· August, 2011

Stories about Oceania from August, 2011

Vanuatu: Concern on Media Independence

  16 August 2011

The Pacific Freedom Forum released a statement expressing concern about the reported visit of a politician in a state-owned media station in Vanuatu demanding the censorship about his arrest on the eve of Vanuatu Independence day celebrations

Malaysia-Australia Refugee Swap Deal Criticised

  15 August 2011

The refugee swap between Malaysia and Australia that was signed last month has been suspended by the Australian High Court after huge criticism. Under the deal, the next 800 refugees to arrive in Australia will be sent to Malaysia, and in return Australia will take in 4000 refugees from Malaysia in the next four years.

Australia: Malaysia No Solution to ‘Boat People’ Politics

  11 August 2011

The Australian government’s attempt to take a hard line on people smugglers and asylum seekers arriving by boat has hit a major snag. In December 2010, approximately 50 asylum seekers were drowned at Christmas Island. A legal challenge has postponed a swap of the surviving refugees with Malaysia.

Syria: World Cities Rally Against and For Bashar

  11 August 2011

Events in Syria are being echoed around the world. Syrians in the diaspora rallied in the majority of the cities in the world, either asking to overthrow Bashar Al Assad and his regime or chanting their love to their leader. Check out this video round up for footage from demonstrations worldwide.

About our Oceania coverage

Mong Palatino
Mong Palatino is the South East Asia editor (his region overlaps with this one). Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.