Vanuatu considers steps to establish NHRI
A regional delegation recently visited the Pacific Island country to talk with stakeholders about the potential establishment of a national human rights mechanism.
Photo: Benjamin Lee
At the invitation of the Government of Vanuatu, a regional delegation recently visited the Pacific Island country to talk with stakeholders about the potential establishment of a national human rights mechanism.
During a week-long visit to Vanuatu, the delegation met with senior members of the Government; parliamentarians; government agencies; the National Council of Chiefs; the Vanuatu Council of Churches; United Nations agencies; and civil society organisations, including the Vanuatu Society for Disabled People.
The goal was to seek their views on establishing a national human rights institution (NHRI) and what model would be most appropriate for Vanuatu.
The consultations, which took place from 19 – 23 September 2011, revealed broad support for the establishment of a NHRI in Vanuatu.
The delegation included representatives from the APF, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
At the conclusion of the week, the delegation shared their preliminary observations with the Minister of Justice and Community Services, the Hon Ralph Ragenvanu.
A comprehensive report of the consultations will be prepared. It will also set out concrete steps the Government can take to advance the NHRI establishment process, with assistance from the APF, OHCHR and PIFS.
The invitation to hold the consultations is a welcome step by the Government of Vanuatu.
During its participation in the UN Universal Periodic Review mechanism (May 2009), the Government accepted the recommendation that it establish an independent NHRI in accordance with the Paris Principles.
In April 2009, government representatives from Vanuatu and other Pacific Island countries took part in a regional workshop to examine pathways for establishing national human rights institutions.
Vanuatu joins a number of Pacific Island countries currently taking steps towards establishing a NHRI, including Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Palau.
Date: 11 October 2011
