Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG), an island nation in the southwestern Pacific, is currently facing multiple challenges that have brought it into the international spotlight. Firstly, Australia has been accused by the UN of exposing an Iranian asylum seeker to torture and ill-treatment while detained in PNG facilities, raising concerns about international obligations and human rights. Secondly, the PNG government's decision to shut down Starlink internet services has sparked widespread frustration, particularly among businesses, health providers, and remote communities reliant on the satellite internet provider. This action has highlighted the importance of internet access for development and communication in PNG. Finally, the grounding of the Australian cruise ship Coral Adventurer off the coast of PNG, carrying 124 people, has added to the nation's recent troubles. The incident, compounded by an ongoing investigation into the ship allegedly leaving behind a deceased passenger, underscores the challenges of maritime safety and tourism in the region.