| PALAU Republic of Palau Beluu er a Belau Joined United Nations: 15 December 1994 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 07/21/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Melekeok
20,879 (July 2010 est.)
Johnson Toribiong
President since 15 January 2009
President since 15 January 2009
President and Vice President elected on separate tickets by
popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 4 November 2008
Next scheduled election: November 2012
popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 4 November 2008
Next scheduled election: November 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
Kerai Mariur
Vice President since 15 January 2009
Vice President since 15 January 2009
According to the Palauan 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 |
Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 69.9%, Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white
1.9%, Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2% (2000 census)
1.9%, Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8% (indigenous to Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%,
Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4% (2000 census)
Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4% (2000 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994 -16 states;
Legal system is based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Executive: President and Vice President elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote
on a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Delegates - last held 4 November
2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas
Legal system is based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Executive: President and Vice President elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote
on a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Delegates - last held 4 November
2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas
| LANGUAGES |
Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and
Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese
1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)
Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese
1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
It's thought that the first inhabitants of Palau came from eastern Indonesia. Carbon dating of ancient habitation sites shows that the
Rock Islands were settled by at least 1000 BC. These early Palauans developed fairly complex matrilineal and matriarchal social
systems, wherein money and property were inherited by women though owned by the clan. The first European to sight Palau was
probably Ruy Lopez de Villalobos of Spain in 1543. Spain claimed the islands in 1686 but did nothing to develop or colonize them.
It wasn't until 1783, when English captain Henry Wilson shipwrecked on a reef off Palau's Ulong Island, that any significant contact
between Palauans and Westerners began. Wilson was aided by Koror's chief, Ibedul, who helped rebuild the ship and then sent his
son, Prince Lebuu, back with the sailors to be educated in England. Although Lebuu died of smallpox shortly after arriving in
London, his presence there touched many Britons and piqued their interest in Palau. The country soon became Palau's main trading
partner and remained so for over 100 years, until the Spanish returned and expelled them in 1885. Spanish missionaries introduced
Christianity and a written alphabet to Palau before Spain sold the country to Germany in the wake of the Spanish-American War.
Germany took control in 1899 and immediate set about curtailing the devastating effects of Western diseases on the local populace.
They then forced the Palauans into servitude while setting up coconut plantations and other business ventures. Japan occupied Palau
from 1914 until the end of WWII. It was during this time that Palauan culture went through its greatest transformation: free public
schools were opened, instructing islanders in a subservient dialect of the Japanese language, and village chiefs lost power to
Japanese colonial bureaucrats. Koror was developed into a bustling modern city, with paved roads, electricity and piped-in water;
thousands of Japanese, Korean and Okinawan laborers were imported; and the traditional inheritance patterns were shattered as
Palauans lost their land, either through sale or confiscation. In the late 1930s, Japan closed Palau to the outside world and began
concentrating its efforts to develop military fortifications throughout the islands. During the final stages of WWII, Japanese
installations across Palau became targets for Allied attacks. The fiercest fighting took place on Peleliu and Angaur; the more heavily
populated Koror and Babeldaob (where the Japanese had relocated most Palauans) were never invaded. When the USA began to
administer Palau after the war, it hoped to spin it off with the rest of Micronesia into a single political entity. Palauans, however, held
out, voting in 1978 against becoming a part of the Federated States of Micronesia in favor of retaining a separate identity. In 1980,
Palau adopted its own constitution, and the first president, Haruo Remeliik, took office in 1981. Koror was named the provisional
capital, though the constitution requires that it eventually be moved to Melekeok State in Babeldaob. The transition to self
governance, however, has not been easy: in 1985, Remeliik was assassinated (the crime remains unsolved), and his successor,
Lazarus Salii, was found shot to death in an apparent suicide after being placed under investigation for accepting political payoffs.
Palau's next president, Ngiratkel Etpison, a successful businessman and part-owner of the Palau Pacific Resort, was the first to
serve out his term in full. On 1 October 1994, Palau officially became an independent nation, ending 47 years as a Trust Territory.
That same year it was admitted to the United Nations. The USA retains some rights to a third of Palauan territory, thanks to its
Compact of Free Association, which netted Palau a hefty US$450 million financial package for the first 15 years of the 50-year
compact. Post-independence has been difficult with political power struggles, the Asian economic crisis and lack of infrastructure.
But Tommy Remengesau, who replaced Kuniwo Nakamura as president in November 2000, promised to make Pulau more
organised and more self-sufficient. He was replaced by Johnson Toribiong, a U.S. educated attorney, inaugurated 15 January 2009.
Source: Pacific Asian Travel Association: History of Palau
Rock Islands were settled by at least 1000 BC. These early Palauans developed fairly complex matrilineal and matriarchal social
systems, wherein money and property were inherited by women though owned by the clan. The first European to sight Palau was
probably Ruy Lopez de Villalobos of Spain in 1543. Spain claimed the islands in 1686 but did nothing to develop or colonize them.
It wasn't until 1783, when English captain Henry Wilson shipwrecked on a reef off Palau's Ulong Island, that any significant contact
between Palauans and Westerners began. Wilson was aided by Koror's chief, Ibedul, who helped rebuild the ship and then sent his
son, Prince Lebuu, back with the sailors to be educated in England. Although Lebuu died of smallpox shortly after arriving in
London, his presence there touched many Britons and piqued their interest in Palau. The country soon became Palau's main trading
partner and remained so for over 100 years, until the Spanish returned and expelled them in 1885. Spanish missionaries introduced
Christianity and a written alphabet to Palau before Spain sold the country to Germany in the wake of the Spanish-American War.
Germany took control in 1899 and immediate set about curtailing the devastating effects of Western diseases on the local populace.
They then forced the Palauans into servitude while setting up coconut plantations and other business ventures. Japan occupied Palau
from 1914 until the end of WWII. It was during this time that Palauan culture went through its greatest transformation: free public
schools were opened, instructing islanders in a subservient dialect of the Japanese language, and village chiefs lost power to
Japanese colonial bureaucrats. Koror was developed into a bustling modern city, with paved roads, electricity and piped-in water;
thousands of Japanese, Korean and Okinawan laborers were imported; and the traditional inheritance patterns were shattered as
Palauans lost their land, either through sale or confiscation. In the late 1930s, Japan closed Palau to the outside world and began
concentrating its efforts to develop military fortifications throughout the islands. During the final stages of WWII, Japanese
installations across Palau became targets for Allied attacks. The fiercest fighting took place on Peleliu and Angaur; the more heavily
populated Koror and Babeldaob (where the Japanese had relocated most Palauans) were never invaded. When the USA began to
administer Palau after the war, it hoped to spin it off with the rest of Micronesia into a single political entity. Palauans, however, held
out, voting in 1978 against becoming a part of the Federated States of Micronesia in favor of retaining a separate identity. In 1980,
Palau adopted its own constitution, and the first president, Haruo Remeliik, took office in 1981. Koror was named the provisional
capital, though the constitution requires that it eventually be moved to Melekeok State in Babeldaob. The transition to self
governance, however, has not been easy: in 1985, Remeliik was assassinated (the crime remains unsolved), and his successor,
Lazarus Salii, was found shot to death in an apparent suicide after being placed under investigation for accepting political payoffs.
Palau's next president, Ngiratkel Etpison, a successful businessman and part-owner of the Palau Pacific Resort, was the first to
serve out his term in full. On 1 October 1994, Palau officially became an independent nation, ending 47 years as a Trust Territory.
That same year it was admitted to the United Nations. The USA retains some rights to a third of Palauan territory, thanks to its
Compact of Free Association, which netted Palau a hefty US$450 million financial package for the first 15 years of the 50-year
compact. Post-independence has been difficult with political power struggles, the Asian economic crisis and lack of infrastructure.
But Tommy Remengesau, who replaced Kuniwo Nakamura as president in November 2000, promised to make Pulau more
organised and more self-sufficient. He was replaced by Johnson Toribiong, a U.S. educated attorney, inaugurated 15 January 2009.
Source: Pacific Asian Travel Association: History of Palau
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work
force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the end
of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for
furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income
roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been
greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the willingness
of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Palau)
force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the end
of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for
furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income
roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been
greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the willingness
of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Palau)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Palau adopted a constitution on January 1, 1981. While calm in recent years, Palau witnessed several instances of political violence
in the 1980s. The republic's first president, Haruo I. Remeliik, was assassinated in 1985; the Minister of State was found to be
complicit in the crime. Palau's third president, Lazarus Salii, committed suicide in September 1988 amid bribery allegations. Salii's
personal assistant had been imprisoned several months earlier after being convicted of firing shots into the home of the Speaker of
the House of Delegates. Palau gained independence from the United Nations trusteeship administered by the United States on 1
October 1994 and entered a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Senate passed legislation making Palau an
"offshore" financial center in 1998. Opponents to the legislation voiced fears that the country would become a haven for money
launderers and other sorts of criminal activity. Politics of Palau takes place in a framework of a presidential representative
democratic republic, whereby the President of Palau is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party
system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Palau National
Congress. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Palau
in the 1980s. The republic's first president, Haruo I. Remeliik, was assassinated in 1985; the Minister of State was found to be
complicit in the crime. Palau's third president, Lazarus Salii, committed suicide in September 1988 amid bribery allegations. Salii's
personal assistant had been imprisoned several months earlier after being convicted of firing shots into the home of the Speaker of
the House of Delegates. Palau gained independence from the United Nations trusteeship administered by the United States on 1
October 1994 and entered a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Senate passed legislation making Palau an
"offshore" financial center in 1998. Opponents to the legislation voiced fears that the country would become a haven for money
launderers and other sorts of criminal activity. Politics of Palau takes place in a framework of a presidential representative
democratic republic, whereby the President of Palau is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party
system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Palau National
Congress. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Palau
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) |
None reported.
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Palau
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Palau is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 20,000. The president, the vice president, and members of the
legislature (the Olbiil Era Kelulau) are elected for four‑year terms. There are no political parties. In generally free and fair elections
held in November 2008, Johnson Toribiong was elected president. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control over
the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. Problems were reported in a few areas, including:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Palau is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 20,000. The president, the vice president, and members of the
legislature (the Olbiil Era Kelulau) are elected for four‑year terms. There are no political parties. In generally free and fair elections
held in November 2008, Johnson Toribiong was elected president. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control over
the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. Problems were reported in a few areas, including:
- government corruption,
- domestic violence,
- trafficking in persons,
- discrimination against, and some abuse of, foreign workers.
Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child : Palau.
21/02/2001.
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Twenty-sixth Session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Palau
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report, which followed the established guidelines. The
Committee welcomes the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/PAL/1) which allowed for a clearer understanding of the
situation of children's rights in the State party. The Committee is encouraged by the dialogue it had with the State party and
acknowledges that the presence of a delegation involved in the implementation of the Convention allowed for a fuller assessment of
the situation of children in Palau.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee expresses satisfaction with the quality of the State party report, which provided information on the practical
implementation of the Convention, as well as the challenges and limitations faced in this regard. The Committees notes with
appreciation that the preparation of the State report was a collaborative process that involved political and community leaders,
including the Council of Chiefs, as well as civil society and the general public.
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
9. The Committee notes the challenges faced by the State party in implementing adequate programmes and services for children
living in the outer islands, which are in some instances isolated and very difficult to reach. The Committee also notes that the
limited availability of skilled human resources, compounded by the relatively high rate of emigration, also adversely affects the full
implementation of the Convention. Additionally, it is noted that a significant portion of the State party's financing is derived from
transfer payments from the United States under the Compact of Free Association, the phasing out of which in 2009 may have an
impact on the allocation of budgetary resources for children. The implementation of the Convention is further hindered by the fact
that the National Master Development Plan, established in 1998 as a strategic framework for achieving economic independence,
does not include children's programmes.
D. Subjects of concern and the Committee's Recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Status of the Convention in domestic law
10. The Committee notes that the Convention on the Rights of the Child may not be invoked before the courts unless the relevant
articles have been enacted into the Palau Code and expresses concern that insufficient efforts have been made to facilitate this
process.
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21/02/2001.
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Twenty-sixth Session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Palau
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report, which followed the established guidelines. The
Committee welcomes the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/PAL/1) which allowed for a clearer understanding of the
situation of children's rights in the State party. The Committee is encouraged by the dialogue it had with the State party and
acknowledges that the presence of a delegation involved in the implementation of the Convention allowed for a fuller assessment of
the situation of children in Palau.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee expresses satisfaction with the quality of the State party report, which provided information on the practical
implementation of the Convention, as well as the challenges and limitations faced in this regard. The Committees notes with
appreciation that the preparation of the State report was a collaborative process that involved political and community leaders,
including the Council of Chiefs, as well as civil society and the general public.
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
9. The Committee notes the challenges faced by the State party in implementing adequate programmes and services for children
living in the outer islands, which are in some instances isolated and very difficult to reach. The Committee also notes that the
limited availability of skilled human resources, compounded by the relatively high rate of emigration, also adversely affects the full
implementation of the Convention. Additionally, it is noted that a significant portion of the State party's financing is derived from
transfer payments from the United States under the Compact of Free Association, the phasing out of which in 2009 may have an
impact on the allocation of budgetary resources for children. The implementation of the Convention is further hindered by the fact
that the National Master Development Plan, established in 1998 as a strategic framework for achieving economic independence,
does not include children's programmes.
D. Subjects of concern and the Committee's Recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Status of the Convention in domestic law
10. The Committee notes that the Convention on the Rights of the Child may not be invoked before the courts unless the relevant
articles have been enacted into the Palau Code and expresses concern that insufficient efforts have been made to facilitate this
process.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Palau received a one-year extension of its Compact of Free Association with the United States in 2009, providing Palauans with
continued access to education and employment in the United States and its territories. A number of senior political leaders, including
former president Tommy Esang Remengesau, were convicted of official abuse and corruption during the year.
Johnson Toribiong was elected president in the November 2008 elections, defeating Elias Camsek Chin, the former vice president.
Parliamentary elections were held the same month, with all candidates running as independents. Seeking U.S. aid beyond 2009 was
the central political issue, as the island’s economy is highly dependent on compact funds. In July 2009, the United States agreed to
extend the compact agreement for one year beginning October 1, 2009, maintaining the same payment amounts. The extension
provides Palau with much needed financial relief, as the country carries a large national debt and has experienced a considerable
decline in the tourism industry. Due to economic hardship, the parliament rejected Toribiong’s request in August for significant
salary increases for the president, vice president, and cabinet members.
Several high-ranking local and national public officials faced corruption charges in 2009, leading to a number of convictions. The
speaker of the Koror state government was convicted of perjury and misconduct in January, while the governor of Melekeok state
was found guilty of using public funds for personal purposes in April. In November, former president Remengesau was found
guilty of misconduct, including the stealing of public funds; he faces up to $1.2 million in fines. In August, the former head of
economic development was charged with unlawful fishing and employment of non-resident workers, andthe ombudsman faced
charges of forgery.
In June, the Palauan government accepted a U.S. request to resettle 17 Chinese Uighur Muslims who had been detained at the U.S.
Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. By year’s end, 6 of the 17 had moved to Palau. The Palauan government denied
accusations by opponents that financial compensation was tied to the deal, stating that the decision was strictly humanitarian. In
August, the parliament passed a bill to permit dual citizenship, an amendment supported by voters in a referendum that had been
held alongside the November 2004 general elections.
Palau is an electoral democracy. The 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections were considered free and fair. The bicameral
legislature, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, consists of the nine-member Senate and the 16-member House of Delegates. Legislators are
elected to four-year terms by popular vote, as are the president and vice president. The president may serve only two consecutive
terms. The country is organized into 16 states, each of which is headed by a governor, and each with a seat in the House of
Delegates.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Palau received a one-year extension of its Compact of Free Association with the United States in 2009, providing Palauans with
continued access to education and employment in the United States and its territories. A number of senior political leaders, including
former president Tommy Esang Remengesau, were convicted of official abuse and corruption during the year.
Johnson Toribiong was elected president in the November 2008 elections, defeating Elias Camsek Chin, the former vice president.
Parliamentary elections were held the same month, with all candidates running as independents. Seeking U.S. aid beyond 2009 was
the central political issue, as the island’s economy is highly dependent on compact funds. In July 2009, the United States agreed to
extend the compact agreement for one year beginning October 1, 2009, maintaining the same payment amounts. The extension
provides Palau with much needed financial relief, as the country carries a large national debt and has experienced a considerable
decline in the tourism industry. Due to economic hardship, the parliament rejected Toribiong’s request in August for significant
salary increases for the president, vice president, and cabinet members.
Several high-ranking local and national public officials faced corruption charges in 2009, leading to a number of convictions. The
speaker of the Koror state government was convicted of perjury and misconduct in January, while the governor of Melekeok state
was found guilty of using public funds for personal purposes in April. In November, former president Remengesau was found
guilty of misconduct, including the stealing of public funds; he faces up to $1.2 million in fines. In August, the former head of
economic development was charged with unlawful fishing and employment of non-resident workers, andthe ombudsman faced
charges of forgery.
In June, the Palauan government accepted a U.S. request to resettle 17 Chinese Uighur Muslims who had been detained at the U.S.
Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. By year’s end, 6 of the 17 had moved to Palau. The Palauan government denied
accusations by opponents that financial compensation was tied to the deal, stating that the decision was strictly humanitarian. In
August, the parliament passed a bill to permit dual citizenship, an amendment supported by voters in a referendum that had been
held alongside the November 2004 general elections.
Palau is an electoral democracy. The 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections were considered free and fair. The bicameral
legislature, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, consists of the nine-member Senate and the 16-member House of Delegates. Legislators are
elected to four-year terms by popular vote, as are the president and vice president. The president may serve only two consecutive
terms. The country is organized into 16 states, each of which is headed by a governor, and each with a seat in the House of
Delegates.
Click here to read more »
Relief funds help Guantanamo Uighur move forward
Corrected 2/4/10
An attorney with Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel contacted me two months ago to ask for my assistance on behalf of one of her
firm’s Uighur clients who had recently been released from Guantanamo to Palau.
Kramer Levin’s client, a 38-year-old Uighur named Ahmad Abdulahad, was captured in Afghanistan soon after the American
invasion in October 2001. His left leg was severely injured during an air strike at Qalai Janghi Prison near Mazar-E-Sharif, where he
was being held prior to his transfer to Guantanamo.
Ahmad’s leg was amputated soon after his arrival in Guantanamo, and a prosthetic device was supplied by the U.S. military. The
prosthesis was never fitted properly. As a result, Ahmad’s mobility has been very limited and he experiences chronic pain. Whether
he is walking, sitting, or standing, the prosthesis rubs against his residual limb. This causes blistering, which is aggravated in the
hot, humid climate of Palau.
Ahmad’s story
Ahmad was born in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous region, a western province of the People’s Republic of China. As an ethnic
Uighur (a Turkic Muslim minority), he suffered severe repression under China’s rule. Ahmad is an educated man with a wife and
three children. He left his home to escape persecution in 2000. He traveled to Kyrgyzstan and later to Pakistan. Like many Uighur
refugees, he finally settled in Afghanistan, the only Central Asian country where he was unlikely to face extradition to China.
Ahmad was living in Kabul at the time of the U.S. invasion. When the fighting moved closer to the city, he joined the crowds of
civilians fleeing north. Although unarmed and unaffiliated with any of the warring factions, he was captured by the forces of the
notorious warlord General Abdul Rashid Dostum and turned over to the Americans for a bounty of $5,000.
Now, eight years later, Ahmad is finally a free man. Despite the terrible adversities that he has faced, he is extraordinarily motivated
to begin a new life, to find employment, and to become self-sufficient. But he needs extensive medical care.
Medical treatment for Ahmad
When Ahmad’s attorney called me, her team had already found an orthopedic surgeon who was willing to travel to Palau to treat
Ahmad pro bono. The surgeon, who shared in a Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for his work with the International Campaign to Ban
Landmines, will evaluate the health of Ahmad’s residual limb and perform corrective surgery if necessary. A distinguished
prosthetist, whose work has been featured on the Discovery Health Channel, will build and fit a new prosthesis for Ahmad.
Appeal for help
When she contacted me in December, Ahmad’s attorney still needed to raise approximately $11,000 for travel expenses and the
purchase of the prosthesis. I responded by sending out an appeal through our networks. The response was dramatic. Innumerable
small donations poured in — from caring people already cash-strapped at the holidays. Ahmad’s attorney also contacted other
individuals and other groups who donated generously. Then thanks to some speedy work from Amnesty staff in the UK and the
US, we were able to donate the balance from our Hanna Grunwald emergency relief fund, a fund especially meant for individuals
recovering from such severe human rights abuses.
Last week, the attorney wrote to me:
Great news!! Amnesty has agreed to fund the remaining amount we need to meet our goal! I am so grateful to all the AI family
for your tremendous support. Ahmad will be so appreciative.
It’s wonderful to see so many people coming together to help restore human rights one person at a time. On behalf of Amnesty
International, thank you for making this possible!
Click here to read more »
Corrected 2/4/10
An attorney with Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel contacted me two months ago to ask for my assistance on behalf of one of her
firm’s Uighur clients who had recently been released from Guantanamo to Palau.
Kramer Levin’s client, a 38-year-old Uighur named Ahmad Abdulahad, was captured in Afghanistan soon after the American
invasion in October 2001. His left leg was severely injured during an air strike at Qalai Janghi Prison near Mazar-E-Sharif, where he
was being held prior to his transfer to Guantanamo.
Ahmad’s leg was amputated soon after his arrival in Guantanamo, and a prosthetic device was supplied by the U.S. military. The
prosthesis was never fitted properly. As a result, Ahmad’s mobility has been very limited and he experiences chronic pain. Whether
he is walking, sitting, or standing, the prosthesis rubs against his residual limb. This causes blistering, which is aggravated in the
hot, humid climate of Palau.
Ahmad’s story
Ahmad was born in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous region, a western province of the People’s Republic of China. As an ethnic
Uighur (a Turkic Muslim minority), he suffered severe repression under China’s rule. Ahmad is an educated man with a wife and
three children. He left his home to escape persecution in 2000. He traveled to Kyrgyzstan and later to Pakistan. Like many Uighur
refugees, he finally settled in Afghanistan, the only Central Asian country where he was unlikely to face extradition to China.
Ahmad was living in Kabul at the time of the U.S. invasion. When the fighting moved closer to the city, he joined the crowds of
civilians fleeing north. Although unarmed and unaffiliated with any of the warring factions, he was captured by the forces of the
notorious warlord General Abdul Rashid Dostum and turned over to the Americans for a bounty of $5,000.
Now, eight years later, Ahmad is finally a free man. Despite the terrible adversities that he has faced, he is extraordinarily motivated
to begin a new life, to find employment, and to become self-sufficient. But he needs extensive medical care.
Medical treatment for Ahmad
When Ahmad’s attorney called me, her team had already found an orthopedic surgeon who was willing to travel to Palau to treat
Ahmad pro bono. The surgeon, who shared in a Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for his work with the International Campaign to Ban
Landmines, will evaluate the health of Ahmad’s residual limb and perform corrective surgery if necessary. A distinguished
prosthetist, whose work has been featured on the Discovery Health Channel, will build and fit a new prosthesis for Ahmad.
Appeal for help
When she contacted me in December, Ahmad’s attorney still needed to raise approximately $11,000 for travel expenses and the
purchase of the prosthesis. I responded by sending out an appeal through our networks. The response was dramatic. Innumerable
small donations poured in — from caring people already cash-strapped at the holidays. Ahmad’s attorney also contacted other
individuals and other groups who donated generously. Then thanks to some speedy work from Amnesty staff in the UK and the
US, we were able to donate the balance from our Hanna Grunwald emergency relief fund, a fund especially meant for individuals
recovering from such severe human rights abuses.
Last week, the attorney wrote to me:
Great news!! Amnesty has agreed to fund the remaining amount we need to meet our goal! I am so grateful to all the AI family
for your tremendous support. Ahmad will be so appreciative.
It’s wonderful to see so many people coming together to help restore human rights one person at a time. On behalf of Amnesty
International, thank you for making this possible!
Click here to read more »
EU: Follow Swiss Example of Accepting Guantanamo Detainees
Switzerland’s Decision to Resettle Two Uighurs Will Help Close US Prison
February 3, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Switzerland's decision to accept for resettlement two Uighur detainees who have been wrongfully detained at
Guantanamo for more than eight years is a significant contribution toward closing the prison, Human Rights Watch said today.
Swiss authorities announced today that they would resettle two of the seven remaining Uighurs at Guantanamo on humanitarian
grounds. The announcement comes just a week after Switzerland agreed to resettle an Uzbek detainee from Guantanamo.
"Switzerland should be commended for its humanitarian action," said Andrea Prasow, senior counterterrorism counsel at Human
Rights Watch. "By agreeing to resettle three Guantanamo detainees, the Swiss are making a major contribution to shuttering
Guantanamo."
Several other European countries, including Albania, Belgium, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Slovakia, have
accepted Guantanamo detainees.
The two Uighur detainees, whose names have not been released, are members of an oppressed Turkic minority from western China
who have been cleared for transfer or release from Guantanamo for years, but cannot return home due to credible fears of
persecution or ill-treatment there.
Twenty-two Uighurs were originally detained at Guantanamo. They had reportedly been living together in a Uighur camp in
Afghanistan when the US-led coalition bombing campaign began in October 2001, and a group of them fled into the mountains.
Arab travelers promised to take them to a safe house in Pakistan, but instead turned them over to Pakistani authorities who, in turn,
handed them over to the United States - reportedly for large bounties.
The United States cleared most of the Uighurs for release from Guantanamo in 2004, and has been looking for countries to resettle
them ever since. In 2006, Albania resettled five of them, and in 2009, Bermuda four and Palau six.
Click here to read more »
Switzerland’s Decision to Resettle Two Uighurs Will Help Close US Prison
February 3, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Switzerland's decision to accept for resettlement two Uighur detainees who have been wrongfully detained at
Guantanamo for more than eight years is a significant contribution toward closing the prison, Human Rights Watch said today.
Swiss authorities announced today that they would resettle two of the seven remaining Uighurs at Guantanamo on humanitarian
grounds. The announcement comes just a week after Switzerland agreed to resettle an Uzbek detainee from Guantanamo.
"Switzerland should be commended for its humanitarian action," said Andrea Prasow, senior counterterrorism counsel at Human
Rights Watch. "By agreeing to resettle three Guantanamo detainees, the Swiss are making a major contribution to shuttering
Guantanamo."
Several other European countries, including Albania, Belgium, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Slovakia, have
accepted Guantanamo detainees.
The two Uighur detainees, whose names have not been released, are members of an oppressed Turkic minority from western China
who have been cleared for transfer or release from Guantanamo for years, but cannot return home due to credible fears of
persecution or ill-treatment there.
Twenty-two Uighurs were originally detained at Guantanamo. They had reportedly been living together in a Uighur camp in
Afghanistan when the US-led coalition bombing campaign began in October 2001, and a group of them fled into the mountains.
Arab travelers promised to take them to a safe house in Pakistan, but instead turned them over to Pakistani authorities who, in turn,
handed them over to the United States - reportedly for large bounties.
The United States cleared most of the Uighurs for release from Guantanamo in 2004, and has been looking for countries to resettle
them ever since. In 2006, Albania resettled five of them, and in 2009, Bermuda four and Palau six.
Click here to read more »
President Toribiong’s address to the United Nations General Assembly
25 September 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am speaking here for the first time as a Head of State. However, in 1977, I appeared with my country’s delegation before the
Trusteeship Council seeking independence. In 1994, the Trusteeship ended and we took our place as a member of the United
Nations. Our independence is testament to the success of the International Trusteeship System, for which we are grateful. The
legacy of our experience is a Constitution which incorporates the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights — freedom, democracy, equal protection, rule of law.
We thank the Permanent Members of the Security Council who recognized our sovereignty: the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China and the United States of
America — which was our administering authority and to which we express our deep appreciation for having become our close
partner under the Compact of Free Association, a relationship which we hope will endure.
As a new and young member, Palau has shouldered its responsibilities to the community of nations – including deploying
Peacekeepers to Darfur, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. As we sign international conventions and meet our counter
terrorism obligations – as set forth by the Security Council – we remember and honor the legacy of the United Nations.
While our political progress has been satisfying since independence, I must report to you that we are now confronted with several
looming threats to our continued peaceful way of life, and indeed to our very existence. Climate change, environmental degradation
and the world financial crisis are challenges we will need to work with the international community to overcome.
Palauans have lived throughout history in symbiosis with the sea. We are seeing now though that the sea, which has long been the
source of our sustenance, is both rising in rage to destroy us and becoming barren. This fury was caused by the abuses of
humankind and we therefore need to take every action necessary to allow the oceans to heal themselves.
It is anomalous that Palau is experiencing economic difficulty while it sits in the middle of the richest waters in the world. We can
no longer stand by while foreign vessels illicitly come to our waters to take our greatest resource, our tuna stocks, without regard
to their conservation and without regard for adequate compensation to the island states which rely on this resource.
Without a strong local economy, our children, our most valuable resource, are leaving our shores for opportunities elsewhere. As
they leave it creates a continuing downward cycle which we must stop.
Click here to read more »
25 September 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am speaking here for the first time as a Head of State. However, in 1977, I appeared with my country’s delegation before the
Trusteeship Council seeking independence. In 1994, the Trusteeship ended and we took our place as a member of the United
Nations. Our independence is testament to the success of the International Trusteeship System, for which we are grateful. The
legacy of our experience is a Constitution which incorporates the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights — freedom, democracy, equal protection, rule of law.
We thank the Permanent Members of the Security Council who recognized our sovereignty: the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China and the United States of
America — which was our administering authority and to which we express our deep appreciation for having become our close
partner under the Compact of Free Association, a relationship which we hope will endure.
As a new and young member, Palau has shouldered its responsibilities to the community of nations – including deploying
Peacekeepers to Darfur, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. As we sign international conventions and meet our counter
terrorism obligations – as set forth by the Security Council – we remember and honor the legacy of the United Nations.
While our political progress has been satisfying since independence, I must report to you that we are now confronted with several
looming threats to our continued peaceful way of life, and indeed to our very existence. Climate change, environmental degradation
and the world financial crisis are challenges we will need to work with the international community to overcome.
Palauans have lived throughout history in symbiosis with the sea. We are seeing now though that the sea, which has long been the
source of our sustenance, is both rising in rage to destroy us and becoming barren. This fury was caused by the abuses of
humankind and we therefore need to take every action necessary to allow the oceans to heal themselves.
It is anomalous that Palau is experiencing economic difficulty while it sits in the middle of the richest waters in the world. We can
no longer stand by while foreign vessels illicitly come to our waters to take our greatest resource, our tuna stocks, without regard
to their conservation and without regard for adequate compensation to the island states which rely on this resource.
Without a strong local economy, our children, our most valuable resource, are leaving our shores for opportunities elsewhere. As
they leave it creates a continuing downward cycle which we must stop.
Click here to read more »
DOI to support Palau Fraud Awareness and Prevention outreach
Tuesday April 20, 2010
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas, Tony Babauta on Monday signed a Technical Assistance grant in the amount
of $13,000 to promote a Fraud Awareness and Prevention Outreach Program (FAP) for Republic of Palau.
The FAP is being developed by Palau’s Office of the Public Auditor (OPA) in conjunction with the Palau Special Prosecutors
Office (SPO) to improve on OPAs ability to timely identify, investigate, and report on incidents of fraud, waste, and
mismanagement of Compact, Recovery Act, and local monies at both the national and state government levels.
The funds will be used by the OPA to generate a public awareness campaign that will inform residents on the importance of strong
government oversight and the actions that can be taken by citizens to report any suspicious activities.
FAP will hold a series of townhall meetings, radio discussions and distribute pamphlets and banners informing the community of
government actions, as citizens learn more about the investigative process and how the investigators handle fraud tips and
complaints it receives from the public.
“This initiative is part of a comprehensive solution in making the government of Palau more transparent and responsive to its
citizens.
It demonstrates the Government of Palau’s commitment to ensuring the proper stewardship of and accounting for the publics’
money, whilst also contributing to the improved delivery of public services,” said Assistant Secretary Babauta.
“Funding for FAP puts the Republic of Palau on a path towards a better and more effective public administration,” added Babauta.
Click here to read more »
Tuesday April 20, 2010
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas, Tony Babauta on Monday signed a Technical Assistance grant in the amount
of $13,000 to promote a Fraud Awareness and Prevention Outreach Program (FAP) for Republic of Palau.
The FAP is being developed by Palau’s Office of the Public Auditor (OPA) in conjunction with the Palau Special Prosecutors
Office (SPO) to improve on OPAs ability to timely identify, investigate, and report on incidents of fraud, waste, and
mismanagement of Compact, Recovery Act, and local monies at both the national and state government levels.
The funds will be used by the OPA to generate a public awareness campaign that will inform residents on the importance of strong
government oversight and the actions that can be taken by citizens to report any suspicious activities.
FAP will hold a series of townhall meetings, radio discussions and distribute pamphlets and banners informing the community of
government actions, as citizens learn more about the investigative process and how the investigators handle fraud tips and
complaints it receives from the public.
“This initiative is part of a comprehensive solution in making the government of Palau more transparent and responsive to its
citizens.
It demonstrates the Government of Palau’s commitment to ensuring the proper stewardship of and accounting for the publics’
money, whilst also contributing to the improved delivery of public services,” said Assistant Secretary Babauta.
“Funding for FAP puts the Republic of Palau on a path towards a better and more effective public administration,” added Babauta.
Click here to read more »
Palau Red Cross gets support from international delegates, government
Thursday, 01 April 2010
KOROR (Palau Horizon) – The Palau Red Cross Society hosted a series of partnership meetings in the country for a group of
delegates from the Red Cross Crescent Movement on March 22 to 26 to give its international partners a better understanding of its
operations in Palau.
Part of the delegation’s visit was to meet with several government officials to discuss Palau Red Cross’ legal base, the national
society’s program priorities, as well as the government’s commitment towards international humanitarian law.
“This is the first time that we are hosting a joint visit of this kind by international representatives from the different components of
the Red Cross Crescent Movement,” said Miriam Chin, Executive Director of Palau Red Cross Society. She said added that Palau
Red Cross is part of a large global network and they intend to draw from the experience, knowledge and resources of the network
in moving forward.
“We would like to improve our engagement with local communities, with the aim of contributing to more resilient communities,”
Chin said.
Senator Regina Mesebeluu, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Education, and Delegate Kalistus Ngirturong,
Chairman of the Health and Education Committee, have pledged their support to Palau Red Cross and its programs.
“Government support is critical for facilitating the Movement’s initiatives in meeting the needs of vulnerable people in Palau,” said
Jean-Luc Metzker, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific.
Delegate Ngirturong said, “The programs and initiative carried out by the Palau Red Cross Society are very important and the Red
Cross has the support and commitment of the National Congress.”
Aurelia Balpe, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Crescent Society (IFRC) Head of Regional Office in the
Pacific, shared that IFRC is committed to supporting Palau Red Cross to scale up its work with vulnerable people in ways that are
adaptable and relevant to local needs.
Kathleen Walsh, Manager for Pacific Programmes from the Australian Red Cross, and Reeni Amin Chua, IFRC Asia Pacific Zone
Communications Officer, were also part of the international delegates.
Click here to read more >>
Thursday, 01 April 2010
KOROR (Palau Horizon) – The Palau Red Cross Society hosted a series of partnership meetings in the country for a group of
delegates from the Red Cross Crescent Movement on March 22 to 26 to give its international partners a better understanding of its
operations in Palau.
Part of the delegation’s visit was to meet with several government officials to discuss Palau Red Cross’ legal base, the national
society’s program priorities, as well as the government’s commitment towards international humanitarian law.
“This is the first time that we are hosting a joint visit of this kind by international representatives from the different components of
the Red Cross Crescent Movement,” said Miriam Chin, Executive Director of Palau Red Cross Society. She said added that Palau
Red Cross is part of a large global network and they intend to draw from the experience, knowledge and resources of the network
in moving forward.
“We would like to improve our engagement with local communities, with the aim of contributing to more resilient communities,”
Chin said.
Senator Regina Mesebeluu, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Education, and Delegate Kalistus Ngirturong,
Chairman of the Health and Education Committee, have pledged their support to Palau Red Cross and its programs.
“Government support is critical for facilitating the Movement’s initiatives in meeting the needs of vulnerable people in Palau,” said
Jean-Luc Metzker, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific.
Delegate Ngirturong said, “The programs and initiative carried out by the Palau Red Cross Society are very important and the Red
Cross has the support and commitment of the National Congress.”
Aurelia Balpe, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Crescent Society (IFRC) Head of Regional Office in the
Pacific, shared that IFRC is committed to supporting Palau Red Cross to scale up its work with vulnerable people in ways that are
adaptable and relevant to local needs.
Kathleen Walsh, Manager for Pacific Programmes from the Australian Red Cross, and Reeni Amin Chua, IFRC Asia Pacific Zone
Communications Officer, were also part of the international delegates.
Click here to read more >>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
