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!
Uzbekistan: New Constitution 2023
In Uzbekistan, constitutional referendum gained enormous support allowing the President to stay in power until 2040. The reforms also were promising to strengthen individual rights. The referendum was held in accordance with Uzbekistan Senate Resolution No. PS-702-IV of March 14, 2023. The new constitution became effective on May 1, 2023, upon official publication.
EU – first major laws on AI 2023
The European Parliament, passed the first major law draft known as the A.I. Act, a potential model for policy makers around the world, which is a major issue at stake to guard the rapid developing technology and its highly volatile uses. The main focus of this legislation is to first give an uniform definition for AI which is technology neutral and create an environment which is safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory.
China Qinghai-Tibet plateau Ecosystem protection Art 2023
In April, the National People’s Congress, China’s legislative branch, passed the “Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) Ecosystem Protection Act. The QTP Act is China’s first legislative vision for the environmental protection of the Tibetan plateau and its surroundings, covering larger than the area of western Europe.
Japan: An urge to protect the rights and jobs of entertainment industry from AI
A group of artists in Japan called Arts Workers Japan is urging the government to protect their rights and activities amid the growing amount of content produced by artificial intelligence (AI). The group, which is composed of actors, musicians, and other artists, emphasized the impact of AI on artists’ activities and submitted a request to the government for necessary action.
Taiwan 2023: Expansion of Adoption Rights
Taiwan’s parliament allows gay couples to jointly adopt children, a move hailed by activists as “another big step forward” for marriage equality. Taiwan is at the vanguard of Asia’s burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement, becoming the first place in the region to legalise marriage equality in 2019.
Indiana’s Abortion Burial law
Indiana law requires abortion clinics to either bury or cremate fetal remains . The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to re-consider the multiple lawsuits challenging this law. The court gave no explanation for its decision in an order it issued turning down hearings in several dozen cases.
Bolivia’s Gold law: 2023
Bolivian senate approved the ‘Gold law’ aiming to strengthening the country’s foreign currency reserves. It is aimed at ensuring a stable economy in the pluri-national state.
Children of Austria v Austria
On February 21, 2023, a group of Austrian children filed a complaint with the Austrian Constitutional Court. The applicants alleged that the Federal Climate Protection Act (Klimaschutzgesetz 2011) is, in part, unconstitutional for violating the constitutionally guaranteed rights of children and the fundamental right to equality before the law.
Protection of Online Gamers in EU
The Parliament calls on the European Commission to analyse the way in which loot boxes are sold as well as to take the necessary steps to bring about a common European approach to ensure protection of consumers.
EU-Green Shipping Deal
The shipping industry is fully committed to eradicating its GHG emissions completely, in line with the ambitious targets agreed for the sector by its global regulator, the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) . The IMO Strategy includes a target to cut total GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 50 percent by 2050 (compared to 2008) regardless of maritime trade growth, whilst pursuing efforts towards phasing them out as soon as possible in this century.
