Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG), an island nation in the southwestern Pacific, is facing multiple challenges. Escalating tribal violence in the Highlands region has prompted a national gun amnesty and buyback program. Simultaneously, the government's decision to shut down Starlink internet services has caused widespread frustration among businesses and communities reliant on the satellite internet provider. PNG's relationship with Australia is also under scrutiny. A UN committee found Australia exposed an Iranian asylum seeker to torture and ill-treatment while detained in PNG, raising concerns about international obligations. Furthermore, a cruise ship, the Coral Adventurer, ran aground off the coast, requiring passengers to be flown home. These events highlight PNG's ongoing struggles with internal security, technological access, and its role in regional issues, particularly regarding asylum seekers and maritime safety.