Evening Brief – 23rd of Oct

Today’s briefing covers escalating conflict risks, humanitarian concerns, public health, environmental protection and policy changes in Australia and beyond.

Top Stories

1. Iran says 7 oil tankers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as fears grow of a return to war – Iran says seven oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening fears of renewed conflict.
2. ICRC Warns of Rising Civilian Toll from Aerial and Drone Attacks in Sudan – The International Committee of the Red Cross says aerial and likely drone attacks in Sudan are causing more civilian casualties.
3. UNICEF Reports Ongoing Child Casualties Across the Gaza Strip – UNICEF reports that children continue to be killed and injured across the Gaza Strip.
4. UNICEF and Gavi Secure 40 Per Cent Price Cut for RTS,S Malaria Vaccine – UNICEF and Gavi have secured an approximately 40 per cent price reduction for the RTS,S malaria vaccine.
5. NSW Parliament Passes Legislation to Establish Great Koala National Park – New South Wales Parliament has passed legislation to establish the Great Koala National Park.
6. Australian Human Rights Commission Releases Follow-Up Report on Women at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre – A follow-up report says significant concerns about the treatment of women at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre remain unresolved.
7. RSF Assessment Finds Limited Progress on Mexican Government’s Press Freedom Pledges – Reporters Without Borders says Mexico’s government has made limited progress on its press freedom commitments.
8. NSW Government Passes Legislation to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics and Regulate Disposable Cups – New South Wales has passed reforms to reduce plastic waste, restrict microplastics and phase out some single-use items.
9. Governments Finalise Post-Mining Rezoning Plans for Hunter Region – Australian and New South Wales governments and local councils have finalised plans to rezone former mining land in the Hunter region.
10. A new era of humanitarian disaster risk financing: WFP becomes first UN agency to join CCRIF | World Food Programme – The World Food Programme has become the first UN agency to join the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility and obtain parametric insurance coverage.