Cambodian opposition figure Lim Kimya was killed in a daylight shooting in Bangkok, sparking concerns about the safety of dissidents in Southeast Asia. The killing is believed to be linked to an ex-Thai marine and marks a new reality for those who speak out against their governments. In related news, Cambodia has imprisoned several opposition figures, including Sun Chanthy, the former president of the Nation Power Party, on charges of incitement. Meanwhile, Thailand's treatment of dissidents from neighboring countries is being scrutinized by the UN Human Rights Council. In other developments, Indonesia has become the first Southeast Asian member of the BRICS group, a move seen as part of President Prabowo Subianto's more proactive approach to foreign policy. Japan is also strengthening its military capabilities, particularly in the southwestern Nansei island chain. The thaw in China-India ties may continue in 2025, but it remains to be seen how long this will last. In Sri Lanka, the new president is expected to continue the country's efforts on climate finance for vulnerable economies. In the US, several states are taking action on China, including Texas, Michigan, Hawaii, Florida, and Missouri. Uzbek officials were targeted by a failed plot to manipulate the US sanctions system. Malaysia's Anwar has denied covering up a document permitting ex-leader Najib Razak's house arrest. The Singaporean government is considering intervening in the online scam industry of neighboring countries. China and the US are cooperating on the fentanyl crisis, which could save lives and protect societies.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/killer-of-ex-cambodian-mp-wont-reveal-who-ordered-assassination-thai-police-say/Human rights groups are warning that migrant workers may face risks to their lives while building stadiums and other projects in preparation for the World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The country's laws, which restrict freedoms for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, have also been criticized at the United Nations Human Rights Council. This criticism comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with migrant workers from countries such as Nepal, India, and Bangladesh working on various projects in the region.
https://www.voanews.com/a/world-cup-visitors-will-live-in-a-bubble-not-see-real-life-saudi-rights-activist-says-/7931799.htmlThe US representative to the UN Human Rights Council, Michele Taylor, criticized the OHCHR for not addressing alleged human rights abuses committed by Ukrainians against Russian speakers in Ukraine. She disagreed with the OHCHR's assessment of Russia's actions, describing their documentation as "exemplary". The OHCHR reported that over 12,300 civilians have been killed and more than 27,800 injured since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, including over 650 children. The conflict has also resulted in significant damage to medical facilities and educational institutions, with over 700 medical facilities and 1,500 schools and colleges damaged or destroyed.
https://www.voanews.com/a/un-accuses-russia-of-waging-war-of-attrition-against-ukraine/7930919.html