Asia Georgia The EU annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World noted “severely curtailed” human rights in Georgia, reduced bilateral political contacts and dialogue between Brussels and Tbilisi amid “significant democratic backsliding”
America Saint Lucia The Saint Lucia Labour Party has thanked the Government for fulfilling its promise to reinstate the One Laptop Per Child programme after it distributed over 3800 laptops to Form 1 and 2 students enrolled in 22 secondary schools
Europe Estonia An auction to issue frequency licences in the second 5G frequency band is about to begin with invitations to participate sent to three communications companies
Asia Lebanon The return of live performances at the Baalbeck International Festival in July raises the country's hopes for an influx of 1 million people, which would boost the country's revival given the power of word of mouth among tourists
Europe Slovakia Slovak scientists are playing a key role in an international project for a new European solar telescope to unlock the Sun's secrets using what has been described as the "most powerful instrument ever conceived to observe it"
Africa Eritrea In a new report, the Special Rapporteur describes the human rights situation in the country, particularly with regard to indefinite national/military service, access to justice and the rule of law, civil and political rights and fundamental freedoms
Europe Lithuania Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrine Armonaite invited the US technology giant Microsoft to expand in Lithuania, as it offers many opportunities for businesses and the public sector to work together to implement innovations
Europe Kosovo The country will apply for EU membership at the end of this year, according to Prime Minister Albin Kurti, given its efforts to meet the requirements for integration into the bloc for years
Asia Azerbaijan The first half of 2022 was full of memorable events in the field of Azerbaijan's youth and sports policies, given the numerous reforms and successes of athletes, as stated by the head of the Sports Department of the country's Ministry of Youth and Sports
Asia Turkey Media and Law Studies Association stated that Internet censorship and surveillance are set to increase further; the annual Free Web Turkey 2021 report, funded by the Netherlands, shows that at least 11.050 URLs were blocked in Turkey in 2021
Africa Ghana A huge billboard erected in Accra for the Pride Month has been taken down, under pressure from several MPs who asked the chief of police to remove it, thus igniting the debate on the bill proposing to impose harsh penalties on the Lgbtqi+ community
Asia Taiwan Minister of Labour seemed hesitant about a minimum wage increase next year, after President Tsai Ing-wen called for it; traditionally, a committee is convened to decide on the wage rate in the third quarter with government officials and business leaders
Asia Singapore The country faces a dengue 'emergency', an epidemic of this seasonal disease that arrived unusually early this year, having exceeded 11.000 cases, well above the 5.258 recorded in 2021, before 1 June, when the peak of dengue season traditionally begins
Asia Iran The alleged mass execution of thousands of political prisoners by the Iranian regime in 1988 would constitute a crime against humanity according to Human Rights Watch, claiming to have 'overwhelming evidence' against then Supreme Leader Khomeini