PROGRESS VIEWS

Lebanon’s parliament has approved legislation to abolish capital punishment for all crimes, replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. The reform still requires presidential approval before it can take full effect. Lebanon’s parliament approved the abolition of the death penalty on August 11, 2026. If signed by President Joseph Aoun, Lebanon would become the first country in the Middle East/Arab world to formally abolish capital punishment for all crimes. Existing death sentences would be commuted to life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. Lebanon has not carried out an execution since 2004, despite retaining the death penalty in law. Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the decision a “historic” step. Human Rights Watch and other international bodies welcomed the move as a significant human rights development. Lebanon’s parliament has approved amended legislation abolishing the death penalty, a landmark decision that would make the country the first in the ...

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging space-based technology to strengthen disaster risk management, early warning systems, preparedness and emergency response across Nigeria, while seeking closer collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Key Takeaways NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to integrating space technology into disaster management. The Director General received a delegation from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Abuja. NEMA requested greater collaboration to strengthen its capacity in applying space-based solutions. UNOOSA highlighted the ongoing Digital Twin Project currently being piloted in Lagos State. The meeting reinforced cooperation among NEMA, UNOOSA and NASRDA in improving Nigeria's disaster resilience. The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has reiterated the Agency's commitment to harness...

The Philippines has formally deposited its official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) with the United Nations, reinforcing its maritime entitlements under international law and strengthening the country's legal position in the South China Sea. Philippine officials described the move as another milestone in promoting transparency, legal certainty, and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Key Takeaways The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc with the United Nations on 29 July 2026. The move complies with Article 16 of UNCLOS, requiring coastal states to publicize official maritime baselines. The chart outlines the feature's normal baselines, territorial sea, and contiguous zone. Philippine officials say the deposit strengthens legal certainty and transparency regarding the country's maritime claims. The government reaffirmed its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully und...