from around the region, including Kiribati's human rights record to be examined by the UN Human Rights Council UPR working group.
Kiribati – human rights
The human rights record of Kiribati is to be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review Working Group on Monday.
It will be webcast live from Geneva, Switzerland.
Kiribati is one of 14 states to be reviewed by the Working Group during its session from 28 April to 9 May.
This is the fourth time Kiribati's record will be reviewed – the last time was in 2020.
During the previous review cycle, Kiribati received 129 recommendations out of which 89 were supported and 40 were noted (while one was supported and noted).
Papua New Guinea – roading
A community in the Papua New Guinea capital, Port Moresby, has shut down a local road because of subsidence, or sinking ground.
The Kaevaga community of Konedobu wanted to stop the vehicle traffic in order to get the attention of the relevant authorities.
The National newspaper reported the chair of the Gunina Idibana Incorporated Land Group, Vai Ruma, saying the cracks in the road are due to poor construction work.
He said the problem has been exacerbated by recent rain, while several houses have collapsed due to erosion.
Ruma thinks the problems are down to a lack of proper drainage being put in place by the road builders.
Papua New Guinea – baby
A new-born baby was found reportedly abandoned in the bush at Duran Farm, Port Moresby on Good Friday.
Daniel John Gere, the man who discovered the baby, said she was left abandoned about 2.5 metres away from the road with her umbilical cord still attached.
He told The National that the baby was wrapped in a black K1 shopping bag.
Gere said he and two others nearby were afraid to pick up the baby for personal reasons and notified a woman who was passing by.
The woman, Aileen Joe, got the baby checked by medical officers who said she was healthy but her bottom was sore because of ant bites.
She said she reported the situation to Gordons Police Station and has adopted the baby.
Northern Marianas – airport
A Pacific island airfield – once used to launch the planes that dropped two atomic bombs on Japan in World War II – is being brought back to life.
The US military is restoring the 80-year-old facility on the island of Tinian in the Northern Marianas as it beefs up security in the Pacific.
The US Air Force said it is rehabilitating the airfield so it can 'rapidly deploy and sustain forces in the region'.
Work on two of the four runways is expected to finish in May.
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