| KIRIBATI Republic of Kiribati Republic of Kiribati Joined United Nations: 14 September 1999 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 09/02/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Bairiki on Tarawa Atoll
112,850 (July 2010 est.)
The House of Parliament chooses the presidential candidates from
among its members and then those candidates compete in a general
election; President is elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
Vice President appointed by the President (eligible for one more
term); election last held 11 July 2007
Next scheduled election: July 2011
among its members and then those candidates compete in a general
election; President is elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
Vice President appointed by the President (eligible for one more
term); election last held 11 July 2007
Next scheduled election: July 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
According to the Kiribati Constitution, the President is both the
Chief of State and Head of Government
Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Micronesian 98.8%, other 1.2% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant (Congregational) 40%, other (includes Seventh-Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i, Latter-day Saints, Church
of God) 8% (1999)
of God) 8% (1999)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 3 units, 6 districts and 21 island councils; Legal system is based on English common law with strong indigenous traditions
Executive: The House of Parliament chooses the presidential candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete in a
general election; president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held 17 October 2007
(next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president
Legislative: Unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex
officio member - the attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders (representing Banaba Island); to serve four-year
terms)
elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August
2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all levels are appointed by the president
Executive: The House of Parliament chooses the presidential candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete in a
general election; president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held 17 October 2007
(next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president
Legislative: Unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex
officio member - the attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders (representing Banaba Island); to serve four-year
terms)
elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August
2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all levels are appointed by the president
| LANGUAGES |
I-Kiribati, English (official)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The I-Kiribati people (or Gilbertese) settled what would become known as the Gilbert Islands (named for British captain Thomas
Gilbert by von Krusenstern in 1820) between 3000 and 2000 years ago. Subsequent invasions by Samoans and Tongans
introduced Polynesian elements to the previously installed Micronesian culture and invasions by Fijians introduced Melanesian
elements, but extensive intermarriage produced a population reasonably homogeneous in appearance, language and traditions.
European contact began in the 16th century. Whalers, slave traders, and merchant vessels arrived in great numbers in the 1800s,
and the resulting upheaval fomented local tribal conflicts and introduced damaging European diseases. In an effort to restore a
measure of order, the Kiribati were forced to becoming British protectorates in 1892. Banaba (Ocean Island) was annexed in 1901
after the discovery of phosphate-rich guano deposits. The entire collection, plus Fanning and Washington islands (Line Islands), was
made a British colony in 1916, as part of the British Western Pacific Territories (a colonial entity created in 1877, governed by a
single High Commissioner) until 1971, only five years before its abolition. One very famous Colonial Office proconsul was Sir
Arthur Grimble, first as cadet officer in 1914, then as Resident Commissioner in 1926. Most of the Line Islands including Christmas
Island, the Phoenix and even the Union (Tokelau) islands (until 1925) were incorporated piecemeal over the next 20 years. Japan
seized part of the islands during World War II to form part of their island defenses. In November 1943, Allied forces threw
themselves against Japanese positions at Tarawa Atoll in the Gilberts, resulting in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Pacific
campaign. The battle was a major turning point in the war for the Allies. Britain began expanding self-government in the islands
during the 1960s. In 1975 the Ellice Islands separated from the colony to form the independent state of Tuvalu. The Gilberts
obtained internal self-government in 1977, and after general elections held in February, 1978 (Chief Minister: Ieremia Tabai, 27),
formally became an independent nation on July 12, 1979 under the name of Kiribati (the rendition of Gilberts, in Gilbertese
language). The United States gave up its claims to 14 islands of the Line and Phoenix chains in the 1979 Treaty of Tarawa.
Post-independence politics were initially dominated by the youngest Commonwealth's Head of State, Ieremia Tabai, just 29,
Kiribati's first Beretitenti (i.e. President, pronounced te pereseetensee), who served for three terms from 1979 to 1991. Teburoro
Tito (or Tiito, pronounced Seetoh) was elected Beretitenti in 1994, and reelected in 1998 and 2002. However, in the previous
parliamentary elections in 2002, Tito's opponents won major victories, and in March 2003 he was ousted in a no-confidence vote
(having served the maximum three terms, he is barred by the constitution to run for another term). His temporary replacement was
Tian Otang, the Council of State chairman. Following the constitution, another presidential election was held, in which two brothers,
Anote and Harry Tong, were the two main candidates (the third one, Banuera Berina won just 9,1%). Anote Tong, London School
of Economics graduate, won on 4th July 2003, and was sworn in as president soon afterward. An emotional issue has been the
protracted bid by the residents of Banaba Island to secede and have their island placed under the protection of Fiji. Because
Banaba was devastated by phosphate mining, the vast majority of Banabans moved to the island of Rabi in the Fiji Islands in the
1940s. They enjoy full Fiji citizenship. The Kiribati Government has responded by including several special provisions in the
Constitution, such as the designation of a Banaban seat in the legislature and the return of land previously acquired by the
government for phosphate mining. Only 200-300 people remain on Banaba.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Kiribati
Gilbert by von Krusenstern in 1820) between 3000 and 2000 years ago. Subsequent invasions by Samoans and Tongans
introduced Polynesian elements to the previously installed Micronesian culture and invasions by Fijians introduced Melanesian
elements, but extensive intermarriage produced a population reasonably homogeneous in appearance, language and traditions.
European contact began in the 16th century. Whalers, slave traders, and merchant vessels arrived in great numbers in the 1800s,
and the resulting upheaval fomented local tribal conflicts and introduced damaging European diseases. In an effort to restore a
measure of order, the Kiribati were forced to becoming British protectorates in 1892. Banaba (Ocean Island) was annexed in 1901
after the discovery of phosphate-rich guano deposits. The entire collection, plus Fanning and Washington islands (Line Islands), was
made a British colony in 1916, as part of the British Western Pacific Territories (a colonial entity created in 1877, governed by a
single High Commissioner) until 1971, only five years before its abolition. One very famous Colonial Office proconsul was Sir
Arthur Grimble, first as cadet officer in 1914, then as Resident Commissioner in 1926. Most of the Line Islands including Christmas
Island, the Phoenix and even the Union (Tokelau) islands (until 1925) were incorporated piecemeal over the next 20 years. Japan
seized part of the islands during World War II to form part of their island defenses. In November 1943, Allied forces threw
themselves against Japanese positions at Tarawa Atoll in the Gilberts, resulting in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Pacific
campaign. The battle was a major turning point in the war for the Allies. Britain began expanding self-government in the islands
during the 1960s. In 1975 the Ellice Islands separated from the colony to form the independent state of Tuvalu. The Gilberts
obtained internal self-government in 1977, and after general elections held in February, 1978 (Chief Minister: Ieremia Tabai, 27),
formally became an independent nation on July 12, 1979 under the name of Kiribati (the rendition of Gilberts, in Gilbertese
language). The United States gave up its claims to 14 islands of the Line and Phoenix chains in the 1979 Treaty of Tarawa.
Post-independence politics were initially dominated by the youngest Commonwealth's Head of State, Ieremia Tabai, just 29,
Kiribati's first Beretitenti (i.e. President, pronounced te pereseetensee), who served for three terms from 1979 to 1991. Teburoro
Tito (or Tiito, pronounced Seetoh) was elected Beretitenti in 1994, and reelected in 1998 and 2002. However, in the previous
parliamentary elections in 2002, Tito's opponents won major victories, and in March 2003 he was ousted in a no-confidence vote
(having served the maximum three terms, he is barred by the constitution to run for another term). His temporary replacement was
Tian Otang, the Council of State chairman. Following the constitution, another presidential election was held, in which two brothers,
Anote and Harry Tong, were the two main candidates (the third one, Banuera Berina won just 9,1%). Anote Tong, London School
of Economics graduate, won on 4th July 2003, and was sworn in as president soon afterward. An emotional issue has been the
protracted bid by the residents of Banaba Island to secede and have their island placed under the protection of Fiji. Because
Banaba was devastated by phosphate mining, the vast majority of Banabans moved to the island of Rabi in the Fiji Islands in the
1940s. They enjoy full Fiji citizenship. The Kiribati Government has responded by including several special provisions in the
Constitution, such as the designation of a Banaban seat in the legislature and the return of land previously acquired by the
government for phosphate mining. Only 200-300 people remain on Banaba.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Kiribati
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific Islands.
Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now
represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is
constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides
more than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial
aid from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP.
Remittances from seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million each year. Kiribati receives around $15
million annually for the government budget from an Australian trust fund.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Kiribati)
Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now
represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is
constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides
more than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial
aid from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP.
Remittances from seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million each year. Kiribati receives around $15
million annually for the government budget from an Australian trust fund.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Kiribati)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
After each general election, the new House of Assembly nominates three or four of its members to stand as candidates for President
(Te Beretitenti). The voting public then elects the Beretitenti from among these candidates. The Beretitenti appoints a
Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti (Vice-President) and up to ten other Cabinet Ministers from among the members of the Maneaba. The
Attorney-General is also a member of Cabinet.
Political parties exist but are more similar to informal coalitions in behavior. They do not have official platforms or party structures.
Most candidates formally present themselves as independents.
A major source of conflict has been the protracted bid by the residents of Banaban Island to secede and have their island placed
under the protection of Fiji. The government's attempts to placate the Banabans include several special provisions in the constitution,
such as the designation of a Banaban seat in the legislature and the return of land previously acquired by the government for
phosphate mining.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Kiribati
(Te Beretitenti). The voting public then elects the Beretitenti from among these candidates. The Beretitenti appoints a
Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti (Vice-President) and up to ten other Cabinet Ministers from among the members of the Maneaba. The
Attorney-General is also a member of Cabinet.
Political parties exist but are more similar to informal coalitions in behavior. They do not have official platforms or party structures.
Most candidates formally present themselves as independents.
A major source of conflict has been the protracted bid by the residents of Banaban Island to secede and have their island placed
under the protection of Fiji. The government's attempts to placate the Banabans include several special provisions in the constitution,
such as the designation of a Banaban seat in the legislature and the return of land previously acquired by the government for
phosphate mining.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Kiribati
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Kiribati
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Kiribati is a constitutional multiparty republic with a population of approximately 92,500. The president exercises executive authority and
is popularly elected for a four-year term. The legislative assembly nominates at least three, and no more than four, presidential candidates
from among its members. Parliamentary and presidential elections held in 2007 were considered generally free and fair. Anote Tong of
the Boutokaan Te Koaua party was reelected president. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provide effective means of dealing with
individual instances of abuse.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Kiribati is a constitutional multiparty republic with a population of approximately 92,500. The president exercises executive authority and
is popularly elected for a four-year term. The legislative assembly nominates at least three, and no more than four, presidential candidates
from among its members. Parliamentary and presidential elections held in 2007 were considered generally free and fair. Anote Tong of
the Boutokaan Te Koaua party was reelected president. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provide effective means of dealing with
individual instances of abuse.
- Violence and discrimination against women,
- child abuse,
- commercial sexual exploitation of children were problems.
12 May 2010
Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Eighth session
Geneva, 3-14 May 2010
Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Kiribati
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its
eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2010. The review of Kiribati was held at the 2nd meeting, on 3 May 2010. The delegation of Kiribati
was headed by the Minister for Internal and Social Affairs, The Honourable Kouraiti Beniato. At its 6th meeting, held on 5 May 2010, the
Working Group adopted the report on Kiribati.
2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of
Kiribati: Brazil, Jordan and the Russian Federation.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A. Presentation by the State under review
5. The delegation of Kiribati stated that Kiribati was committed to the universal periodic review process. It thanked all stakeholders
involved in the preparation of the national report. Kiribati also reaffirmed its appreciation for the support provided by the Government of
the Netherlands, the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team, the secretariat of the Pacific Communities and the Regional Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Pacific, based in Suva, Fiji.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
23. During the interactive dialogue, 28 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II
of the present report.
24. A number of delegations expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Kiribati to participate in the review, given the travelling
distance and the logistical difficulties. Some delegations thanked Kiribati for the quality and the presentation of the national report, as
well as for the open and inclusive process of its preparation. Some delegations were pleased by the consultation of civil society
stakeholders in the production of the national report. Some delegations also expressed appreciation for Kiribati’s open acknowledgement
of its specific human rights challenges.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
66. The following recommendations will be examined by Kiribati, which will provide responses in due course, but no later than the
fifteenth session of the Human Rights Council, in September 2010. The response of Kiribati to the recommendations will be included in
the outcome report adopted by the Human Rights Council at its fifteenth session:
66.1. Establish a committee to study human rights conventions in order to pave the way for accession to such conventions (Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya);
66.2. Make a long-term plan for the step-by-step ratification of or accession to all core international human rights instruments (Slovenia);
66.3. Consider the possibility of ratifying other core human rights instruments (Algeria);
Click here to read more »
Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Eighth session
Geneva, 3-14 May 2010
Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Kiribati
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its
eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2010. The review of Kiribati was held at the 2nd meeting, on 3 May 2010. The delegation of Kiribati
was headed by the Minister for Internal and Social Affairs, The Honourable Kouraiti Beniato. At its 6th meeting, held on 5 May 2010, the
Working Group adopted the report on Kiribati.
2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of
Kiribati: Brazil, Jordan and the Russian Federation.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A. Presentation by the State under review
5. The delegation of Kiribati stated that Kiribati was committed to the universal periodic review process. It thanked all stakeholders
involved in the preparation of the national report. Kiribati also reaffirmed its appreciation for the support provided by the Government of
the Netherlands, the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team, the secretariat of the Pacific Communities and the Regional Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Pacific, based in Suva, Fiji.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
23. During the interactive dialogue, 28 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II
of the present report.
24. A number of delegations expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Kiribati to participate in the review, given the travelling
distance and the logistical difficulties. Some delegations thanked Kiribati for the quality and the presentation of the national report, as
well as for the open and inclusive process of its preparation. Some delegations were pleased by the consultation of civil society
stakeholders in the production of the national report. Some delegations also expressed appreciation for Kiribati’s open acknowledgement
of its specific human rights challenges.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
66. The following recommendations will be examined by Kiribati, which will provide responses in due course, but no later than the
fifteenth session of the Human Rights Council, in September 2010. The response of Kiribati to the recommendations will be included in
the outcome report adopted by the Human Rights Council at its fifteenth session:
66.1. Establish a committee to study human rights conventions in order to pave the way for accession to such conventions (Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya);
66.2. Make a long-term plan for the step-by-step ratification of or accession to all core international human rights instruments (Slovenia);
66.3. Consider the possibility of ratifying other core human rights instruments (Algeria);
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Environment Minister Tetabo Nakara resigned in August 2009 in protest over the government’s slow response to disputes between rival
ruling groups on the Island of Maiana which turned violent in July.
In July 2009, a dispute between the traditional elders’ association (Te Bau Ni Maiana) and the island’s elected council rapidly escalated
into open violence. Te Bau Ni Maiana had ordered the abolition of Maiana’s council and demanded new elections. The mayor and several
council members rejected their demand and took the case to court, which ruled in the council’s favor, indicating that a democratically
elected body cannot be forced to disband. However, members of Te Bau Ni Maiana did not accept the court ruling and burned down the
mayor’s house. The mayor and his allies subsequently resigned in August amid increasing intimidation. Environment Minister Tetabo
Nakara, who is from the island of Maiana, also resigned in protest over the government’s failure to intervene in the disagreement.
The president has vigorously called for international attention to the growing threats of rising sea levels and dwindling fresh-water
supplies facing the people of Kiribati. Tong has warned that relocation of the entire population may be necessary if ongoing climate
change makes inundation inevitable. New Zealand has committed to accept some environmental refugees from Kiribati, and some have
already relocated there.
The government is the main employer, and many residents practice subsistence agriculture. The economy depends considerably on
foreign assistance and worker remittances, and the state generates a small sum from selling licenses to foreign fishing fleets. Interest
from a well-managed trust fund built on royalties from phosphate mining has balanced the national budget and kept the country debt free.
Kiribati is an electoral democracy. The president is popularly elected in a two-step process, with Parliament nominating candidates from
its own ranks and voters then choosing one to be president. Forty-four representatives are popularly elected to the unicameral House of
Parliament (Maneaba Ni Maungatabu) for four-year terms.One additional member is nominated by the Rabi Island Council, and the
attorney general holds a seat ex officio. (Although Rabi Island is a part of Fiji, many residents were originally from Kiribati’s Banaba
Island. British authorities forced them to move to Rabi when phosphate mining made Banaba uninhabitable.) The president, vested with
executive authority by the constitution, is limited to serving three four-year terms.
The major parties are the BTK and MTM.Political parties are loosely organized and generally lack fixed ideologies or formal platforms.
Geographical, tribal, and personal loyalties are more important determinants of political affiliation.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Environment Minister Tetabo Nakara resigned in August 2009 in protest over the government’s slow response to disputes between rival
ruling groups on the Island of Maiana which turned violent in July.
In July 2009, a dispute between the traditional elders’ association (Te Bau Ni Maiana) and the island’s elected council rapidly escalated
into open violence. Te Bau Ni Maiana had ordered the abolition of Maiana’s council and demanded new elections. The mayor and several
council members rejected their demand and took the case to court, which ruled in the council’s favor, indicating that a democratically
elected body cannot be forced to disband. However, members of Te Bau Ni Maiana did not accept the court ruling and burned down the
mayor’s house. The mayor and his allies subsequently resigned in August amid increasing intimidation. Environment Minister Tetabo
Nakara, who is from the island of Maiana, also resigned in protest over the government’s failure to intervene in the disagreement.
The president has vigorously called for international attention to the growing threats of rising sea levels and dwindling fresh-water
supplies facing the people of Kiribati. Tong has warned that relocation of the entire population may be necessary if ongoing climate
change makes inundation inevitable. New Zealand has committed to accept some environmental refugees from Kiribati, and some have
already relocated there.
The government is the main employer, and many residents practice subsistence agriculture. The economy depends considerably on
foreign assistance and worker remittances, and the state generates a small sum from selling licenses to foreign fishing fleets. Interest
from a well-managed trust fund built on royalties from phosphate mining has balanced the national budget and kept the country debt free.
Kiribati is an electoral democracy. The president is popularly elected in a two-step process, with Parliament nominating candidates from
its own ranks and voters then choosing one to be president. Forty-four representatives are popularly elected to the unicameral House of
Parliament (Maneaba Ni Maungatabu) for four-year terms.One additional member is nominated by the Rabi Island Council, and the
attorney general holds a seat ex officio. (Although Rabi Island is a part of Fiji, many residents were originally from Kiribati’s Banaba
Island. British authorities forced them to move to Rabi when phosphate mining made Banaba uninhabitable.) The president, vested with
executive authority by the constitution, is limited to serving three four-year terms.
The major parties are the BTK and MTM.Political parties are loosely organized and generally lack fixed ideologies or formal platforms.
Geographical, tribal, and personal loyalties are more important determinants of political affiliation.
Click here to read more »
Document - Suggested recommendations to states considered in the eighth round of the Universal Periodic Review,
May 2010
Recommendations to the government of Kiribati
Citizenship and right to a nationality
*To amend the citizenship section of the Constitution as well as the Citizenship Act to ensure equal citizenship rights for iKiribati
women and their families.
Gender discrimination
*To amend the Constitution of Kiribati to include the words “sex” or “gender” as prohibited grounds of discrimination;
*To review all relevant laws which discriminate or impact negatively on women;
*To amend laws and change policies and practices which either expressly discriminate against or perpetuate the discrimination and
marginalisation of women.
International human rights standards
*To accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its
Optional Protocols, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol, and to enact laws
through Parliament to reflect the provisions of these standards, as well as other human rights treaties to which Kiribati is a party, in
domestic laws;
*To report on its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women;
*To legislate the principles of these treaties so that they are applicable in the courts.
Accessibility of land on Tarawa
*To consult with relevant stakeholders and civil society on how to effectively address issues of human rights in informal settlements;
*To promote and protect the rights of people currently living in the informal settlements to accessing adequate health services, water
and sanitation.
Violence against women
*To immediately undertake to enact appropriate legislation to address domestic violence after adequate consultation with relevant
stakeholders;
*To ensure that there is a mandatory policy or provision within the law for the prosecution of domestic violence;
*To ensure that training on the prevention of domestic violence is mainstreamed within the training programme of the police service
and to implement greater awareness programmes;
Click here to read more »
May 2010
Recommendations to the government of Kiribati
Citizenship and right to a nationality
*To amend the citizenship section of the Constitution as well as the Citizenship Act to ensure equal citizenship rights for iKiribati
women and their families.
Gender discrimination
*To amend the Constitution of Kiribati to include the words “sex” or “gender” as prohibited grounds of discrimination;
*To review all relevant laws which discriminate or impact negatively on women;
*To amend laws and change policies and practices which either expressly discriminate against or perpetuate the discrimination and
marginalisation of women.
International human rights standards
*To accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its
Optional Protocols, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol, and to enact laws
through Parliament to reflect the provisions of these standards, as well as other human rights treaties to which Kiribati is a party, in
domestic laws;
*To report on its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women;
*To legislate the principles of these treaties so that they are applicable in the courts.
Accessibility of land on Tarawa
*To consult with relevant stakeholders and civil society on how to effectively address issues of human rights in informal settlements;
*To promote and protect the rights of people currently living in the informal settlements to accessing adequate health services, water
and sanitation.
Violence against women
*To immediately undertake to enact appropriate legislation to address domestic violence after adequate consultation with relevant
stakeholders;
*To ensure that there is a mandatory policy or provision within the law for the prosecution of domestic violence;
*To ensure that training on the prevention of domestic violence is mainstreamed within the training programme of the police service
and to implement greater awareness programmes;
Click here to read more »
'Sodomy' Laws Show Survival of Colonial Injustice
As India's High Court Mulls Reform, Nations Should Repeal This Legacy
December 17, 2008
(New York) - More than half of the world's remaining "sodomy" laws -criminalizing consensual homosexual conduct - are relics of
British colonial rule, Human Rights Watch showed in a report published today. Human Rights Watch urged governments everywhere to
affirm international human rights standards, and reject the oppressive legacies of colonialism, by repealing laws that criminalize
consensual sexual activity among adults of the same sex.
The 66-page report, "This Alien Legacy: The Origins of ‘Sodomy' Laws in British Colonialism," describes how laws in over three dozen
countries, from India to Uganda and from Nigeria to Papua New Guinea, derive from a single law on homosexual conduct that British
colonial rulers imposed on India in 1860. This year, the High Court in Delhi ended hearings in a years-long case seeking to decriminalize
homosexual conduct there. A ruling in the landmark case is expected soon.
"Half the world's countries that criminalize homosexual conduct do so because they cling to Victorian morality and colonial laws," said
Scott Long, director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights program at Human Rights Watch. "Getting rid of these unjust
remnants of the British Empire is long overdue."
On December 18, 2008, the UN General Assembly will hear a statement signed by over 60 countries affirming that human rights
protections include sexual orientation and gender identity.
The laws nonetheless persist in many of Britain's old colonial possessions. Moreover, the model British-era sodomy law made no
distinction between consensual and non-consensual sex, or between sex among adults and sexual abuse of children. As a result, these
surviving laws leave many rape victims and child victims of abuse without effective legal protection.
"From Malaysia to Uganda, governments use these laws to harass civil society, restrict free expression, discredit enemies, and destroy
lives," Long said. "And sodomy laws add to the spread of HIV/AIDS by criminalizing outreach to affected groups."
Colonies and countries that retain versions of this British sodomy law include:
* In Asia and the Pacific: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, India, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Myanmar (Burma), Nauru,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Western Samoa. (Governments that inherited
the same British law, but have abolished it since include: Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.)
Click here to read more »
As India's High Court Mulls Reform, Nations Should Repeal This Legacy
December 17, 2008
(New York) - More than half of the world's remaining "sodomy" laws -criminalizing consensual homosexual conduct - are relics of
British colonial rule, Human Rights Watch showed in a report published today. Human Rights Watch urged governments everywhere to
affirm international human rights standards, and reject the oppressive legacies of colonialism, by repealing laws that criminalize
consensual sexual activity among adults of the same sex.
The 66-page report, "This Alien Legacy: The Origins of ‘Sodomy' Laws in British Colonialism," describes how laws in over three dozen
countries, from India to Uganda and from Nigeria to Papua New Guinea, derive from a single law on homosexual conduct that British
colonial rulers imposed on India in 1860. This year, the High Court in Delhi ended hearings in a years-long case seeking to decriminalize
homosexual conduct there. A ruling in the landmark case is expected soon.
"Half the world's countries that criminalize homosexual conduct do so because they cling to Victorian morality and colonial laws," said
Scott Long, director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights program at Human Rights Watch. "Getting rid of these unjust
remnants of the British Empire is long overdue."
On December 18, 2008, the UN General Assembly will hear a statement signed by over 60 countries affirming that human rights
protections include sexual orientation and gender identity.
The laws nonetheless persist in many of Britain's old colonial possessions. Moreover, the model British-era sodomy law made no
distinction between consensual and non-consensual sex, or between sex among adults and sexual abuse of children. As a result, these
surviving laws leave many rape victims and child victims of abuse without effective legal protection.
"From Malaysia to Uganda, governments use these laws to harass civil society, restrict free expression, discredit enemies, and destroy
lives," Long said. "And sodomy laws add to the spread of HIV/AIDS by criminalizing outreach to affected groups."
Colonies and countries that retain versions of this British sodomy law include:
* In Asia and the Pacific: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, India, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Myanmar (Burma), Nauru,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Western Samoa. (Governments that inherited
the same British law, but have abolished it since include: Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.)
Click here to read more »
Statement by His Excellency Anote Tong- President of the Republic of Kiribati
The General Debate of the 64th General Assembly
25 September 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen
Kam na mauri!
I am honoured to be addressing this august body on behalf of the people of Kiribati.
Climate change is indeed the greatest moral challenge of our time. I fear that our children and grandchildren will look back and ask,
"How is it that they knew what they knew, and yet did so little?" We simply cannot afford the consequences of inaction. The people of
my country are already feeling the impacts of climate change, which will only worsen with time. We, together with those of other low
lying states, are the human face of climate change.
I have been advocating a combination of pragmatic adaptation strategies for my people. It is our overwhelming desire to maintain our
homeland and our sovereignty. However, with the inevitable decline in the ability of our islands to support life, let alone increasing
populations, due to rising sea levels, we must also provide opportunities for those of our people who wish to migrate to do so on merit
and with dignity. Our approaches will be time relevant, responding to the different levels of threat and impacts of climate change on our
islands and our people at a given point in time.
We must now capitalise on this collective political will. We must instruct our negotiators to act accordingly, to ensure that our common
resolve as Leaders is given effect. I know that we won't be able to agree on all issues, but there are some fundamental issues on which
we cannot afford not to agree. Let us not waste any more time on diplomatic-speak, posturing and empty platitudes. We know what
needs to be done.
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) is the largest marine protected area in the world, covering over 400,000 square kilometres,
11 percent of our Exclusive Economic Zone. PIPA is a result of a collaborative partnership between my Government, Conservation
International and the New England Aquarium. The preservation of the Phoenix Islands and the surrounding ocean is our gift to humanity.
It is our contribution to international efforts to significantly reduce biodiversity loss by 2010. Even now, as we confront the possibility
that our islands will become uninhabitable within the century due to rising sea levels, we recognise the value of protecting something that
we firmly believe to be the common heritage of all.
In the face of common challenges facing the global community, it is encouraging to hear Leaders call for a new global order; one where
our interests as fellow citizens of the planet override national interests, particularly where global human security and lives are under
serious threat. This call reaffirms the principle of collective responsibility for the common challenges that we face.
Click here to read more »
The General Debate of the 64th General Assembly
25 September 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen
Kam na mauri!
I am honoured to be addressing this august body on behalf of the people of Kiribati.
Climate change is indeed the greatest moral challenge of our time. I fear that our children and grandchildren will look back and ask,
"How is it that they knew what they knew, and yet did so little?" We simply cannot afford the consequences of inaction. The people of
my country are already feeling the impacts of climate change, which will only worsen with time. We, together with those of other low
lying states, are the human face of climate change.
I have been advocating a combination of pragmatic adaptation strategies for my people. It is our overwhelming desire to maintain our
homeland and our sovereignty. However, with the inevitable decline in the ability of our islands to support life, let alone increasing
populations, due to rising sea levels, we must also provide opportunities for those of our people who wish to migrate to do so on merit
and with dignity. Our approaches will be time relevant, responding to the different levels of threat and impacts of climate change on our
islands and our people at a given point in time.
We must now capitalise on this collective political will. We must instruct our negotiators to act accordingly, to ensure that our common
resolve as Leaders is given effect. I know that we won't be able to agree on all issues, but there are some fundamental issues on which
we cannot afford not to agree. Let us not waste any more time on diplomatic-speak, posturing and empty platitudes. We know what
needs to be done.
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) is the largest marine protected area in the world, covering over 400,000 square kilometres,
11 percent of our Exclusive Economic Zone. PIPA is a result of a collaborative partnership between my Government, Conservation
International and the New England Aquarium. The preservation of the Phoenix Islands and the surrounding ocean is our gift to humanity.
It is our contribution to international efforts to significantly reduce biodiversity loss by 2010. Even now, as we confront the possibility
that our islands will become uninhabitable within the century due to rising sea levels, we recognise the value of protecting something that
we firmly believe to be the common heritage of all.
In the face of common challenges facing the global community, it is encouraging to hear Leaders call for a new global order; one where
our interests as fellow citizens of the planet override national interests, particularly where global human security and lives are under
serious threat. This call reaffirms the principle of collective responsibility for the common challenges that we face.
Click here to read more »
Aia Maea Ainen Kiribati conference is underway in Kiribati
14:49 June 22, 2010
A 6th general assembly of the Kiribati women’s organisation, Aia Maea Ainen Kiribati (AMAK) is underway in the capital Tarawa, of the
Pacific nation of Kiribati.
High on the agenda is the discussion on the future of the organisation after it broke away from the government, reports Kiribati national
paper, Te Uekera.
Vice president of AMAK and former radio manager of the Broadcasting and Publications Authority, Moia Tetoa, says the assembly will
go through the government’s policies for women’s organisation, and the organisation’s 3 year strategic plan.
Moia Tetoa says they expect around forty women participants from around the country to attend the conference with a few arrived last
week ahead of this meeting to participate in a series of training workshops organised by the Taiwan-based embassy. At the workshops,
women were taught modern skills and techniques in planting, cooking, feeding and caring for pigs.
Tetoa says the skills learned from these workshops are very helpful to women, especially those coming from the rural areas. She
thanked the Taiwan ambassador for funding the workshops.
Government of Kiribati provides AUD$40,000 towards the costs of the conference and travel expenses of the participants.
A Kiribati resident and businessman, Borerei Uriam, says many have raised questions over the decision of the women’s council to
become a non-government body after many years of depending on the state for support.
The conference is opened to the public and will run for one week only.
Another women activist group in Kiribati known as the Kiribati Women Activist Network (K-WAN) is not satisfied with the progress of
women.
In its submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, May 2010, the group says Kiribati is a state party of the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. But up to these days, they have not submitted their CEDAW state
report.
This group is working with KANGO-Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organisation to prepare their shadow CEDAW report
excluding AMAK because it is a quasi-government organisation.
Other areas highlighted by K-WAN include employment laws, and the distribution of lands to men under the customary practices and
domestic violence. Women are still unfairly treated and represented when it comes to these matters.
This activist group believes a lot of work is needed to be done to improve the status of women in Kiribati, and has urged the government
to complete its CEDAW state report as a matter of priority, and to look into areas where women are not equally represented.
Click here to read more »
14:49 June 22, 2010
A 6th general assembly of the Kiribati women’s organisation, Aia Maea Ainen Kiribati (AMAK) is underway in the capital Tarawa, of the
Pacific nation of Kiribati.
High on the agenda is the discussion on the future of the organisation after it broke away from the government, reports Kiribati national
paper, Te Uekera.
Vice president of AMAK and former radio manager of the Broadcasting and Publications Authority, Moia Tetoa, says the assembly will
go through the government’s policies for women’s organisation, and the organisation’s 3 year strategic plan.
Moia Tetoa says they expect around forty women participants from around the country to attend the conference with a few arrived last
week ahead of this meeting to participate in a series of training workshops organised by the Taiwan-based embassy. At the workshops,
women were taught modern skills and techniques in planting, cooking, feeding and caring for pigs.
Tetoa says the skills learned from these workshops are very helpful to women, especially those coming from the rural areas. She
thanked the Taiwan ambassador for funding the workshops.
Government of Kiribati provides AUD$40,000 towards the costs of the conference and travel expenses of the participants.
A Kiribati resident and businessman, Borerei Uriam, says many have raised questions over the decision of the women’s council to
become a non-government body after many years of depending on the state for support.
The conference is opened to the public and will run for one week only.
Another women activist group in Kiribati known as the Kiribati Women Activist Network (K-WAN) is not satisfied with the progress of
women.
In its submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, May 2010, the group says Kiribati is a state party of the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. But up to these days, they have not submitted their CEDAW state
report.
This group is working with KANGO-Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organisation to prepare their shadow CEDAW report
excluding AMAK because it is a quasi-government organisation.
Other areas highlighted by K-WAN include employment laws, and the distribution of lands to men under the customary practices and
domestic violence. Women are still unfairly treated and represented when it comes to these matters.
This activist group believes a lot of work is needed to be done to improve the status of women in Kiribati, and has urged the government
to complete its CEDAW state report as a matter of priority, and to look into areas where women are not equally represented.
Click here to read more »
Commonwealth Ombudsman—Complaint Handling in Pacific Island Nations without an
Ombudsman
May 2009
The following seven papers cover the situations for complaint handling against government agencies in the seven Pacific Island Forum
countries that did not have an ombudsman in 2008. The seven countries covered are Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Federated States of
Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau and Niue. The seven papers are part of a process that involves the Commonwealth
Ombudsman in conjunction with other Pacific Island Ombudsman working in support of The Pacific Plan for Strengthening Regional
Cooperation and Integration (the Pacific Plan). The Pacific Plan is a Pacific Forum „living document‟ that forms the basis for ongoing
strengthening of regional cooperation and integration efforts for the benefit of the people of the Pacific The Pacific Plan was endorsed
by Forum Leaders at their Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Port Moresby, October 2005. Forum leaders represent Australia, Cook
Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, New Zealand, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua
New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
PART 1- Kiribati
Study Visit: 15 to 21 2008
Overview
Kiribati is a small island state. In 2008, the nation‟s economy was based on fishing royalties, phosphate trust fund interest payments,
small industries based on copra and seaweed, other minor industries, remittances from seamen and overseas assistance. The present
government priority for complaint handling is to complete and enact a viable Leadership Code with sufficient resources for effective
implementation. This requires constitutional change, which is presently in draft form. Attention can be given to the possibility of
ombudsman functions once the Leadership Code is in place and operational. The key issue is the limited amount of resources available.
With regard to a sub regional model of one person being shared by two or more island nations to provide a function such as an
ombudsman, the present Chief Justice, Hon. Robin Millhouse, provides services to both Kiribati and Nauru. Presently, Kiribati covers all
costs on Kiribati and all the Chief Justice‟s salary costs, while Nauru pays for the airfare, accommodation and a modest per diem when
the Chief Justice holds court in Nauru. Generally he visits Nauru for two weeks at a time on a needs basis from his base in Kiribati.
Ultimately the Kiribati government would expect Nauru to start contributing to salary costs. That it is not happening for a vital legal
function is an indicator of the much longer term it might take to apply the sub-regional model to other functions. However, it should be
noted that there is government-to-government discussion between Tuvalu and Kiribati about sharing the Chief Justice.
Current Complaint Handling
Presently there are limited internal complaint handling procedures for the general public to make complaints. By law, a person can
complain about a public servant within the framework of the National Conditions of Service. It becomes the responsibility of the Senior
Responsible Officer to address the complaint. The focus is on breaches of service and punitive action against the individual public
servant. If the finding is against that person, the sanctions can include loss of employment. These investigations can easily take up to
two years to complete. The police have a Professional Standards Unit of two staff to investigate complaints, especially professional
misconduct. It has been implemented as part of the Pacific Islands Police Project, funded by AusAID.
Click here to read more>>
Ombudsman
May 2009
The following seven papers cover the situations for complaint handling against government agencies in the seven Pacific Island Forum
countries that did not have an ombudsman in 2008. The seven countries covered are Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Federated States of
Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau and Niue. The seven papers are part of a process that involves the Commonwealth
Ombudsman in conjunction with other Pacific Island Ombudsman working in support of The Pacific Plan for Strengthening Regional
Cooperation and Integration (the Pacific Plan). The Pacific Plan is a Pacific Forum „living document‟ that forms the basis for ongoing
strengthening of regional cooperation and integration efforts for the benefit of the people of the Pacific The Pacific Plan was endorsed
by Forum Leaders at their Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Port Moresby, October 2005. Forum leaders represent Australia, Cook
Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, New Zealand, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua
New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
PART 1- Kiribati
Study Visit: 15 to 21 2008
Overview
Kiribati is a small island state. In 2008, the nation‟s economy was based on fishing royalties, phosphate trust fund interest payments,
small industries based on copra and seaweed, other minor industries, remittances from seamen and overseas assistance. The present
government priority for complaint handling is to complete and enact a viable Leadership Code with sufficient resources for effective
implementation. This requires constitutional change, which is presently in draft form. Attention can be given to the possibility of
ombudsman functions once the Leadership Code is in place and operational. The key issue is the limited amount of resources available.
With regard to a sub regional model of one person being shared by two or more island nations to provide a function such as an
ombudsman, the present Chief Justice, Hon. Robin Millhouse, provides services to both Kiribati and Nauru. Presently, Kiribati covers all
costs on Kiribati and all the Chief Justice‟s salary costs, while Nauru pays for the airfare, accommodation and a modest per diem when
the Chief Justice holds court in Nauru. Generally he visits Nauru for two weeks at a time on a needs basis from his base in Kiribati.
Ultimately the Kiribati government would expect Nauru to start contributing to salary costs. That it is not happening for a vital legal
function is an indicator of the much longer term it might take to apply the sub-regional model to other functions. However, it should be
noted that there is government-to-government discussion between Tuvalu and Kiribati about sharing the Chief Justice.
Current Complaint Handling
Presently there are limited internal complaint handling procedures for the general public to make complaints. By law, a person can
complain about a public servant within the framework of the National Conditions of Service. It becomes the responsibility of the Senior
Responsible Officer to address the complaint. The focus is on breaches of service and punitive action against the individual public
servant. If the finding is against that person, the sanctions can include loss of employment. These investigations can easily take up to
two years to complete. The police have a Professional Standards Unit of two staff to investigate complaints, especially professional
misconduct. It has been implemented as part of the Pacific Islands Police Project, funded by AusAID.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Anote Tong
President since 10 July 2003
President since 10 July 2003
Teima Onorio
Vice President since 10 July 2003
Vice President since 10 July 2003
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Anote Tong
President since 10 July 2003
President since 10 July 2003