In the wake of the first few hundred Syrian refugees voluntarily returning from Lebanon to war-torn Syria, it is imperative that Lebanon reassesses its obligations as a host country. Whilst it is unlikely that Lebanon will become party to the refugee convention, an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the UNHCR could be the solution.
Ghana is losing revenue from its oil resources due to ineffective taxation, bad contracts and institutional weakness. It requires contract renegotiation and implementation of a wind-fall profit tax in order to maximize revenue from the country’s oil.
At first glance, climate change seems an intractable problem. Cap-and-trade could provide the solution. But first, it needs reforms and better communication.
In recent years, authoritarian and semi-authoritarian states have used technological advancements to extend influence or control over “their” diaspora for political purposes. Recent examples of this are troubling: as the long arms of authoritarian states increasingly undermine social cohesion and democratic values, the need for adequate policy responses in democratic states has become urgent.
China is taking a leading role in the clean energy transition and improving its position in renewable energy innovation. The EU must engage with China in renewable energy research and development if it wants to accelerate the clean energy transition and drive global climate change action.
The humanitarian sector has been lagging behind in preventing sexual harassment and abuse committed between humanitarian workers. In the aftermath of the Oxfam scandal, the issue is gaining momentum. But words must be followed by the implementation of robust counter-policies.