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Everything you need to know about the world today, curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ.More New Zealanders Claiming Food Parcels
The number of New Zealanders claiming emergency assistance with basic necessities is continuing to rise. In the last three months, the number of grants issued for food rose to 143,900, up 50 percent on two years ago. Meeting the need cost $14.7m, Ministry of Social Development figures provided to Newshub show. To be eligible for a food grant, the person must have less than $1076 in savings, and earn less than $565 a week.Māori Prison Decision Delayed
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has continued to delay a decision on establishing a separate Māori prison. The idea for the $1 billion Māori-only prison in rural Waikato is still under consideration, one month after Davis announced a decision would be made. The prison, initially opposed by then-leader Andrew Little, would work towards reducing the prison population by focusing on rehabilitation based on a kaupapa Māori approach. Davis has committed to reducing the prison population by 30 percent over the next 15 years, and addressing Māori over-representation in the prison system.UN Shocked at NZ Human Rights
A UN committee is ‘shocked’ at certain areas of New Zealand's record on human rights, particularly the areas of child poverty, inadequate housing, incarceration rates, and violence. Human Rights chief commissioner David Rutherford, who attended the review, said while these issues are common knowledge to many New Zealanders, the revelation "didn't seem to sit well with our status as a developed nation". The committee also notes severe disparities in standard of living, education and health for Māori and Pacific communities, the disabled, and the LGBTI community. Reducing family violence, the removal of benefit sanctions, and a human rights-based housing strategy were identified as the three areas to focus on by the committee.Armenian Prime Minister Resigns
Former Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan has resigned as Prime Minister after being accused of "clinging to power". Sargsyan spent ten years as President before becoming Prime Minister last week. His resignation comes after 11 days of protests from Armenian soldiers and citizens. Nikol Pashinyan, Sargsyan's main opposition, had been jailed for protesting along with 200 others. Pashinyan is now acting President.Fiji Baby Deaths
Fijian opposition health Minister Anare Vadei has brought light to the alarming number of babies dying in Fijian hospitals and health care centres. The causes range from pneumonia, respiratory distress, and the inhalation of gastric contents, however around 20 percent of deaths were from unspecified causes. The findings come in response to speculation over infected equipment, causing bacterial infection. Vadei has called for current health minister, Rosy Akbar, to investigate but says he has yet to hear back from the minister.Royal Family Baby
The British royal family welcomed their newest member to the world early this morning. Kate Middleton gave birth to their third child, a boy, just before 5 AM New Zealand time.Finland Basic Income
The Finnish government has decided not to continue a government-backed trial of a universal basic income. Currently 2000 unemployed Finns are in the trial and are receiving 560 euros a month. The government has announced they will be exploring other welfare options including a credit welfare system similar to the one being introduced in the UK. Finland is the first EU country to trial a universal basic income. In 2016 voters in Switzerland were 77 percent against implementing a universal basic income.Tweenager Escapes to Bali
An Australian pre-teen on his way to school decided to take a detour all the way to Bali. The boy managed this trip using his parent's credit card. He made a booking online and managed to get through self-service and security at the airport. Upon arrival in Indonesia had stayed at a pre-booked hotel, and told the staff members his sister is on the way.Greece Turkey Spat Continues
The Turkish president has announced he will return two detained Greek border guards in exchange for eight of Greece's Turkish asylum seekers. Erdogan added that the eight Turkish asylum seekers must be returned to Turkey before they would consider returning the two Greek guards.Palestine Makes Complaint
Palestinian diplomats in Geneva have filed a complaint against Israel for alleged breaches of its obligations under an anti-racism treaty devised by the United Nations. The complaint, submitted by Palestinian ambassador to the UN, accuses Israel of practices that aim to displace and replace the Palestinians to maintain colonial occupation. They allege the discriminatory measures demonstrated by Israelis were "severely depriving Palestinians of their fundamental rights".Additional reporting by Oliver Powell, Grace Watson, Lucy Redwood
LOCAL NEWS
The number of New Zealanders claiming emergency assistance with basic necessities is continuing to rise. In the last three months, the number of grants issued for food rose to 143,900, up 50 percent on two years ago. Meeting the need cost $14.7m, Ministry of Social Development figures provided to Newshub show. To be eligible for a food grant, the person must have less than $1076 in savings, and earn less than $565 a week.Māori Prison Decision Delayed
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has continued to delay a decision on establishing a separate Māori prison. The idea for the $1 billion Māori-only prison in rural Waikato is still under consideration, one month after Davis announced a decision would be made. The prison, initially opposed by then-leader Andrew Little, would work towards reducing the prison population by focusing on rehabilitation based on a kaupapa Māori approach. Davis has committed to reducing the prison population by 30 percent over the next 15 years, and addressing Māori over-representation in the prison system.
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A UN committee is ‘shocked’ at certain areas of New Zealand's record on human rights, particularly the areas of child poverty, inadequate housing, incarceration rates, and violence. Human Rights chief commissioner David Rutherford, who attended the review, said while these issues are common knowledge to many New Zealanders, the revelation "didn't seem to sit well with our status as a developed nation". The committee also notes severe disparities in standard of living, education and health for Māori and Pacific communities, the disabled, and the LGBTI community. Reducing family violence, the removal of benefit sanctions, and a human rights-based housing strategy were identified as the three areas to focus on by the committee.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Former Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan has resigned as Prime Minister after being accused of "clinging to power". Sargsyan spent ten years as President before becoming Prime Minister last week. His resignation comes after 11 days of protests from Armenian soldiers and citizens. Nikol Pashinyan, Sargsyan's main opposition, had been jailed for protesting along with 200 others. Pashinyan is now acting President.Fiji Baby Deaths
Fijian opposition health Minister Anare Vadei has brought light to the alarming number of babies dying in Fijian hospitals and health care centres. The causes range from pneumonia, respiratory distress, and the inhalation of gastric contents, however around 20 percent of deaths were from unspecified causes. The findings come in response to speculation over infected equipment, causing bacterial infection. Vadei has called for current health minister, Rosy Akbar, to investigate but says he has yet to hear back from the minister.
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The British royal family welcomed their newest member to the world early this morning. Kate Middleton gave birth to their third child, a boy, just before 5 AM New Zealand time.Finland Basic Income
The Finnish government has decided not to continue a government-backed trial of a universal basic income. Currently 2000 unemployed Finns are in the trial and are receiving 560 euros a month. The government has announced they will be exploring other welfare options including a credit welfare system similar to the one being introduced in the UK. Finland is the first EU country to trial a universal basic income. In 2016 voters in Switzerland were 77 percent against implementing a universal basic income.Tweenager Escapes to Bali
An Australian pre-teen on his way to school decided to take a detour all the way to Bali. The boy managed this trip using his parent's credit card. He made a booking online and managed to get through self-service and security at the airport. Upon arrival in Indonesia had stayed at a pre-booked hotel, and told the staff members his sister is on the way.Greece Turkey Spat Continues
The Turkish president has announced he will return two detained Greek border guards in exchange for eight of Greece's Turkish asylum seekers. Erdogan added that the eight Turkish asylum seekers must be returned to Turkey before they would consider returning the two Greek guards.Palestine Makes Complaint
Palestinian diplomats in Geneva have filed a complaint against Israel for alleged breaches of its obligations under an anti-racism treaty devised by the United Nations. The complaint, submitted by Palestinian ambassador to the UN, accuses Israel of practices that aim to displace and replace the Palestinians to maintain colonial occupation. They allege the discriminatory measures demonstrated by Israelis were "severely depriving Palestinians of their fundamental rights".Additional reporting by Oliver Powell, Grace Watson, Lucy Redwood