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!
Australia’s New Social Media Regulations 2023
The Australian Communications and Media Authority ( ACMA) is authorized and empowered by new powers to access, the information-gathering of social media platform companies to prevent misinformation and disinformation.
Abortion Rights: The case of Ustyna Wydryńska
On march 14th, 2023 Ms.Justyna Wydrzynska, a women’s rights defender was sentenced to eight months community service for helping a women in need to obtain abortion.
Albania – Anti-Money Laundering Laws Draft
The Albanian parliament’s Laws Commission has started examining proposed amendments to anti-money laundering laws at a time the country languishes on the FATF grey list and is pursuing a controversial fiscal amnesty initiative.
Dubai – Real Estate Laws 2023
Real Estate Regularity (RERA), a division of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), is responsible for setting laws and regulations for the real estate sector in Dubai. DLD itself is a government agency that serves the purpose of regulating Dubai real estate.
EU: Proposed Legal Framework on Artificial Intelligence
The Commission is proposing the first-ever legal framework on AI, which addresses the risks of AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally. Parliament is working on the Commission proposal, presented on 21 April 2021, for turning Europe into the global hub for trustworthy AI.
Iceland: Excessive Use of Solitary confinement
Amnesty International reports that Iceland’s overuse of solitary confinement in pre-trial detention, violating the prohibition of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, with grave consequences for the accused and for their right to a fair trial.
Sweden: New Laws and Regulations 2023
On January 1, 2023, the allowance used by the one’s own car for work trips will be increased. If you make work trips with your own car, you can deduct SEK 25 per mile (previously 18.5 SEK per mile), and for work trips with a benefit car, the deduction is SEK 12 per mile (previously 6.5 and 9.5SEK per mile). The right to deduct for benefit, cars that are powered entirely by electricity, is left unchanged at SEK 9.5 per mile.
The Baltic Sea Fishing Agreement 2023
Constant efforts and despite some improvements in the sea body, it is still suffering from eutrophication and the slow response to tackle the challenge. The challenge to ensure healthy fish stocks and the livelihood of the fishermen are all combined risks facing the Baltic Sea environment.
Armenia – Universal Health Insurance System
Although life expectancy has risen to 75 years over the past three decades, Armenians are not generally healthier today. Compared to countries with similar socio-demographic profiles, Armenia has a very high instances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes among its population.
Constitutional Crisis in Kiribati
Since September 2022, Kiribati has been without any judges serving its superior courts. Chief Justice William Hastings and Justice David Lambourne of the High Court, and Justices Peter Blanchard, Rodney Hansen and Paul Heath of the Court of Appeal have all been suspended from office on the grounds of inability or misbehavior.
