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Flinders University researchers are turning mining waste into a powerful tool for sustainable construction – proving that superior construction materials can be developed from unlikely sources.

In a major building block that could help to reshape the future of construction materials, Dr Aliakbar Gholampour from Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering has uncovered promising applications for a rare earth by-product in concrete production.

The study focuses on Delithiated β-spodumene (DβS), a by-product of lithium refining, which exhibits pozzolanic properties – meaning it reacts chemically to enhance the strength and durability of concrete. The research shows that when used in geopolymer binders, DβS can significantly improve mechanical performance and long-term resilience.

“By examining the microstructural behaviour of DβS-based geopolymers under varying alkaline activator ratios, we’ve gained critical insights into its suitability as a sustainable concrete ingredient,” says Dr Gholampour, a Senior Lecturer in Civil and Structural Engineering.

Conventional concrete is the world’s most manufactured item and most widely used construction material, with 25 billion tonnes used every year – but it consumes about 30% of non-renewable natural resources, emitting about 8% of atmospheric greenhouse gases and comprising up to 50% of landfill.

Creating an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional concrete, without sacrificing either strength or durability, will substantially reduce the consumption of natural resources, waste and emissions.

The findings of the new studies by Dr Gholampour and his team provide insight to the effective incorporation of DβS as an alternative ingredient to fly ash (a coal combustion by-product) in the creation of geopolymer binders. It also identifies the optimal alkaline ratio range for use in geopolymer.

“This approach not only enhances mechanical properties and durability of geopolymer concrete, but also addresses a growing environmental concern by diverting DβS from landfill,” says Dr Gholampour.

“With lithium refining responsible for generating increased volumes of DβS, the capability to reuse this in construction offers a sustainable solution that will reduce industrial waste, prevent potential soil and groundwater contamination, and support circular economic practices in the mining and building sectors.”

The findings – “Advanced characterization of ambient-cured geopolymer paste with delithiated β-Spodumene: effect of Na2SiO3–to–NaOH ratio on performance and microstructure” (DOI: 10.1617/s11527-025-02789-5) and “Reactions, phase evolution, and microstructure of ambient-cured geopolymer with delithiated β-spodumene” (DOI: 10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-21163) by Mohammad Kiamahalleh, Aliakbar Gholampour, Youhong Tang and Tuan Ngo (The University of Melbourne) – have been published in Materials and Structures journal and Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering.

This builds on an important series of research papers published this year by Dr Gholampour’s research team – from testing alternative compositions of improved construction materials to the more effective use of 3D printing of concrete.

These include: Effect of polypropylene and polyvinyl alcohol fibres on mechanical behaviour and durability of geopolymers containing lead slag: Testing, optimisation and life cycle assessment(published in Construction and Building Materials journal);  An interpretable XGBoost-SHAP machine learning model for reliable prediction of mechanical properties in waste foundry sand-based eco-friendly concrete (published in Results in Engineering journal); and A reliable hybrid extreme learning machine-metaheuristic framework for enhanced strength prediction of 3D-printed fibre-reinforced concrete (published in Results in Engineering journal).

The authors also joined experts from Vietnam, Korea and Algeria to publish ‘Designing a robust extreme gradient boosting model with SHAP-based interpretation for predicting carbonation depth in recycled aggregate concrete’  in Artificial Intelligence Review this month.

Together, these studies demonstrate a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to sustainable construction innovation.

From repurposing locally-sourced industrial by-products such as DβS to integrating advanced machine learning models and 3D printing technologies, Dr Gholampour’s research team is paving the way for smarter, greener and more resilient construction materials and technologies.

“These findings not only contribute to reducing environmental impact and resource consumption but also enhance the performance, predictability and adaptability of next-generation concrete systems,” says Dr Gholampour.

Acknowledgements: The DβS study received financial assistance from Cooperative Research Centres Projects Grant (CRCPEIGHT000073). The authors also acknowledge Backtech Pty Ltd for supplying delithiated beta spodumene material, and the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University for support.

Swinburne University of Technology researchers are helping local businesses take the guesswork out of sustainability with a new digital tool that measures how “circular” their operations are – and shows them practical ways to improve.

Led by Dr Olamide Shittu from Swinburne University of Technology, CircularDiagnostics has been developed in partnership with six Victorian councils – Boroondara, Glen Eira, Bayside, Ballarat, Nillumbik Shire and Mornington Peninsula Shire.

The online tool allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the retail trade sector to assess their progress towards circular economy practices and receive tailored recommendations for reducing waste, reusing materials and operating more sustainably.

“Many small businesses want to do the right thing but don't know where to start,” says Dr Shittu.

“CircularDiagnostics gives them a clear picture of where they stand and practical, achievable steps to move forward.”

With the prototype previously funded by Sustainability Victoria, the project aims to make circular economy adoption more accessible to businesses that don't have the resources for expensive consulting or complex sustainability audits.

The tool is currently being refined for its second testing phase, with a focus on the retail sector – including food, textiles, furniture and hardware businesses.

Unlike traditional assessments, CircularDiagnostics not only supports individual businesses but also provides valuable insights for local councils and other changemakers. By aggregating anonymous data, it helps governments, financial institutions and industry groups understand how businesses in their regions are progressing and where further support is needed.

“For councils, it's a way to see what's happening on the ground,” Dr Shittu explains.

“It bridges the gap between policy and practice, helping governments understand what their local businesses need to thrive sustainably.”

The team plans to make CircularDiagnostics available to businesses later this year via circulardiagnostics.com, offering free access for small and medium enterprises through partnerships. Councils and other changemakers will be able to subscribe to the platform, enabling local businesses to use the tool at no cost and benefit from tailored sustainability insights.

For businesses that wish to subscribe independently, the annual fee will remain low to encourage participation. Subscribers will receive quarterly reports that track their progress over time, including data visualisations and scores showing how their sustainability performance improves as they implement recommended actions.

Dr Shittu says the potential benefits are far-reaching.

“This isn't just about compliance – it's about innovation. When businesses start thinking circularly, they find new ways to cut costs, reach new markets and boost profitability while doing good for the environment.”

By connecting the data needs of the industry and all levels of government with the sustainability ambitions of small businesses, CircularDiagnostics could play a key role in accelerating Australia's transition to a circular economy.

November 24 2025 – Bitcoin will rebound if the Federal Reserve cuts rates at their next meeting, predicts the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

The bullish prediction from deVere Group's Nigel Green comes ahead of the US central bank's meeting 9-10 December and as global crypto markets are being shaken by one of the sharpest retracements of the year, with Bitcoin falling from highs above $120,000 to levels near $80,000 in a matter of weeks.

He says: “The scale of this pullback is the market's response to uncertainty, not a collapse in underlying demand. Many investors have been reducing exposure because they lack clarity on the Federal Reserve's next move, among other reasons. Once that clarity arrives, positioning will likely shift quickly.”

He emphasises that this correction is materially different from previous drawdowns. “The fall from $120,000 has eliminated layers of leverage that were built into the rally.

“More than $19 billion in long positions have already been liquidated. The market today is structurally cleaner than it was at the peak. This matters because Bitcoin's ability to recover depends on what remains after forced selling clears.”

Nigel Green argues that Bitcoin's behaviour over the past month reinforces a broader macro truth: liquidity is the dominant force in asset pricing.

“When liquidity contracts, even high-quality risk assets come under pressure. When liquidity expands, Bitcoin is one of the first beneficiaries. A 25-basis-point cut in December would shift financial conditions pretty much immediately.”

He notes that the dollar's trajectory is central to what happens next. “Lower rates weaken the dollar and reduce real yields.

“The combination pushes global capital toward assets with long-duration payoff profiles. Bitcoin sits firmly in that category. Investors respond quickly when the dollar softens because they reassess the opportunity cost of holding cash.”

For institutional investors, the Federal Reserve's communication will be as important as the rate move itself. “Forward guidance will determine how markets price the entire curve. Should policymakers indicate that further adjustments remain possible in 2026, then the impact will extend far beyond the December meeting. Investors would reposition across risk assets, and Bitcoin could be expected to capture a meaningful share of that rotation.”

Nigel Green says the recent volatility must be viewed in the context of a fragile global environment.

“Equity markets have retreated, data releases in the US were disrupted earlier in the autumn, and geopolitical tensions remain elevated. These factors have intensified risk aversion. But none of them diminish Bitcoin's long-term investment case.”

He adds that sophisticated investors are not interpreting the Bitcoin decline as a structural breakdown.

“Institutional desks are watching the $80,000–$90,000 area closely. They're analyzing it as a valuation zone with long-term appeal rather than a point of distress. This tells you where professional conviction stands.”

Nigel Green highlights several structural forces that continue to underpin Bitcoin, even in a correction.

“Supply is fixed, adoption remains on an upward trend, and the infrastructure supporting large-scale participation is improving.

“In addition, more sovereign wealth funds and corporate treasuries are assessing digital assets as part of strategic diversification. These developments create a demand base that did not exist in earlier cycles.”

He argues that the interplay between these long-term factors and near-term monetary policy creates a powerful setup. “When structural demand meets improving liquidity, the effect is amplified. Bitcoin has already shown this repeatedly across multiple cycles. The drawdown does not erase that dynamic.”

Nigel Green expects investors to respond quickly if the Federal Reserve delivers a cut.

“Volatility will spike around the announcement, but underlying flows are likely to shift in Bitcoin's favor. Investors want to deploy capital; they simply want assurance that monetary conditions are moving in the right direction.”

He concludes: “This Fed meeting is going to be a decisive moment for digital-asset markets. Bitcoin has absorbed a severe correction, but the essential foundations remain strong.

“A rate cut would strengthen liquidity, lift market confidence, and set the stage for the next phase of Bitcoin's long-term upward trajectory.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

November 24 2025 – Rachel Reeves will cement her deep unpopularity and won't be forgiven by the public if she tinkers inheritance tax allowances, warns the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organisations.

Nigel Green of deVere Group is weighing in on the growing speculation ahead of the UK Chancellor's critical Budget on Wednesday.

“Altering the thresholds now would trigger a backlash unlike anything the Treasury has faced in years.

“Families across the UK are already stretched by frozen thresholds, rising asset values, and steadily increasing fiscal drag, and that any attempt to worsen the position would be a political and economic misjudgement of remarkable scale.

“Inheritance tax is already regarded as the most-hated tax in the country. People accept income tax. They accept VAT. They even tolerate capital gains tax. Yet they see inheritance tax as fundamentally unfair because it strikes after a lifetime of tax-paying. Reducing allowances would not simply annoy voters. It would infuriate them.”

The freeze on the £325,000 nil-rate band has remained in place since 2009, during which time house prices, investment portfolios, and business assets have risen at rates that far exceed any measure of wage growth.

Inflation has further eroded the real value of the allowance, pushing increasing numbers of ordinary families into a tax regime originally designed for the very wealthy.

The deVere CEO continues: “If the allowance had kept pace with inflation, it would be comfortably above £500,000. People know that.

“They see their parents' homes worth more. They see their pensions worth more. They see the Treasury benefiting from a threshold that refuses to move. This is not a tax on the rich anymore. This is a tax on households who never imagined they would face it.”

Forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility show inheritance tax revenues climbing towards levels unthinkable a decade ago.

The Treasury collected just over £2 billion in 2009. Projections point toward receipts well above £14 billion by the end of the decade, driven not by rising rates but by a frozen system that draws more families in each year without public debate or accountability.

Nigel Green says: “This is stealth taxation at its most aggressive. The public understands it. Families see the impact growing every year.

“The idea that the Chancellor might tighten allowances when people can clearly see the scale of the drag would push trust in economic leadership to a new low.”

He argues that the economic consequences would be just as damaging as the political ones. Families rely on inheritances for deposits, debt reduction, education support, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial resilience. Shrinking the allowance would suppress household financial momentum at a time when growth relies heavily on private-sector spending and investment.

He goes on to add:: “Inheritance transfers are vital to economic circulation. They help younger generations build assets. They support small businesses. They reinforce household balance sheets. Cutting allowances would pull oxygen from the economy.”

He adds that international comparisons strengthen the case for retaining the current structure. Many advanced economies have raised thresholds or entirely abolished inheritance taxes in recognition of demographic change, rising asset valuations, and the competitiveness of global capital flows.

The UK risks positioning itself as an outlier at precisely the moment when it needs to retain and attract wealth, talent, and investment.

Retaining the current allowances is “not a political luxury”, it's an economic imperative, says Nigel Green.

“Other countries are moving in the opposite direction because they recognise the long-term benefit of allowing families to pass on assets without punitive intervention. The UK cannot afford to drift backwards.”

He warns that reducing allowances now would deepen public frustration with fiscal policy and reinforce concerns about an erosion of personal financial autonomy.

The chief executive concludes: “If the allowances are cut, the public will not forget it.

“The resentment from the financial and economic negative fallout will endure for years.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Vienna, 24 November 2025 – The Republic of Namibia has confirmed it will host the next on-site inspection (OSI) Integrated Field Exercise, known as IFE26.

Scheduled to take place over six weeks in October and November 2026, it will be the third large scale on-site inspection exercise organised by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Previous IFEs were held in Kazakhstan in 2008 and in Jordan in 2014.

“While we rely on the International Monitoring System (IMS) for detecting nuclear test explosions, the final confirmation must still come from what is found on the ground, which is where on-site inspection will complete the picture. A CTBTO on-site inspection is designed to provide a clear, shared account for all to see, removing any chance of doubt or misinterpretation,” Executive Secretary Robert Floyd said.

On-site inspection will become operational once the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) enters into force and then serve as the final measure of determining whether a nuclear test explosion has taken place. A State Party may request an inspection of an area where it suspects such an event may have occurred, and any request must be approved by the CTBTO Executive Council. Should that happen, a trained inspection team would be deployed to the inspection area to carry out activities using the techniques and procedures set out in the Treaty and its Protocol.

Purpose of an Integrated Field Exercise

SINGAPORE – November 23rd, 2025 – CloudMile, a leading AI company in Asia, has been appointed by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) as one of the technology partners under the Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI). This partnership marks a significant step in Singapore’s national push to strengthen AI adoption and innovation across its enterprise landscape, as outlined in Budget 2025.

CloudMile Named Key Partner in Singapore’s National AI Push Under Budget 2025

Launched as part of Budget 2025, the ECI is a government-backed initiative that provides up to S$150 million, aimed at accelerating the use of AI and cloud technologies among local businesses, with a strong focus on digital competitiveness, talent capability development, and long-term scalability.

The ECI is overseen by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), which drives its implementation in collaboration with key ecosystem partners. DISG is a joint office of the Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)—set up to align digital industry development efforts across economic strategy, enterprise support and technology enablement.

As one of the key technology partners under the ECI framework, CloudMile will work directly with selected organisations to design AI blueprints, identify high-impact use cases, and co-develop prototypes with tangible business outcomes. The company will also provide post-prototype support in areas such as change management, technical maintenance, and talent upskilling.

CloudMile Launches AI Acceleration Program for Singapore Enterprises Under ECI

With deep experience across sectors like education, media, and finance, CloudMile helps organisations turn AI strategies into real-world results. CloudMile has developed its Generative AI Foundation Framework, designed to guide enterprises through every stage of their AI journey from opportunity assessment to deployment and scaling.

To support Singapore’s AI adoption under the ECI, CloudMile offers two targeted AI acceleration programs: AI-DIVE, a discovery session to assess readiness, and AI-STRAT, a rapid prototyping track to build and deploy generative AI solutions aligned with data and compliance best practices. Over the next 12 months, CloudMile will engage with more than 50 Singapore-based companies through a series of AI workshops, technical consultations, and rapid prototyping sprints.

Jeremy Heng, Managing Director, Southeast Asia at CloudMile, noted, “We are honoured to work alongside DISG to help Singaporean companies embrace AI. Our Generative AI Foundation Framework is designed to put AI into practice, while having the agility to adapt to changing landscape — guiding enterprises to move from ideas to scalable, real-world impact.”

Empowering Singapore Businesses to Scale with AI Innovation Support

CloudMile remains committed to supporting Singapore’s national AI vision and welcomes more enterprises to participate in its upcoming discovery sessions and ECI-led programs. Under the ECI program, CloudMile will provide end-to-end support across AI strategy, implementation, and change management, with consulting fees expected to be up to S$150,000 (up to 70% subsidised).

Together with DISG, CloudMile invites Singapore-based companies to join the ECI program and harness AI technologies to drive transformation and industry-wide innovation. Interested companies can learn more and register their interest at CloudMile’s ECI Program Page to be part of the next wave of AI-enabled enterprise transformation.

About CloudMile

CloudMile, a leading Asian AI solutions provider, integrates Agentic AI with robust security and strategic FinOps to boost enterprise forecasting and transformation. We empower over 1,200 businesses across Asia and beyond. Headquartered in Taipei and Singapore, CloudMile operates regional offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, delivering AI-driven growth and operational excellence. For more information, visit www.mile.cloud.

Suva, Fiji — The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is calling on the public across the country to turn out in numbers for marches on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and the global launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls.

Marches will be held simultaneously in Suva, Ba, and Nadi, all beginning at 9:30 am, followed by Women’s Rights Rallies in each location.

This year carries deep historical significance.

2025 marks 40 years since the first women’s march in Fiji, when Crisis Centre organisers mobilised on 25 November 1986 for what was then known as the International Day of Protest Against Violence Against Women and Children.

It also marks 34 years since the global 16 Days of Activism campaign began, underscoring decades of feminist organising and resistance.

“For forty years, women in Fiji have marched to make one message clear: violence against women and girls will not be tolerated,” said FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali. “We march because the violence continues, because women are still being killed, abused, blamed, and silenced. We march because change is possible — but only if we all stand together.”

“This is a sign of refusal to give up, and of a movement that remains strong, visible, and unshakable in demanding justice”.

Philippines police unlawfully targeted protesters with unnecessary and excessive force during anti-corruption marches in September, according to harrowing new testimony gathered by Amnesty International ahead of fresh protests planned across the country this weekend.

Ten people interviewed by Amnesty International detailed physical abuse – including violations that may amount to torture and other ill-treatment – by state forces following demonstrations in the capital Manila on 21 September 2025. The research comes as thousands prepare to return to the streets on 30 November in renewed protests against government corruption.

“The disturbing evidence we have gathered of unlawful force unleashed by the police against protesters and others on 21 September makes a mockery of the Philippine government’s repeated claim that it exercises ‘maximum tolerance’ during protests,” said Jerrie Abella, Amnesty International Regional Campaigner.

“Victims have described how police punched, kicked and hit people – including children – with batons as they were arrested, with appalling ill-treatment continuing in detention. The police must change course and respect people’s right to protest on 30 November and beyond.”

Police only stopped beatings ‘when they saw the media coming’

The Philippines’ biggest demonstrations in years took place on 21 September, as tens of thousands in Manila and elsewhere protested against corruption by government officials, high-level politicians and contractors in flood-control and infrastructure projects.

Isolated incidents of violence from some protesters, including setting vehicles on fire and throwing stones at the police, were reported in Manila. Manila police said they arrested and detained 216 people who were allegedly involved in the violence, including 91 children. Many are facing criminal charges.

However, Amnesty’s research indicates that peaceful protesters and bystanders were also violently targeted by the police.

Rey*, 20, recounted how three men in plain clothes – who he believes were police as they later handed him to uniformed officers – grabbed and punched him in the face as he tried to run away while holding a sign calling on people to take to the streets. The assault on Rey was captured in a video, by an unknown individual, which he found online and showed to Amnesty International.

“Police in uniform joined in to punch, kick and hit me with their batons. I briefly lost consciousness but woke up to pain as they dragged me by my hair,” Rey told Amnesty International.  

He said police accused him of taking part in violence that killed two officers, despite the fact that no police were killed in the protests. Rey said the beating only stopped when one officer warned the others that members of the media were approaching. He also described how he and his friend were taken by uniformed police into an ambulance, where they were beaten further.

Omar*, 25, said he was watching the protests with relatives in Mendiola Street, Manila when he was arrested. Police accused him of being among those who caused violence, including attacking the police. While walking with the police who arrested him, Omar said they passed other officers who punched and hit him with batons. He said he was then held in a tent with around 14 other people, one of whom “had blood dripping from a head wound” which he said was from being hit with a gun by a police officer.

Ahmed*, 17, was arrested alongside his relatives Yusuf*, 18, and Ali*, 19, who all live and do construction work near the protest site. They said they went out to buy rice and were waiting for police to allow them to pass through a protest area on their way back to the construction site when they were arrested.

“The police took us to a tent where they hit us with their batons. They punched us in the face and kicked our torsos,” Ali told Amnesty International. He said they were accused of attacking the police and subsequently detained.

‘I saw people coming out of the tent bloodied and bruised’

Greg*, 18, and Ryan*, 22, were arrested in separate incidents in Mendiola and Ayala Bridge in Manila for their alleged involvement in attacks against the police. Like all those interviewed, they were brought by the police to a blue tent in Mendiola, where police beat them further.

Lawyer Maria Sol Taule, from a legal aid group representing those interviewed, said the “notorious blue tent” served as a temporary holding area for those arrested. While it showed no outward sign of police affiliation, it appeared to be supervised by the police, according to the group’s investigation.

“I was so scared. I saw people coming out of the tent bloodied and bruised. Inside, they made me spread my hands and repeatedly hit both sides with their batons,” said Greg, who  showed Amnesty International welts on his back where he said he was struck.

Ryan said police hit him on his head and neck. “They saw me lift my head up and accused me of ‘verifying’ or looking at the faces of police to identify them,” he said. Others interviewed reported being similarly hit following the same accusation by police.

“I told myself, I was done for. I’d never make it out of this tent alive,” said Michael*, 23, who described being punched, kicked and hit with batons by police. He was arrested with his girlfriend Sam*, 21, and their friend Lena*, 22, before all three were detained at a police station. They said they went to the protest just to watch and take videos but were arrested for allegedly committing violence.

Sam and Lena were not hurt but could hear people being beaten nearby.  “Even now, I can still hear the cries coming from the tent. I have problems sleeping, imagining how they beat up Michael,” Sam said.

The beatings were so severe that some victims needed medical treatment, according to Taule. She said one individual sustained injuries including a dislocated jaw when he was hit by the police with a baton in the face.  Others – including Michael, Sam and Lena – lost their jobs after failing to report to work as they were detained.

All those interviewed maintained they were not involved in the violence of which they were accused by the police.

Manila police have denied allegations of torture and other ill-treatment, maintaining they continued to observe “maximum tolerance” even while some protesters committed violence.

International standards require police to always apply non-violent means first before resorting to force, and as a rule force must not be used against peaceful protesters. Even where some protesters engage in acts of violence, and the use of force becomes unavoidable, law enforcement must use only the minimum necessary force to achieve a legitimate objective. The use of force for the purpose of punishment is prohibited at all times.

“These testimonies indicate that police brazenly flouted these standards, using isolated incidents of violence as an excuse to brutally crack down on peaceful protesters and bystanders, and using force to punish them,” Jerrie Abella said.  

“It is crucial that these violations by the Manila police are promptly, impartially and effectively investigated and that the officers responsible are held accountable.”

Detention beyond maximum period allowed by law

Many of those arrested were detained for at least 10 days after their arrest and only released after posting bail of PhP 18,000 (USD 304) each.

On 25 September, lawyers’ groups filed a court motion seeking the release of over 100 people still detained without charge, or beyond the maximum 36 hours of detention allowed for warrantless arrests under Philippine law. Only those who had undergone inquest proceedings were subsequently released that day.

On 4 November, police said 97 individuals had been charged with conspiracy, sedition and other crimes over the protests.

Police said they released all children three days after their arrest. However, a children’s rights advocate supporting some children, who requested anonymity for their safety, told Amnesty the last detained child was released on 29 September, more than a week after being arrested.

According to the advocate, the children were arrested and beaten by the police during arrest and inside the tent, detained, and forced to do hours of community service upon release as “punishment”. The children were either bystanders who did not participate in the protests or protesters who maintained they were not involved in violent acts, the advocate said.

Investigation needed into allegations of torture and other ill-treatment and unlawful use of force

Amnesty International calls on the Philippine government to promptly, impartially and effectively investigate the unlawful use of force by the Manila police and all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment and to guarantee effective remedies and reparations for all victims.

Particular measures must be taken to facilitate children to exercise their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and protect them from unlawful use of force, noting that they are particularly vulnerable to its harmful impact.

Philippine authorities policing protests should also ensure full adherence to international standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

“Philippine authorities have an obligation to maintain law and order but also to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Charges against people arrested solely for exercising these rights must be dropped,” Jerrie Abella said.

“Filipinos peacefully taking to the streets this weekend have a right to protest against corruption without fear. The police must ensure their safety, not target them with violence.”

*Names were changed upon request safety reasons

Chișinău, November 21, 2025 – The Republic of Moldova is strengthening its position as a regional technology hub, with Romania and Ukraine now ranking as the top two foreign investors in the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) — surpassing the United States, which previously held the leading position.

According to MITP data for the third quarter of 2025, MITP hosts 53 registered companies from Romania, Ukraine 49, and the United States 39. This shift reflects a growing regional reorientation of investment interest towards Moldova's rapidly developing digital economy.

“While the United States continues to generate the highest revenues among foreign-invested companies, the surge from Romania and Ukraine underscores Moldova's increasing attractiveness as a destination for technology investment. Our competitive tax regime, advanced digital infrastructure, and geographical proximity make MITP a thriving regional hub for innovation.”

Says Nadejda Hodus, Financial Manager of the Moldova Innovation Technology Park.

Financial data highlights this momentum. Romanian companies generated 285.5 million MDL in turnover during the first nine months of 2025 and are projected to reach 380 million MDL by year-end. American companies remain the top revenue performers with over 1.1 billion MDL expected this year, while Ukrainian firms have nearly tripled their 2023 results, approaching 190 million MDL.

Labor market dynamics show similar growth. Romanian and U.S. companies employ around 510 and 1,080 specialists, respectively, while Ukrainian firms have doubled their workforce, now exceeding 260 professionals.

“Moldova is increasingly positioning itself as a bridge between Central and Eastern Europe and the global digital market. We see a rising number of companies choosing Moldova for its access to the European market and its strong pool of IT talent,” noted Marina Bzovîi, Administrator of the Moldova Innovation Technology Park.

As of the end of Q3 2025, 326 companies from 43 countries are operating under the MITP framework, with the total number of residents surpassing 2,600. This sustained expansion confirms the Park's growing international appeal and the success of Moldova's special tax and legal regime designed to foster innovation and attract global technology investors.

About the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

Chișinău, Moldova – November 21, 2025 – Invest Moldova announces a landmark achievement for the country's agri-food sector: Axedum, a family-run enterprise from Anenii Noi, has become the first Moldovan poultry producer officially authorized to export to the European Union. The milestone reflects the growing impact of Moldova's national efforts to modernize its production ecosystem and integrate more deeply into European value chains.

For Invest Moldova, Axedum's success is a clear demonstration of how targeted guidance, investor-facing support, and market expansion initiatives can translate into tangible results for Moldova's private sector. It also showcases Moldova's capacity to meet the EU's strict food safety, traceability, and quality requirements—an essential criterion for the country's long-term export diversification agenda.

Founded by Natalia and Sergiu Paladi, Axedum has evolved from a small family farm into a modern, EU-compliant production facility. The company's milestone reinforces the role of local producers in positioning Moldova as a reliable destination for high-standard agri-food goods.

 “We consider this an important moment for our family and for the agricultural sector in Moldova. Our goal has always been to bring high-quality, locally grown products to a wider market, and this authorization is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We have built everything gradually, step by step. We reinvested every leu back into the business, expanded our facilities, and worked with specialists to ensure our processes meet the highest European requirements.”,

says Natalia Paladi, co-founder of Axedum.

Axedum's achievement is likely to catalyze new momentum across the poultry and livestock segments, encouraging further investment in modern equipment, certification, and export-readiness systems. The agency continues to support Moldovan producers through market intelligence, international promotion, investment facilitation, and dedicated export advisory services.

 “With every new company that meets EU standards, Moldova strengthens its credibility as an emerging agri-food supplier to European markets. Axedum's accomplishment is not only a victory for one family-run business—it is an important signal of Moldova's growing competitiveness and the results of years of modernization efforts across the sectors.”,

says Natalia Bejan, Director of at Invest Moldova

Axedum has already shipped its first export batches to the EU, with plans to scale supply as demand develops. The company's success is expected to open the door for additional Moldovan producers seeking access to high-value markets.

About Invest Moldova
Invest Moldova is the national investment and export promotion agency, dedicated to advancing Moldova's global competitiveness. The agency supports international investors throughout the full investment cycle and assists Moldovan exporters with market entry, compliance, and expansion strategies. Through coordinated promotion, policy dialogue, and private-sector engagement, Invest Moldova works to attract investment, diversify exports, and strengthen Moldova's long-term economic growth.