The Philippines bans child marriage
Under the new law, culpable parties can face prison terms of up to 12 years for marrying or cohabiting with anyone under the age of 18.
Nations
This archive collects milestones and progress stories involving nations — countries and their governments — acting to improve lives, protect rights, or address shared challenges. From policy breakthroughs to international cooperation, these stories show what countries are doing right.
Israel lifts surrogacy ban for same-sex parents
The new law will also grant equal access to surrogate pregnancy for all, including single men and transgender individuals.
Canada pledges billions of dollars to compensate Indigenous children
$15.75 billion USD will be allotted to Indigenous children who were unfairly placed in the welfare system, faced delays in accessing services, or did not receive them at all.
U.K. to pardon all past convictions of consensual homosexual activity
The new amendment will pardon any conviction over homosexual activity that is no longer a crime today and that did not involve anyone under the age of 16.
Psychedelics approved for medical use in Canada
Health Canada’s change to federal regulations makes restricted drugs psilocybin and MDMA more realistic alternatives to patients suffering life-threatening mental illnesses.
Pakistan confirms appointment of first female Supreme Court judge
A commission that decides on the promotion of judges on Thursday voted to make 55-year-old Justice Ayesha Malik the first female judge on the Supreme Court in the 75 years since the South Asian country’s independence.
Kazakhstan abolishes death penalty
President Tokayev signed a law on ratification of the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with the purpose of abolishing the death penalty.
Wind power becomes Spain’s leading energy source for 2021
So far this year, renewable sources have contributed almost 47% of the country’s total consumption needs compared to less than 30% a decade ago.
France passes sweeping conversion therapy ban
Conversion therapy practitioners can face prison time and fines because “homosexuality and trans identity aren’t sicknesses that can be cured.”
Malta becomes first E.U. nation to legalize cannabis
Malta has become the first European Union country to legalize personal cannabis cultivation and use, with parliament passing the bill 36 to 27. Adults can now grow up to four plants at home and carry small amounts without facing criminal charges, while regulated nonprofit associations will handle distribution. Minors found with cannabis will be referred to care or treatment rather than arrested — a quiet but meaningful shift toward treating drug use as a health matter, not a crime. With Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland moving in similar directions, Malta’s vote signals that laws once considered politically untouchable are being reimagined across Europe, opening space for more humane approaches to drug policy worldwide.