International Maritime Organization: 2023 Maritime Decarbonization
After implementing a sulphur fuel regulation in 2020, the IMO (International Maritime Organization) introduces ,“IMO 2023” to further reduce ocean shipping’s carbon emissions.
New Digital Residency Law Passed in Palau
Palau is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of more than 500 islands. The capital and the seat of the government is Melekeok on the island of Babeldaob.
UN Rapporteur to Investigate Human Rights Abuses in Russia
On 7 October, the UN Human Rights Council passed a historic resolution to appoint a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. The move marks the first time the UN body will examine the rights record of one of the so-called P5 members that hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
German Employment Law in 2023
On January 1, 2023, Germany will begin to implement digitization processes in the statutory health insurance system. As a result, the paper certificate of incapacity for work, previously known as the “yellow certificate”, which doctors usually issue to an employee to certify their sickness, will no longer be valid. From now on, employers will be informed electronically by the relevant statutory health insurance fund about the incapacity to work of employees who are insured under the statutory health insurance.
UK’s Supermarket ‘Iceland’ Food Ltd Patents Cancelled
EU Iceland rulings set ground-breaking precedent on country names as trademarks. The Grand Board of Appeal of the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has upheld a decision to cancel UK supermarket Iceland Food Ltd.’s EU-wide trademark for the word ‘Iceland’.
UK Bans Celebs From Gambling Ads
Britain bans celebrities including footballers, TV stars and social media influencers, from featuring in gambling adverts to protect young and vulnerable people.
Mali’s Constitutional Referendum
Nigeria's structure and composition are a legacy of British colonial rule. The country has gone through many divergent society with rampant political corruption and as a result has had many attempts to form an effective constitution. These efforts include civilian and military rule, centrifugal and centralized federalism, presidential and parliamentary systems, and other political institutions.
Canada’s Online News Act
The Government of Canada introduced Bill C-18,the Online News Act, which will ensure major digital platforms fairly compensate news publishers for their content and enhance fairness in the Canadian digital news marketplace, including the sustainability of independent local news businesses.
Refugees Status to Afghan Women
All women and girls from Afghanistan are eligible for refugee status, the European Union’s agency for asylum has declared. But it's up to each country to decide whether it agrees.
Italy’s - Decreto Flussi 2023
The Decreto flussi is an Italian government law that sets how many non-European citizens can enter Italy for work. Specifically, the Decreto Flussi, establishes the number of non-European citizens who can enter Italy for seasonal work, non-seasonal employed work or self-employed work. In addition to the number of non-EU citizens who can enter Italy for work, the Decreto Flussi, also sets the number of people who can convert their residence permit (for example a residence permit for study) into a residence permit for subordinate work or autonomous.
EU Tightens Grip on Ferry Stability Standards Amid Growing Safety Concerns
In a significant move towards bolstering safety standards for ferry travel across Europe, the Council of the European Union has adopted groundbreaking legislation aimed at improving the stability requirements for ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) passenger ships, commonly known as ferries.
Australia Environmental Legislation on Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Australia has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its precious ecosystems by introducing a series of groundbreaking environmental legislations in 2023. These measures, crafted with a keen eye towards sustainability and environmental protection, aim to address pressing environmental issues and pave the way for a greener future.
EU's latest aviation laws
In a significant step towards achieving its climate goals, the European Union (EU) Council has adopted a new regulation aimed at decarbonizing the aviation sector. The RefuelEUAviation initiative, which is part of the EU's broader 'Fit for 55' package, will introduce a series of measures to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry.
New constitution of Uzbekistan
The Constitution of Uzbekistan was originally ratified in 1992, one year after the country became an independent state. However, as part of the comprehensive reform programme led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a new set of constitutional reforms has been prepared. These reforms would establish Uzbekistan as a sovereign, democratic, legal, social and secular state with a republican form of government.
UAE – New sports law 2023
The General Authority of Sports (GAS) convened a media briefing to discuss the Federal Law No. 4 of 2023 concerning sports. This law is unprecedented in the UAE's sports sector due to its comprehensive new articles and provisions, which will contribute significantly to achieving the desired development in all aspects of sports work. This development perfectly aligns with the National Sports Strategy 2031 objectives, which aim to enhance the regulatory framework and sports infrastructure.
Tanzania – Finance Act of 2023
On June 26th 2023, the Tanzanian Parliament passed the Finance bill,2023. The Act is aimed at accelerating economic recovery, climate change and mitigation and enhancing certain sectors for improved livelihood.
China family legislations 2023
In China, marital property is theoretically required to be divided equally between the spouses upon a divorce. But without an enforceable obligation to make full disclosure of assets, there has inevitably been a yawning gap between theory and practice. Until recently, no such obligation to disclose assets existed in China.
Australia – Indigenous Voice rejected 2023
A referendum on October 14 for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to be recognised was voted by a 60% ‘No’ by the voters in the parliament.
Bahrain abolishes rape law 2023
On June 26, 2023, the king of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, approved Law No. 7 of 2023, which repeals article 353 of Decree Law No. 15 of 1967 on the Penal Code. The new law was published in the Bahraini official gazette on the same day.
Taiwan’s constitution 2023
Two civil society groups in favor of Taiwan's independence called on the government to abandon the Constitution of the Republic of China (ROC) and draft a new constitution with "Taiwan" designated the country's official name. The government should "use Taiwan as its full country name" and "formulate a Taiwan Constitution" based on the premise that "Taiwan and China are not subordinate to one another!
