APHR appeals to G7 for immediate action on Myanmar, Cambodia’s eroding democracies

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) issued an urgent plea to G7 nations, highlighting the “grave concerns” about deteriorating human rights and democratic values in Myanmar and Cambodia, and calling for decisive international action.

LGBTQ activists condemn Japan’s ‘meaningless’ equality bill

Critics argue that a new equality bill submitted to Japan’s parliament is a “meaningless gesture” as lawmakers diluted its language. LGBTQ activists claim the bill fails to address discrimination adequately, while conservative politicians fear it could deepen divisions or lead to malicious lawsuits. The bill’s revisions, including changes regarding transgender discrimination, have faced significant opposition, raising doubts about its eventual debate and passage. Japan remains the only G7 country without recognition of same-sex unions and lacks specific anti-LGBTQ discrimination laws. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has faced pressure to enhance legal protections ahead of the G7 summit.

‘Hostile’ US policies on China risk dividing world: Stiglitz

Nobel-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz expressed concern that “hostile” US policies towards China could lead to a split in the world into two blocs. Stiglitz urged the West, particularly the US, to offer investment instead of lectures to developing countries. He warned that the competition between Democrats and Republicans to appear tough on China could undermine global cooperation on issues like climate change. Stiglitz also criticized the limited investment by the West in developing economies compared to China’s efforts through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.

G7 faces pressure on fossil fuel pledges at Japan climate talks

G7 climate ministers face pressure to uphold fossil fuel commitments at their meeting in Japan, amid the UN’s warning of 1.5C of warming in a decade. Foreign investments in gas and domestic decarbonisation are proving contentious, with the energy crisis squeezing the bloc. Climate policy thinks tank E3G warns that backsliding risks undercutting G7’s claim to provide global leadership on confronting the climate emergency. A draft G7 statement calls for global greenhouse gas emissions to peak by 2025 at the latest and a 60% reduction by 2035 from 2019 levels.

G7 to urge countries against military aid to Russia: Japan PM

TOKYO, JAPAN — A virtual Group of Seven summit on Friday will…

Japan debates LGBTQ protections under G7 spotlight

by Hiroshi Hiyama and Katie Forster TOKYO, JAPAN — G7 host Japan…

WHO warns virus quicker than vaccines after G7 doses pledge

The WHO warned Monday that COVID-19 was moving faster than the vaccines,…

China slams G7 ‘manipulation’ after Xinjiang, Hong Kong criticism

China on Monday accused the G7 of “political manipulation” after it criticised Beijing…

G7 vows action on COVID vaccines, climate change

G7 leaders on Sunday vowed to start delivering one billion doses of…

The G7: big powers’ gathering returns to the spotlight

The G7, which holds its first formal summit in nearly two years…