UN to hear human rights complaint over New Zealand’s treatment of Māori

NSW Liberal insiders indicate that support is gathering around Kellie Sloane, the member for Vaucluse, amid discussions of a potential leadership spill. Meanwhile, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy reaffirmed Australia's commitment to hosting the UN climate summit in Adelaide next year, emphasizing the importance of Pacific voices in climate action negotiations.

New Zealand has announced a ban on new prescriptions of puberty-blocking drugs for young transgender individuals. Critics of the decision warn that it could have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of those affected. This move comes amid a global debate regarding the increasing number of adolescents seeking gender transition, highlighting concerns over the speed of medication prescriptions versus the need for access to potentially life-saving treatments.

At COP30, President Lula of Brazil is attempting to mediate between negotiating countries as scientists emphasize the urgent need for emissions reductions to prevent widespread suffering. Indigenous leader Nazaré Oliveira highlights the spiritual connection to nature, advocating for a positive mindset towards environmental decisions. The conference is marked by heightened militarization and ongoing protests, reflecting the critical stakes involved in climate negotiations.

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has described el-Fasher in Sudan as a 'crime scene' following the takeover by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for attacks on civilians in the western Darfur region, urging that they must 'face justice.' The ongoing violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the area.

Nicki Minaj, the Trinidadian rapper based in the US, recently addressed the United Nations in New York, where she supported a controversial claim made by the Trump administration regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Her statements, however, have been criticized for lacking substantial evidence.

World Toilet Day aims to inspire actions to address the global sanitation crisis, with approximately 3.4 billion people lacking safe sanitation. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the 'Chinese Toilet Revolution' initiated by President Xi Jinping, which focuses on improving bathroom and hygiene standards in China. Despite significant advancements, further efforts are necessary to enhance sanitation conditions.

Donald Trump stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, contradicting U.S. intelligence findings. Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by a team allegedly linked to the Crown Prince. This statement has reignited discussions about accountability and the implications for U.S.-Saudi relations.

A rare pink grasshopper has been discovered in New Zealand's South Island, specifically near Lake Tekapo in the MacKenzie basin. This native species, which is usually grey or brown, exhibited a pink hue believed to be the result of a genetic mutation. The sighting occurred during an annual grasshopper survey conducted by researchers from the department of conservation, who were surprised to find the dark pink female grasshopper basking in the sun alongside a river.