Palau

New mothers at Belau National Hospital are voicing growing concerns over the hospital’s breastfeeding policy, which mandates that infants are to be fed exclusively breastmilk, highlighting the emotional toll of the policy

A proposal from the US to relocate third-country asylum seekers has been firmly rejected by Palau’s National Congress and the Council of Chiefs, with leaders saying that being a strong US ally it can't overpromise or commit to what it can't fulfill

The Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 are bringing together athletes from 23 Pacific Island nations and territories, united in a celebration of sport and culture with activities happening across all venues until 9 July

A new voter database system, GVRS Hybrid, has replaced the older software; according to the Palau Election Commission, it improves registration tracking introducing major upgrades in voter data management, fraud prevention and election transparency

Over 82 tons of unexploded bombs have been removed from a sunken ship in Malakal Harbor, ending a seven-year operation of the Japan Mine Action Service: the Japanese merchant vessel converted for wartime use during WWII had sunk with 469 depth charges

Cesarean section birth rate in Palau has risen to 42% —from 33% in 2020 to 42% in 2021— with WHO estimating a world average of10%; Palau is thus among the countries with the highest rates globally, raising concerns about women’s health and birth outcomes

Speaking at a panel with the advertising industry at Cairns Crocodiles - an international festival - sitting President of Palau stressed the importance of consistent campaigns as powerful tools to address climate issues with impacting results

Palau abstained from a UN vote on a resolution on Russian aggression in Ukraine, focused on cooperation with the Council of Europe; in February, Palau had aligned with the US voting against another resolution condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

Border security has been tightened in a direct response to growing concerns about foreign criminal activity, not specified; the measure resulted in an 88% denial rate for Chinese visa applications according to Tia Belau Newspaper

Okubo Hideaki, currently director of the ENEOS baseball team, one of the strongest in Japanese amateur baseball, has visited Palau to observe Little League games, hold a meeting, and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japan introducing “Iakiu” to Palau

A new book of Palauan legends written in the Palauan language, financed by the Sasakawa Foundation, the Palau High School Student Science Club, offers people the opportunity to learn about traditional stories and strengthen their language skills

The Senate is again considering a proposal to lift the ban on the export of reef fish, with a bill that would allow limited shipments abroad of certain species for personal use