Every year, tens of thousands of people are reported missing, yet there is no official data on how many are Jōhatsu, people who choose to voluntarily sever all ties with their former lives. Debts, social pressures, and domestic violence drive some to turn to yonige-ya, agencies that help people relocate without leaving a trace, while families are left in a state of suspended uncertainty.
Arbitrary arrests and secret detentions key tools of Assad’s repression. Hundreds of journalists have been killed or are missing, and nearly 1,400 have been arrested. The challenge facing activist NGOs is to transform the archives documenting these acts of repression into evidence that can be used in legal proceedings.
Bishops from various countries across the continent and from Australia discuss the challenges faced, as well as the role of migrant communities in evangelisation. Superior General Fr Chiarello: “Let us move beyond the narrative of fear”. A Scalabrinian community will soon be established in East Timor too, to provide support in migrants’ countries of origin as well.
In its first season, the China-Europe Arctic Express has transported more than 14,000 containers via the Northern Sea Route, but variable transit times raise questions about the commercial viability of the connection. Furthermore, the route remains dependent on Russian authorisations and services.
Today’s headlines: Pakistan, ambush on police vehicles in the north-west: 10 officers and 18 militants killed; Xi Jinping: resolving the Taiwan issue is an “unwavering historic mission”; Tamil Nadu public library under fire for allegedly purchasing hundreds of AI-generated books; Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, at least six casualties.
Fears are growing amongst those who believe the Shia movement is seeking to establish a foothold in Maronite territories. Massive purchases of property, via frontmen, are being made to distort the demographics and political influence of the area. The Patriarchate believes that certain waves of these purchases appear to be part of a deliberate strategy.
The blaze broke out in a remote area of Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border. The cause of the fire, which reportedly started in a kitchen, remains unknown. The husband is currently missing. The local Church is responding to the emergency, amid concerns regarding safety standards.
During his meeting with Kirill, he discussed “issues in inter-Orthodox relations and possible solutions”. Among the topics was the anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan in 2030. Against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine. On 30 November in Istanbul, the synod of the four Orthodox primates.
Activists and the UN are urging Phnom Penh to release the environmentalists on the eve of the summit, scheduled for 13–17. Among the heads of state attending is President Macron. The government aims to promote Khmer culture and erase the stigma associated with centres involved in online scams and human trafficking.
The former prime minister has left prison following a royal pardon, but the decision has reignited controversy over the fight against corruption and prompted the resignation of Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, without directly naming his predecessor, took to social media to highlight Islamic teachings on equality before the law.
Church and civil authorities, along with a Vatican delegation, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism. As the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate approaches, it remains highly relevant. Cardinal Coutts describes it as the foundation for a “major shift” in how the Church engages with other religions.
This is Leo XIV’s final day in Argentina. During a vigil with a million young people, he said: “stand firm before idols.” As Francis said, “everyone, everyone, everyone!” Leo reiterated that, “No one has fallen so low that Christ cannot raise them up.” This morning, the pontiff visited a prison in Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, he flew to Lima and "his" Peru.
According to an ILO study, agriculture and services are among the sectors most affected by heat stress; in a worst-case climate scenario, economic losses could reach 15.2 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2060.
A study reveals that a sharp rise in construction along Nepal’s rivers, up 78 per cent since 2016, is threatening entire communities. Indigenous groups are often at the greatest risk, while experts warn that land-use planning and mapping remain inadequate.
The practice of wearing a costume depicting a character from manga, video games or films is now widespread amongst young Chinese people. And it often happens that they find themselves in front of churches to take their photos. An AsiaNews source living in China describes the reactions of the Christian community.
She was eight months old when the atomic bomb destroyed her city. Ten years later, she met the co-pilot of the Enola Gay and realised she no longer wanted revenge. In Milan, she told her story to over 300 young people from Sant’Egidio: “You must know what happened, so that it never happens again”.
For Masar Jadid leader Samer Sinijlawi, the turnout was crucial. Now the goal is to mobilise Palestinians for a Palestinian election in March. The high turnout in East Jerusalem is another sign of change. For Adel Misk, at the polls, the voiceless revived the Palestinian issue.
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