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”
Oceania Micronesia The FSM welcomed the Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, for a historic visit from January 18 to 21, 2025; it is the first official visit by an Indian Minister of State to the FSM
Asia Uzbekistan The draft state programme for 2025, published for public input, includes an item proposing to assess the degree of corruption propensity of at least 500 senior civil servants and those in reserve for these positions
America Uruguay Over 300.000 Argentine tourists have been welcomed this 2025, a 30% increase from last year, with Argentines making up 50% of total visitors, thanks to tax benefits and favorable payment options for non-residents
Oceania Tuvalu Taiwan's embassy in Tuvalu has accused China of waging a 'disinformation' campaign to sabotage diplomatic ties with the ally as a Chinese government-funded news site showed footage of Tuvalu citizens advocating a switch to Beijing
Asia Turkmenistan The National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in Turkmenistan was approved for the period 2025-2029; the bodies responsible for the activities of this plan have been instructed to regularly monitor its implementation
America El Salvador The Mesoamerican Ecclesial Ecological Network launched a campaign in El Salvador opposing mining activities, citing threats to life and the environment, while urging respect for affected communities and demanding the repeal of a newly approved mining law
Africa Zambia The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation announced proactive measures to prevent cholera outbreaks, while Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation has prioritized peri-urban areas and City Council has enhanced solid waste management in high-risk areas
Africa Tanzania A recently signed agreement stipulates that 80% of the music broadcast at Tanzanian airports will be composed of Tanzanian artists and 20% of international music, a move to promote local talent and ensure artistes receive fair compensation
America Guyana Guyana plans to ask the UN’s top court to intervene against Venezuela’s plan to elect a governor for the disputed Essequibo region, citing violations of a 2022 agreement, as the two nations continue their long-standing territorial dispute
Europe United Kingdom Railway regulator Transport Focus urged rail companies to adopt a system of 'yellow cards' for passengers travelling without the correct ticket, rather than handing out penalties or prosecution that should only be used in the event of a relapse
America Guatemala A three-phase program to support returning migrants, has been announced by President Bernardo Arévalo; it focuses on consular assistance, dignified reception with temporary shelters, and reintegration
Asia United Arab Emirates The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security urged citizens and residents to take advantage of the benefits offered by the Friend or Relative Visa service, which allows lengths of stay of up to 90 days
Asia Taiwan A mechanism had been set up to facilitate interdepartmental efforts to enable the detention of vessels suspected of sabotage acts in coastal waters, authorities stated, following incident at sea earlier this month