The case of alleged genocide by Myanmar’s military against the Rohingya in 2017 has opened at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The case, initiated by Gambia, comes after years of international inertia, in a context currently marked by deep political and military upheavals in Myanmar. The 2021 coup, the ongoing civil war, and shifting alliances on the ground are making the trial increasingly disconnected from current reality.
With 4.62 births per thousand people and a fertility rate set to fall below 0.8, Taiwan reported the worst demographic figures in the world in 2025. Births have dropped by half in 10 years, and today more than 20 per cent of the population is over 65. In response, the government has proposed reforms in healthcare, welfare, and social assistance.
Between 31 December and 10 January, the rites of the novena and the Traslación, the procession of the venerated statue in the Quiapo district of Manila. It was the longest procession ever, lasting over 30 hours. Devotee tells AsiaNews: ‘The huge crowd strengthens my faith.’ Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. against corruption: ‘Humble yourselves for the sake of mercy.’
The new book by the Capuchin friar at the forefront of service to persecuted Christians and displaced populations was presented in Lahore. The book draws on biblical teachings and the Catechism of the Catholic Church on welcoming strangers and calls for creativity in responding to people's needs.
Today's headlines: in Hong Kong, the “mitigation hearing” begins in the trial of Jimmy Lai, who is feared to face life imprisonment. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi may call early elections. Second phase of elections in Myanmar called for by the coup junta. Nepal and Bangladesh ready to resume trade talks frozen since 2020. Pyongyang asks Seoul for explanations regarding a southern drone that allegedly violated North Korean airspace.
With falling oil prices, double-digit inflation and a weak national currency, the World Bank predicts that growth in 2026 will not exceed 4.5%. And there is controversy in the country over the VAT increase, which could lead to a general decline in the standard of living of the Kazakh population.
