Palau on pathway to establish NHRI

The APF and the Government of the Republic of Palau have agreed to work together to explore the potential establishment of national human rights institution in the Pacific Island country.

The agreement came at the end of a week-long visit in April 2011 by representatives of the APF and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), following an invitation from Palau’s Minister of State.

During the visit, they met with senior members of the Government, Senators and Delegates, key Government advisors and civil society representatives to discuss the benefits that a national human rights institution could bring to Palau.

The APF and PIFS will return to Palau later in the year to conduct a formal consultation, involving members of the government and legislature, the judiciary, traditional leaders, non-governmental organisations and representatives from other key stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, minority groups, faith-based groups and professional associations.

The primary goal of the consultation will be to obtain their views on establishing a national human rights institution and what model would be most appropriate to Palau.

Following the consultation, a report will be prepared for the Government that summarises the key issues raised by stakeholders, identifies a preferred model and sets out a clear roadmap for establishing a national human rights institution in line with the international standards set out in the Paris Principles.

The Government of Palau reported on its work in partnership with the APF during its presentation to the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review in Geneva on 3 May 2011.

During the review, a number of States called on Palau to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles.

Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship in 1994, Palau is one of the world's youngest and smallest sovereign states.

Located in the Pacific Ocean to the east of the Philippines, it has a population of approximately 21,000.

In April 2009, government representatives from Palau and other Pacific Island countries took part in a regional workshop to examine pathways for establishing national human rights institutions.

Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Nauru are currently taking steps towards this goal.

The APF welcomes the commitment shown by the Government of Palau to advance human rights in the region.

Date: 11 May 2011