Holy Bible book and cross, close-up view Photo: 123rf
Samoa
A proposal by Samoa's prime minister to ban all non-Christian religion from the country is being met with mixed reactions.
The Samoa Observer reported church ministers and members of the public voicing views both for and against the proposal.
La'aulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt said he raised the issue with Samoa's Council of Churches and is awaiting their response.
In June 2017 parliament voted in a constitutional amendment to declare Samoa a Christian state, with 43 out of 49 parliamentarians voting in favour.
However the document still guarantees individuals freedom of religion, belief and worship.
Papua New Guinea
The governor of East Sepik in PNG says the government's starlink crackdown is impacting essential services.
In December the National Information and Communications Technology Authority announced that the network's parent company, SpaceX, had been instructed to cease all satellite services in PNG.
Allan Bird told the ABC's Pacific Beat program he hopes the stalemate can be resolved, because essential services have been severely impacted by the lack of internet connectivity.
The authority said it has been legally restrained by the country's ombudsman commission, which has been blocking Starlink's licensing arrangements since March 2024.
Papua New Guinea
Indigenous leaders in Biak say they will block the construction of a new military post on customary land.
Jubi TV reported representatives from ten clans have declared a customary 'sasi' to halt all activity.
They say the land is being used without consultation or consent.
Indigenous leaders say the area plays a vital role in their livelihoods, water security and heritage.
They also say there are ancestral burial grounds in the area.
Fiji
Fiji's Cabinet has approved a five-year plan to strengthen women's rights and address discrimination following recommendations from the United Nations.
The Fiji Times reported the plan focuses on legislative reform, access to justice, and raising awareness on women's rights.
The United Nations has raised concerns about child marriage, discriminatory customs, and barriers to divorce.
Implementation will be overseen by a newly established steering committee.
