Mexico is first country in North America and 41st in the world to ban animal cosmetic testing
The new law also forbids the manufacture, marketing, and import of cosmetics that have been tested on animals in other countries.
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.
Scotland joins growing global movement towards a four-day workweek
Scotland plans to launch a trial four-day workweek. Workers will have their hours reduced by 20%, but won’t suffer any loss in compensation.
China steps in to regulate brutal ‘996’ work culture
Many workers in China currently work more than 300 hours a month, far exceeding legal limits. Now, the Chinese government is stepping in to curb these abusive practices.
Serbia foregoes lengthy, costly permits for rooftop solar panels
The Serbian government has completely flipped on solar permitting, going from extremely difficult to unbeaten ease and convenience, promising to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy in the country,
China bans written exams for six- and seven-year-olds as it retools education system
Beijing on Monday banned written exams for six- and seven-year-olds, as part of sweeping education reforms aimed at relieving pressure on pupils and parents in China’s hyper-competitive school system.
Algeria becomes world’s last country to officially end use of leaded gasoline
The world is officially rid of one particularly insidious fossil fuel that for decades was a major cause of public health problems in developing countries, especially in Africa.
Thailand releases inmates following ‘Kratom’ decriminalization and erases their criminal records
Over 10,000 offenders and inmates are being released from prisons following the legalization of the plant “Kratom” in Thailand. Legally, these prisoners will be considered as having never committed an offense.
HBCUs across the U.S. clear student balances and cancel debt with federal funds
Federal stimulus funds have enabled the U.S. Department of Education to make significant investments in under-resourced colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, including more than $2.6 billion to HBCUs.
Argentina’s new trans employment law further protects LGBTQ rights
In June, the country passed a new law establishing a one percent quota for transgender people employed in the public sector, which means that one percent of all public sector jobs should be held by trans people.
U.S. EPA limits pesticide pollution into rivers and streams to protect Pacific salmon and trout
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finally acting to protect more than two dozen endangered West Coast salmon and steelhead species from pesticides.