Denmark withholds Tanzania aid money over human rights, homophobia concerns
Tanzania’s second-biggest donor Denmark will withhold a large part of the aid money it pays to the country amid concerns over human rights and “unacceptable homophobic comments” made by a government official, the Danish development minister told parlia…
Hong Kong freedoms under scrutiny as ‘Occupy’ democracy leaders face trial
Nine leaders of Hong Kong’s 2014 civil disobedience “Occupy Central” movement go on trial on Monday at a time when the Chinese-ruled financial hub’s civil liberties are coming under increasing strain.
North Korean defectors see uncertain future in Korean reconciliation
Thae Yong Ho, one of the highest profile North Koreans to defect in recent years, had hoped to visit New York last month to speak on a United Nations panel, meet U.S. envoys, and discuss human rights in the reclusive Asian nation.
Exclusive: U.S. troop levels at Mexico border likely at peak – commander
The number of U.S. troops at the border with Mexico may have peaked at about 5,800, the U.S. commander of the mission told Reuters, noting he would start looking next week at whether to begin sending forces home or perhaps shifting some to new border p…
Exclusive: In rare coordinated move, Western envoys seek meeting on Xinjiang concerns
A group of 15 Western ambassadors in Beijing, spearheaded by Canada, are seeking a meeting with the top official in China’s restive, heavily Muslim Xinjiang region for an explanation of alleged rights abuses against ethnic Uighurs.
Pence says Trump to meet North Korea’s Kim in 2019; won’t allow broken promises
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won’t repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programs.
Sri Lanka has no PM or cabinet after no-confidence vote: parliament’s Speaker
The Speaker of Sri Lanka’s parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, on Thursday said that in his view the country did not have a prime minister or cabinet after Wednesday’s no-confidence vote.
Fiji prime minister leads provisional election count
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was set to win re-election on Thursday, with a provisional count showing his Fiji First party holding a comfortable lead, although some voting has been delayed due to bad weather in the South Pacific nation.
Japanese, South Korean trawlers collide in Sea of Japan, 13 rescued
A South Korean trawler and a Japanese fishing boat collided in the Sea of Japan on Thursday about 330 km (205 miles) northeast of an island claimed by both countries, officials said.
Ethiopia arrests former deputy intelligence chief
Ethiopia’s former deputy intelligence chief has been arrested, Attorney General Berhanu Tsegaye said on Thursday, in the latest move targeting security officials for human rights abuses and corruption.
