Bolstering rights protection in the Pacific

The merits of a regional human rights mechanism for the Pacific, and possible pathways to establish one within a realistic timeframe, were key discussion topics at a major regional consultation held recently in Suva, Fiji.

Organised by the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) of the Secretariat of the South Pacific Community, the three-day meeting brought together representatives from Government and civil society groups from all corners of the Pacific.

Panel discussions explored a wide range of topics, including:

• the development, successes and challenges of the regional and sub-regional human rights systems in Africa, Asia and Europe
• the roles and mandates of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and Ombudsman’s Offices, and
• the relationship between national and regional human rights mechanisms.

Expert panellists involved in the discussion on NHRIs included Maryam Azra Ahmed, President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, and Dr Jill Chrisp of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.

In recent years, a number of Pacific countries have taken positive steps to establish NHRIs, including Samoa, Palau, Nauru, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

Benjamin Lee (APF secretariat), Jungrin Kim (OHCHR Pacific Regional Office) and Filipo Masaurua (Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat) spoke about the practical partnerships they had developed to support Pacific countries seeking to establish independent human rights bodies.

In addition, Greg Heesom, also from the APF secretariat, outlined the international standards that NHRIs are required to meet in order to operate independently and effectively.

During the consultations, participants highlighted the diversity of peoples, cultures, ethnicities, languages, socioeconomic development and government systems of the Pacific.

They also noted that any future regional mechanism should be unique to the Pacific; be based on Pacific values; promote and protect Pacific cultures; and reflect common aspirations for the region.

In addition, there was strong acknowledgment of the positive contribution made by civil society organisations to human rights processes at all levels and the need for them to be involved in ongoing discussions about the establishment of national and regional human rights mechanisms.

The regional consultation, held from 28-30 November 2011, was supported by the APF and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

A draft outcome statement has been distributed to participants and a final statement is expected to be available shortly.

Date: 16 January 2012