Asia and Pacific

Unlike other liberal democracies, Australia’s legal protection of human rights is not through a Bill of Rights or human rights legislation, but through various Constitutional, common law and statutory protections.

Owing to Central Asia’s geographical proximity and historical links to both Russia and China, it is understandable that the activities of both powers in this region receive the most attention. There is, however, one other power whose influence and activities in the region are often left out of the equation: Japan

Australia is a destination country for trafficked victims, particularly women from Southeast Asia, who are coerced into moving to Australia under the belief they will obtain better working conditions upon arrival. However, once in the country, these women are often forced into modern slavery in the sex industry to repay traffickers’ exaggerated fees.

The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee has published its report on its inquiry into the UK’s policy in Afghanistan. The Human Security Centre submission provided extensive analysis and featured in 7 recommendations.

Despite the storm of attention generated by the regeneration of Japan's hard power capabilities under Shinzo Abe, the concept of 'soft balancing' may provide a better theoretical approach to understanding Japan's approach to international relations

There has been extensive discussion of the challenges faced by Japan’s new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. One major issue facing Suga which has not been analysed in depth is the ongoing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan concerning the ownership of the southern Kuril Islands.

In 2014, the Marshall Islands (RMI) attempted, unsuccessfully, to use International Law to compel States to disarm their nuclear capacities. With the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons set to enter into force in January 2021, the RMI’s earlier attempt to have States’ legal obligations clarified is relevant to the discussion on the legal status of nuclear disarmament in International Law.

Shinzo Abe has caused a significant commotion recently with his resignation. What has perhaps caused just as much of a disturbance is the election of his successor, a veteran LDP politician of more humble origins by the name of Yoshihide Suga.

As the United Nations Security Council’s mandate under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security, it has a responsibility to act to resolve the crisis. The possibility of conflict with Bangladesh and the threat of COVID-19 to the refugees illustrates that this crisis is a serious threat to international peace.

Much like the ties with Russia, close relations with China are seen by the Serbian President as a means to pressure the West into increased involvement – a strategy that appears not without its successes.