Pacific Review

In this edition: Australia’s overall aid budget is set to increase modestly but international development advocates say temporary COVID-19 spending should be made permanent. Vanutu locals call for tsunami warning improvement in wake of Tonga volcano Marshall Islands' Foreign Minister is considering "expelling" any Russian yachts or boats that have been targeted by Western-led sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. And, As Papua New Guineans prepare to go to the polls in June Advocacy groups fear officials have not taken into consideration the needs of people with mobility, hearing, or visual needs.

Two years since Pacific countries closed their international borders some nations have decided relax restrictions, War between Russia and Ukraine has seen the price of Nickel sky rocket which could be good news for New Caledonia, And, worrying levels of a particular radioactive chemical  have been found in the Pacific.

The World Health Organisation voices its concern as COVID-19 continues to spread through Vanuatu's provinces. Pacific birds sing out in a global online birdsong archive.

Vanuatu loses its COVID-free status — after a quarantine breach this week led to community transmission of the virus. Papua New Guinea criminalises the practice of glassmen and glassmeri, who have the power to accuse men and women of sorcery. And, Pacific leaders walk a delicate tightrope as war between Russia and Ukraine escalates, particularly as China faces criticism for its response to the conflict.

A group of Fijian workers join the flood rescue efforts in eastern Australia after putting out a call on social media. And, Papua New Guinea has appointed its first ever female defence force commander.