South Sudan: peace talks face stumbling block
South Sudan's peace talks, which have been hosted by Kenya since May, were nearing completion, but are facing a setback due to opposition demands to revoke a bill permitting detention without warrants. The talks - dubbed Tumaini, Swahili for hope - have resulted in a draft agreement proposing to extend the country's transitional period and postpone the coming election (due on 22 December) to allow finishing up the country's constitution and electoral laws. However, opposition leader Pagan Amum Okiech has refused to sign an agreement unless the proposed National Security Act is repealed. He says, ‘This law violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of South Sudanese citizens; it eliminates civic and political space. There can be no peace or democracy under such a law.’ Human Rights Watch has called on President Kiir to reject the bill, warning it undermines human rights and democratic progress.
Australia: severe medical conditions affect success of visa applications
When Luca was born in Perth two years ago, his parents were devastated by his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Australia's strict immigration policies then compounded their distress by denying their permanent residency, deeming Luca a potential financial burden due to his medical condition. Australia, which prides itself as a ‘migration nation’, routinely rejects visas if medical costs exceed A$86,000 (£45,000) over ten years. Despite having lived in Australia for eight years and filling crucial job roles, Luca’s parents face the possibility of deportation – an example of the policy’s harshness. The government has defended the law, but it is surprising that its own immigration act is treated as exempt from its disability discrimination act. The immigration minister has mentioned the possibility of ministerial intervention for affected children, yet the process is often gruelling. Campaigners argue this policy is discriminatory and outdated, and are pushing for reform.
Diego Garcia: USA blocks court hearing on detention of migrants
The US government has blocked a British court hearing on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), citing security concerns. The hearing was to address the alleged unlawful detention of migrants on Diego Garcia, a highly secretive UK-US military base. Dozens of migrants had landed on the island in 2021, claiming that they were fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in Canada, but their boat had run into difficulties: they have been detained since then. On 9 July, the day before the hearing was due to start, the USA withdrew consent for lawyers and the BBC to access the island and refused to provide transport and accommodation, claiming that their visit posed ‘risks to the security and effective operation’ of the base. The cancellation is a severe setback for the migrants, who sought to demonstrate their detention conditions.
Japan / Philippines: mutual defence agreement
The Philippines and Japan have agreed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to enhance defence cooperation. Aiming for an independent foreign policy, Ferdinand Marcos Jr is aiming to diversify the country’s security partnerships. Both countries have considerable concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness in the area. Once ratified, the pact will pave the way for large-scale joint exercises and defence equipment transfers. Although it is not a defence treaty, it is an effort to further ‘promote security and defence cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the region’. It focuses on enhancing readiness for potential contingencies, particularly around Taiwan. Japan's favourable standing in the Philippines, coupled with its role as a major trade partner and investor, underscores the strategic importance of this pact.
