Stories by Lydia Lewis
News
Countdown starts to Japan's first release of treated nuclear wastewater
Japan will start releasing treated nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean in about 24 hours.
Uncertainty remains in Pacific as Japan due to make Fukushima decision
Pacific leaders are still on the fence about proposed plans to release treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific - with Japan's announcement about its start date imminent.
Witness to brutal murder in Manus detention centre fights on for justice
The roommate of a refugee bludgeoned to death by guards and other local contractors in an Australian-run detention centre on Manus Island nine years ago is not stopping in his fight for justice. Audio
Vanuatu PM survives controversial vote of no confidence
The opposition in Vanuatu has dramatically failed to oust the Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau in a no-confidence motion.
Refugee advocate calls for inquiry into Australia's offshore detention regime
A former refugee wants Canberra to support a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Australia's handling of offshore processing practices. Audio
It's been a 'low' low season for Rarotonga fishermen
Fishermen in the Cook Islands want government intervention to stop foreign vessels coming in and fishing in their waters.
Entire village tested as covid reaches third Tokelauan atoll
The number of covid-19 community cases in Tokelau has surpassed 50 and has cropped up on all three atolls.
Pacific Islands Forum chair confident in safety of Japan's release into ocean
The Pacific Islands Forum chair Mark Brown says the planned release of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean cannot be a breach of the Rarotonga Treaty as it's a controlled release and not… Audio
UN nuclear watchdog boss defends position on Japan's wastewater dump
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has hit back at suggestions its standards are outdated.
IAEA to visit NZ and Rarotonga over Fukushima wastewater dump
The United Nations' nuclear watchdog is travelling to New Zealand and Rarotonga to present its report on the Safety Review of the ALPS-treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
PIF panelist hits back at IAEA 'Fukushima is safe' decision
A Pacific Islands Forum expert panellist has criticised the UN's atomic energy agency for "ignoring one of its own fundamental principles", in its report on the upcoming dump of treated nuclear…
Atomic Energy Agency says Japan's Pacific wasterwater dump plan is safe
The International Atomic Energy Agency says Japan's approach to discharge treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific is consistent with relevant international safety standards.
Final inspection of Japan's Fukushima discharge facilities wraps up
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has completed a pre-use inspection of the facilities to be used to dilute and discharge more than one-million tonnes of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific.
Rarotonga Treaty could be 'undermined' if Pacific leaders don't oppose Japan's nuclear dump
An international law expert says Pacific leaders could be undermining the objectives of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, otherwise known as the Rarotonga Treaty. Audio
Race on to document Melanesian tongues says researcher
A Pacific language researcher says there is a race against time to document creole languages in Melanesia before they evolve or die out. Audio
Nuclear experts would drink Japan's treated radioactive wastewater
Independent nuclear experts have offered to drink water and eat fish from the Pacific Ocean after Japan dumps its nuclear wastewater into the Pacific.
'Mental torture': Protesters want refugee freed from detention
As Australian protesters gathered outside the Brisbane detention centre calling for the freedom of a Nauru refugee, the man pleaded with authorities to release him. Audio
Australia urged to help refugees experiencing 'life and death' situation in PNG
Calls are growing louder for Canberra to bring all refugees - who had sought asylum in Australia but were detained offshore - into the country for medical treatment and processing.
Sextortion issue in the Pacific
Preliminary findings of a new Transparency International survey has found sextortion - demanding sexual favours in return for public services - is a major issue in parts of the Pacific.
'Take responsibility': first year of AUS/NZ refugee deal will not be met
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says it is not dragging the chain in processing refugees from Nauru under the New Zealand - Australia Resettlement Arrangement.
Tokelau Covid: Two new cases announced as lockdown ends
Tokelau's largest atoll, Nukunonu, is now out of lockdown after experiencing its first community cases of Covid-19.
Tonga's Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu passes away at 75
Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu of the Kingdom of Tonga has died aged 75.
Pacific health, IT and water to benefit from Indian commitment
Pacific nations will receive substantial backing from India that will boost water supply and health in the region.
'Two-way highway': PNG-US defence pact signed
Papua New Guinea advances milestone security pact with United States inspite of calls for more transparency and public consultation.
'There must be clarity': PNG students protest US defence deal
University students in Papua New Guinea are protesting against the signing of a defence cooperation agreement with the United States expected to take place today.