| VANUATU Republic of Vanuatu Ripablik blong Vanuatu Joined United Nations: 15 September 1981 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/12/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Port-Vila (on Efate)
221,552 (July 2010 est.)
Iolu Johnson Abil
President since 02 September 2009
President since 02 September 2009
President elected for a five-year term by an electoral college
consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional
councils; election for president last held 02 September 2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional
councils; election for president last held 02 September 2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Sato Kilman
Deputy Prime Minister
since 19 November 2009
Deputy Prime Minister
since 19 November 2009
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
majority coalition is usually elected Prime Minister by Parliament
from among its members; election for Prime Minister last held
292 September 2008
Next scheduled election: following general elections in
2012
majority coalition is usually elected Prime Minister by Parliament
from among its members; election for Prime Minister last held
292 September 2008
Next scheduled election: following general elections in
2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)
| RELIGIONS |
Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian
13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999
Census)
13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999
Census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary republic with 6 provinces. Legal system is a unified system being created from former dual French and
British systems
Executive: President elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of
the regional councils; election for president last held 02 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament from
among its members; election for prime minister last held 22 September 2008 (next to be held following general
elections in 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the
leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service
Commission)
British systems
Executive: President elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of
the regional councils; election for president last held 02 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament from
among its members; election for prime minister last held 22 September 2008 (next to be held following general
elections in 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the
leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service
Commission)
| LANGUAGES |
Local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English 1.9%, French
1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)
1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The history of Vanuatu begins obscurely. The commonly held theory of Vanuatu's prehistory from archaeological
evidence supports that peoples speaking Austronesian languages first came to the islands some 4,000 years ago.
Pottery fragments have been found dating back to 1300 B.C. What little is known of the pre-European contact history
of Vanuatu has been gleaned from oral histories and legends. One important early king was Roy Mata, who united
several tribes, and was buried in a large mound with several retainers. The first island in the Vanuatu group discovered
by Europeans was Espiritu Santo, when in 1606 the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Fernández de Quirós, spied what he
thought was a southern continent. Europeans did not return until 1768, when Louis Antoine de Bougainville
rediscovered the islands. In 1774, Captain Cook named the islands the New Hebrides, a name that lasted until
independence. In 1825, trader Peter Dillon's discovery of sandalwood on the island of Erromango began a rush that
ended in 1830 after a clash between immigrant Polynesian workers and indigenous Melanesians. During the 1860s,
planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Samoa Islands, in need of laborers, encouraged a long-term
indentured labor trade called "blackbirding." At the height of the labor trade, more than one-half the adult male
population of several of the Islands worked abroad. It was at this time that missionaries, both Roman Catholic and
Protestant, arrived on the islands. Settlers also came, looking for land on which to establish cotton plantations. When
international cotton prices collapsed, they switched to coffee, cocoa, bananas, and, most successfully, coconuts.
Initially, British subjects from Australia made up the majority, but the establishment of the Caledonian Company of the
New Hebrides in 1882 soon tipped the balance in favor of French subjects. By the turn of the century, the French
outnumbered the British two to one. The jumbling of French and British interests in the islands brought petitions for one
or another of the two powers to annex the territory. In 1906, however, France and the United Kingdom agreed to
administer the islands jointly. Called the British-French Condominium, it was a unique form of government, with
separate governmental systems that came together only in a joint court. Melanesians were barred from acquiring the
citizenship of either power. Challenges to this form of government began in the early 1940s. The arrival of Americans
during World War II, with their informal demeanor and relative wealth, was instrumental in the rise of nationalism in the
islands. The belief in a mythical messianic figure named John Frum was the basis for an indigenous cargo cult (a
movement attempting to obtain industrial goods through magic) promising Melanesian deliverance. Today, John Frum is
both a religion and a political party with two members in Parliament. The first political party was established in the early
1970s and originally was called the New Hebrides National Party. One of the founders was Father Walter Lini, who
later became Prime Minister. Renamed the Vanua'aku Party in 1974, the party pushed for independence; in 1980, the
Republic of Vanuatu was created. Iolu Abil was elected president on 02 September 2009.
Source: Wikipedia History of Vanuatu
evidence supports that peoples speaking Austronesian languages first came to the islands some 4,000 years ago.
Pottery fragments have been found dating back to 1300 B.C. What little is known of the pre-European contact history
of Vanuatu has been gleaned from oral histories and legends. One important early king was Roy Mata, who united
several tribes, and was buried in a large mound with several retainers. The first island in the Vanuatu group discovered
by Europeans was Espiritu Santo, when in 1606 the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Fernández de Quirós, spied what he
thought was a southern continent. Europeans did not return until 1768, when Louis Antoine de Bougainville
rediscovered the islands. In 1774, Captain Cook named the islands the New Hebrides, a name that lasted until
independence. In 1825, trader Peter Dillon's discovery of sandalwood on the island of Erromango began a rush that
ended in 1830 after a clash between immigrant Polynesian workers and indigenous Melanesians. During the 1860s,
planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Samoa Islands, in need of laborers, encouraged a long-term
indentured labor trade called "blackbirding." At the height of the labor trade, more than one-half the adult male
population of several of the Islands worked abroad. It was at this time that missionaries, both Roman Catholic and
Protestant, arrived on the islands. Settlers also came, looking for land on which to establish cotton plantations. When
international cotton prices collapsed, they switched to coffee, cocoa, bananas, and, most successfully, coconuts.
Initially, British subjects from Australia made up the majority, but the establishment of the Caledonian Company of the
New Hebrides in 1882 soon tipped the balance in favor of French subjects. By the turn of the century, the French
outnumbered the British two to one. The jumbling of French and British interests in the islands brought petitions for one
or another of the two powers to annex the territory. In 1906, however, France and the United Kingdom agreed to
administer the islands jointly. Called the British-French Condominium, it was a unique form of government, with
separate governmental systems that came together only in a joint court. Melanesians were barred from acquiring the
citizenship of either power. Challenges to this form of government began in the early 1940s. The arrival of Americans
during World War II, with their informal demeanor and relative wealth, was instrumental in the rise of nationalism in the
islands. The belief in a mythical messianic figure named John Frum was the basis for an indigenous cargo cult (a
movement attempting to obtain industrial goods through magic) promising Melanesian deliverance. Today, John Frum is
both a religion and a political party with two members in Parliament. The first political party was established in the early
1970s and originally was called the New Hebrides National Party. One of the founders was Father Walter Lini, who
later became Prime Minister. Renamed the Vanua'aku Party in 1974, the party pushed for independence; in 1980, the
Republic of Vanuatu was created. Iolu Abil was elected president on 02 September 2009.
Source: Wikipedia History of Vanuatu
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about
two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are
other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small
light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is
hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from
main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten
regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through
improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a
second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Vanuatu)
two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are
other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small
light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is
hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from
main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten
regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through
improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a
second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Vanuatu)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The constitution created a republican political system headed by a president who has primarily ceremonial powers and
is elected by a two-thirds majority in an electoral college consisting of members of Parliament and the presidents of
Regional Councils. The president serves a 5-year term. The president may be removed by the electoral college for
gross misconduct or incapacity. The prime minister, who is the head of government, is elected by a majority vote of a
three-fourths quorum of the Parliament. The prime minister in turn appoints the Council of Ministers, whose number
may not exceed one-fourth of the number of parliamentary representatives. The prime minister and the Council of
Ministers constitute the executive government. Government and society in Vanuatu tend to divide along
linguistic--French and English--lines. Historically, English-speaking politicians such as Walter Lini, Donald Kalpokas,
and other leaders of the Vanua'aku Pati favored early independence, whereas French-speaking political leaders
favored continuing association with the colonial administrators, particularly France. On the eve of independence in
1980, Jimmy Stevens' Nagriamel movement, in alliance with private French interests, declared the island of Espiritu
Santo independent of the new government. Following independence, Vanuatu requested assistance from Papua New
Guinea, whose forces restored order on Santo. From then until 1991, the Vanua'aku Pati and its predominantly
English-speaking leadership controlled the Vanuatu Government.
Source: Answers.com: Politics of Vanuatu
is elected by a two-thirds majority in an electoral college consisting of members of Parliament and the presidents of
Regional Councils. The president serves a 5-year term. The president may be removed by the electoral college for
gross misconduct or incapacity. The prime minister, who is the head of government, is elected by a majority vote of a
three-fourths quorum of the Parliament. The prime minister in turn appoints the Council of Ministers, whose number
may not exceed one-fourth of the number of parliamentary representatives. The prime minister and the Council of
Ministers constitute the executive government. Government and society in Vanuatu tend to divide along
linguistic--French and English--lines. Historically, English-speaking politicians such as Walter Lini, Donald Kalpokas,
and other leaders of the Vanua'aku Pati favored early independence, whereas French-speaking political leaders
favored continuing association with the colonial administrators, particularly France. On the eve of independence in
1980, Jimmy Stevens' Nagriamel movement, in alliance with private French interests, declared the island of Espiritu
Santo independent of the new government. Following independence, Vanuatu requested assistance from Papua New
Guinea, whose forces restored order on Santo. From then until 1991, the Vanua'aku Pati and its predominantly
English-speaking leadership controlled the Vanuatu Government.
Source: Answers.com: Politics of Vanuatu
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Vanuatu
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Vanuatu is a multiparty parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 235,000. The head of government, Prime
Minister Edward Natapei, governed with a seven-party coalition. The most recent elections, held in September 2008, were
considered generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces; however, police
officials on occasion acted peremptorily or at the direction of senior politicians.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, but there were problems in some areas. These included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Vanuatu is a multiparty parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 235,000. The head of government, Prime
Minister Edward Natapei, governed with a seven-party coalition. The most recent elections, held in September 2008, were
considered generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces; however, police
officials on occasion acted peremptorily or at the direction of senior politicians.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, but there were problems in some areas. These included:
- poor prison conditions,
- arrests without warrants,
- an extremely slow judicial process,
- government corruption,
- violence and discrimination against women.
11 June 2007
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Thirty-eighth session
14 May-1 June 2007
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women:
Vanuatu
A. Introduction
2. The Committee commends the State party for ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women without reservations. It expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined initial, second, and third periodic
report, which followed the Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of reports, but which was long overdue and did not provide
enough statistical data disaggregated by sex. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the oral presentation,
the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by its pre-session working group, and the further clarifications to the
questions orally posed by the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
6. The Committee commends the State party for achieving parity in primary education and meeting one of its targets under goal 3
(eliminating gender disparity in primary education) of the Millennium Development Goals, which corresponds to article 10 of the
Convention.
7. The Committee commends the State party on its microfinance programmes, particularly the introduction and expansion of the
VANWODS scheme targeting disadvantaged women and the Sevem Fastaim or “Save it First” scheme.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
9. While recalling the State party’s obligation to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding comments as requiring the State party’s
priority attention between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls upon the State
party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic
report. It also calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding comments to all ministries and to Parliament so as to
ensure their full implementation.
10. The Committee is concerned that, although the Convention was ratified in 1995, the Convention has not yet been fully
incorporated into domestic legislation. The Committee is deeply concerned that the Constitution gives equal status to cultural and
religious norms, some of which have an adverse impact on women’s enjoyment of their human rights, with legal norms. The
Committee is further concerned that the principle of equality of women and men and the prohibition of discrimination lacks primacy
over contradictory norms of customary law. The Committee is also concerned that neither the Constitution nor other domestic
legislation contain a definition of discrimination against women in accordance with article 1 of the Convention, which prohibits both
direct and indirect discrimination.
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Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Thirty-eighth session
14 May-1 June 2007
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women:
Vanuatu
A. Introduction
2. The Committee commends the State party for ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women without reservations. It expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined initial, second, and third periodic
report, which followed the Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of reports, but which was long overdue and did not provide
enough statistical data disaggregated by sex. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the oral presentation,
the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by its pre-session working group, and the further clarifications to the
questions orally posed by the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
6. The Committee commends the State party for achieving parity in primary education and meeting one of its targets under goal 3
(eliminating gender disparity in primary education) of the Millennium Development Goals, which corresponds to article 10 of the
Convention.
7. The Committee commends the State party on its microfinance programmes, particularly the introduction and expansion of the
VANWODS scheme targeting disadvantaged women and the Sevem Fastaim or “Save it First” scheme.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
9. While recalling the State party’s obligation to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding comments as requiring the State party’s
priority attention between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls upon the State
party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic
report. It also calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding comments to all ministries and to Parliament so as to
ensure their full implementation.
10. The Committee is concerned that, although the Convention was ratified in 1995, the Convention has not yet been fully
incorporated into domestic legislation. The Committee is deeply concerned that the Constitution gives equal status to cultural and
religious norms, some of which have an adverse impact on women’s enjoyment of their human rights, with legal norms. The
Committee is further concerned that the principle of equality of women and men and the prohibition of discrimination lacks primacy
over contradictory norms of customary law. The Committee is also concerned that neither the Constitution nor other domestic
legislation contain a definition of discrimination against women in accordance with article 1 of the Convention, which prohibits both
direct and indirect discrimination.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, bitter political rivalries resulted in failed opposition-led votes of no confidence against Prime Minister Edward Natapei, who
was also briefly stripped of his seat in parliament and position as prime minister in November. In September, Iolu Abil was chosen
as Vanuatu’s new president. Meanwhile, Viran Molisa Trief was appointed the country’s first female solicitor general in March.
In the 2008 parliamentary elections, the Vanua’aku Party (VP)won 11 seats, the National United Party (NUP) took 8, and the Union
of Moderate Parties (UMP) and the Vanuatu Republican Party (VRP) each captured 7. In September, parliament elected the VP’s
Edward Natapei—former prime minister from 2001 to 2004—to succeed Ham Lini as the new prime minister. International
observers deemed the elections largely credible despite reports of bribery and fraud.Fractious politics in 2008 led to three failed no-
confidence motions against Natapei before the year’s end.
Natapei survived a no-confidence vote in June 2009 and forestalled another in mid-November when he replaced half of his cabinet
with members of the opposition alliance. However, his failure to submit a written explanation for missing three consecutive sittings
of the parliament resulted in Natapei being stripped of his seat in parliament and his position as prime minister at the end of
November. The Chief Justice reinstated Natapei in December after ruling that the decision to remove him had been unconstitutional,
and Natapei survived yet another no-confidence vote on December 10. In September, the electoral college chose Iolu Abil to
replace Kalkot Mataskelekele as the country’s president.
Vanuatu secured $66 million in development assistance over five years from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Account in 2006, and
the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported in 2008 that Vanuatu was making progress in creating jobs and increasing per
capita income. However, unemployment rates are high, and crime has worsened, particularly in the capital. Real progress on
economic reform and strengthening the rule of law remains difficult, as politics is dominated by ethnic, tribal, and personal rivalries.
Vanuatu is an electoral democracy. The constitution provides for parliamentary elections every four years. The prime minister, who
appoints his own cabinet, is chosen by the 52-seat unicameral parliament from among its members. Members of the parliament and
the heads of the six provincial governments form an electoral college to select the largely ceremonial president for a five-year term.
The National Council of Chiefs works in parallel with the parliament, exercising authority mainly over language and cultural matters.
Many political parties are active, but individual rivalries are intense and politicians frequently switch affiliations. Politics is also
driven by linguistic and tribal identity. The leading parties are the VP, NUP, and the francophone UMP.
Click here to read more»
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, bitter political rivalries resulted in failed opposition-led votes of no confidence against Prime Minister Edward Natapei, who
was also briefly stripped of his seat in parliament and position as prime minister in November. In September, Iolu Abil was chosen
as Vanuatu’s new president. Meanwhile, Viran Molisa Trief was appointed the country’s first female solicitor general in March.
In the 2008 parliamentary elections, the Vanua’aku Party (VP)won 11 seats, the National United Party (NUP) took 8, and the Union
of Moderate Parties (UMP) and the Vanuatu Republican Party (VRP) each captured 7. In September, parliament elected the VP’s
Edward Natapei—former prime minister from 2001 to 2004—to succeed Ham Lini as the new prime minister. International
observers deemed the elections largely credible despite reports of bribery and fraud.Fractious politics in 2008 led to three failed no-
confidence motions against Natapei before the year’s end.
Natapei survived a no-confidence vote in June 2009 and forestalled another in mid-November when he replaced half of his cabinet
with members of the opposition alliance. However, his failure to submit a written explanation for missing three consecutive sittings
of the parliament resulted in Natapei being stripped of his seat in parliament and his position as prime minister at the end of
November. The Chief Justice reinstated Natapei in December after ruling that the decision to remove him had been unconstitutional,
and Natapei survived yet another no-confidence vote on December 10. In September, the electoral college chose Iolu Abil to
replace Kalkot Mataskelekele as the country’s president.
Vanuatu secured $66 million in development assistance over five years from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Account in 2006, and
the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported in 2008 that Vanuatu was making progress in creating jobs and increasing per
capita income. However, unemployment rates are high, and crime has worsened, particularly in the capital. Real progress on
economic reform and strengthening the rule of law remains difficult, as politics is dominated by ethnic, tribal, and personal rivalries.
Vanuatu is an electoral democracy. The constitution provides for parliamentary elections every four years. The prime minister, who
appoints his own cabinet, is chosen by the 52-seat unicameral parliament from among its members. Members of the parliament and
the heads of the six provincial governments form an electoral college to select the largely ceremonial president for a five-year term.
The National Council of Chiefs works in parallel with the parliament, exercising authority mainly over language and cultural matters.
Many political parties are active, but individual rivalries are intense and politicians frequently switch affiliations. Politics is also
driven by linguistic and tribal identity. The leading parties are the VP, NUP, and the francophone UMP.
Click here to read more»
PUBLIC STATEMENT
25 September 2009
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Reviewoutcome on Vanuatu: Amnesty International welcomes new
Family Law
Amnesty International welcomes many of the recommendations made by states to Vanuatu, including those concerned with the
establishment of a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles; the improvement of detention conditions
for prisoners under the age of 18; addressing current rules and customs that continue to discriminate against women; and the
adequate access to health care and safe drinking water for the population.
Amnesty International welcomes the progress made towards ensuring that human rights are promoted and protected in Vanuatu,
including through the enactment by Parliament of the Family Protection Act in June 2008, which is the first dedicated domestic
violence legislation in Pacific Island countries. Amnesty International now urges the government to proceed with the
implementation of the Act, including through training programmes for stakeholders and the allocation of adequate resources
(A/HRC/12/14, paragraphs 15-16).
Amnesty International also welcomes steps being taken to consolidate various family laws, including those relating to maintenance
and matrimonial property, into a single family law for Vanuatu. Vanuatu must now ensure that there is adequate public consultation
in the review of the new family law (A/HRC/12/14, paragraph 17).The International community should provide the necessary
assistance to Vanuatu to ensure that such public consultation takes place.
While Amnesty International welcomes the fact that the government is in the preliminary stages of ratifying the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment, it encourages Vanuatu to also ratify International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. That would send a strong statement to the people of Vanuatu and the
international community that the government is committed to addressing poverty-related issues. Amnesty International urges the
International community to assist Vanuatu in addressing poverty, lack of access to health services, clean water and adequate
housing.
Background Information
The 12thsession of the UN Human Rights Council today adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu. Prior to
the adoption of the report of the review Amnesty International delivered the oral statement above.
Click here to read more »
25 September 2009
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Reviewoutcome on Vanuatu: Amnesty International welcomes new
Family Law
Amnesty International welcomes many of the recommendations made by states to Vanuatu, including those concerned with the
establishment of a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles; the improvement of detention conditions
for prisoners under the age of 18; addressing current rules and customs that continue to discriminate against women; and the
adequate access to health care and safe drinking water for the population.
Amnesty International welcomes the progress made towards ensuring that human rights are promoted and protected in Vanuatu,
including through the enactment by Parliament of the Family Protection Act in June 2008, which is the first dedicated domestic
violence legislation in Pacific Island countries. Amnesty International now urges the government to proceed with the
implementation of the Act, including through training programmes for stakeholders and the allocation of adequate resources
(A/HRC/12/14, paragraphs 15-16).
Amnesty International also welcomes steps being taken to consolidate various family laws, including those relating to maintenance
and matrimonial property, into a single family law for Vanuatu. Vanuatu must now ensure that there is adequate public consultation
in the review of the new family law (A/HRC/12/14, paragraph 17).The International community should provide the necessary
assistance to Vanuatu to ensure that such public consultation takes place.
While Amnesty International welcomes the fact that the government is in the preliminary stages of ratifying the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment, it encourages Vanuatu to also ratify International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. That would send a strong statement to the people of Vanuatu and the
international community that the government is committed to addressing poverty-related issues. Amnesty International urges the
International community to assist Vanuatu in addressing poverty, lack of access to health services, clean water and adequate
housing.
Background Information
The 12thsession of the UN Human Rights Council today adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu. Prior to
the adoption of the report of the review Amnesty International delivered the oral statement above.
Click here to read more »
ICBL Intervention on Article 7 (Transparency Reporting) of the Mine Ban Treaty
Delivered by Steve Goose, Director of Human Rights Watch Arms Division and Head of the ICBL Delegation, to the
Standing Committee on General Status and Operation of the Convention
April 23, 2007
Geneva, Switzerland
Thank you Mr. Chairman and thanks also to Belgium for its coordination of the Article 7 contact group and its informative report.
We have produced our traditional Landmine Monitor Fact Sheet on Article 7, and I would like to highlight some of the points from
it, but I also encourage all delegates to get a copy of the fact sheet which has more detail, and names more names, than I can in
this intervention.
Annual Reporting
It appears that compliance with the requirement for annual updates of Article 7 transparency reports is slipping. A total of 26 States
Parties did not submit an annual report for either 2004 or 2005 (due 30 April 2005 and 30 April 2006). An additional 11 States, or
37 total, did not submit an annual report for 2005. Of these, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Malawi, and the Philippines are of
greatest concern, because they are mine-affected, or their mine-affected status is uncertain.
Initial Reporting
Since the publication of Landmine Monitor Report 2006, three States Parties met their deadline for submitting initial Article 7
reports: Brunei, Ukraine, and Vanuatu. Congratulations to them. In addition, Guyana finally submitted its initial report, due 31 July
2004, in October 2006.
Click here to read more »
Delivered by Steve Goose, Director of Human Rights Watch Arms Division and Head of the ICBL Delegation, to the
Standing Committee on General Status and Operation of the Convention
April 23, 2007
Geneva, Switzerland
Thank you Mr. Chairman and thanks also to Belgium for its coordination of the Article 7 contact group and its informative report.
We have produced our traditional Landmine Monitor Fact Sheet on Article 7, and I would like to highlight some of the points from
it, but I also encourage all delegates to get a copy of the fact sheet which has more detail, and names more names, than I can in
this intervention.
Annual Reporting
It appears that compliance with the requirement for annual updates of Article 7 transparency reports is slipping. A total of 26 States
Parties did not submit an annual report for either 2004 or 2005 (due 30 April 2005 and 30 April 2006). An additional 11 States, or
37 total, did not submit an annual report for 2005. Of these, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Malawi, and the Philippines are of
greatest concern, because they are mine-affected, or their mine-affected status is uncertain.
Initial Reporting
Since the publication of Landmine Monitor Report 2006, three States Parties met their deadline for submitting initial Article 7
reports: Brunei, Ukraine, and Vanuatu. Congratulations to them. In addition, Guyana finally submitted its initial report, due 31 July
2004, in October 2006.
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Statement by Honourable Edward Nipake NATAPEI-Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu
On The Occasion Of The General Debate of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
25 September 2009
Mr. President,
We are very much aware of the fact that despite continued high levels of development assistance over many years, economic and
development performance of island states in the Pacific region remain weak. Many countries in our region, including Vanuatu, are
not on track towards achieving all the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Vanuatu will therefore remain firmly committed to
the principles of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific.
We are committed to work closely with the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat and other multilateral agencies to ensure that all
resources made available to the region are centred with the aim of achieving real progress against the MDGs. We are also
committed to work with our individual donor partners to ensure that they support our national development priorities that are linked
to our overall efforts to achieve the MDGs.
However, Vanuatu is aware that commitments to strengthening development coordination in the Pacific region, is being made
against the backdrop of the global economic crisis. Hence my delegation wishes to renew our call to international financial
institutions to assist Pacific island countries in responding to the international economic crisis.
Consisting of volcanic and coral islands, Vanuatu is one of the smaller island nations in the South Pacific region and in the world.
With a rapidly increasing young population and low economic growth rate, until very recently, UNDP assessment places Vanuatu
amongst one of the poorest countries in the south Pacific region. This level of underdeveiopment drastically limits its capacity to
effectively curb threats associated with the adverse impacts of climate change.
Without doubt these are challenging times. We followed with great interest the recent Summit on the World Financial and
Economic Crisis and its impact on Development. Vanuatu is deeply concerned that like climate change the crisis is caused by
outside influential forces and its rippling effects are quickly reaching our nation's most vulnerable population i.e. children, women,
the disabled, the working poor, who will be the one's hardest hit and least able to cope with dramatic changes.
Vanuatu is indeed being hurt through a variety of measures such as decreasing trade, erratic commodity prices, increased
borrowing costs and strains on official development assistance. One of the reasons of this downturn is that we are quite dependent
on external finance which includes aid and trade. Furthermore our foreign - exchange earnings and government revenue relies on a
small number of commodities but we are confident in counteracting these impact measures by introducing progressive
microeconomic policy mechanisms and improving government structures and striving to maintain political stability. This feature is
in line with upholding the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and the focus of achieving country targets by the
year 2015.
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On The Occasion Of The General Debate of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
25 September 2009
Mr. President,
We are very much aware of the fact that despite continued high levels of development assistance over many years, economic and
development performance of island states in the Pacific region remain weak. Many countries in our region, including Vanuatu, are
not on track towards achieving all the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Vanuatu will therefore remain firmly committed to
the principles of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific.
We are committed to work closely with the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat and other multilateral agencies to ensure that all
resources made available to the region are centred with the aim of achieving real progress against the MDGs. We are also
committed to work with our individual donor partners to ensure that they support our national development priorities that are linked
to our overall efforts to achieve the MDGs.
However, Vanuatu is aware that commitments to strengthening development coordination in the Pacific region, is being made
against the backdrop of the global economic crisis. Hence my delegation wishes to renew our call to international financial
institutions to assist Pacific island countries in responding to the international economic crisis.
Consisting of volcanic and coral islands, Vanuatu is one of the smaller island nations in the South Pacific region and in the world.
With a rapidly increasing young population and low economic growth rate, until very recently, UNDP assessment places Vanuatu
amongst one of the poorest countries in the south Pacific region. This level of underdeveiopment drastically limits its capacity to
effectively curb threats associated with the adverse impacts of climate change.
Without doubt these are challenging times. We followed with great interest the recent Summit on the World Financial and
Economic Crisis and its impact on Development. Vanuatu is deeply concerned that like climate change the crisis is caused by
outside influential forces and its rippling effects are quickly reaching our nation's most vulnerable population i.e. children, women,
the disabled, the working poor, who will be the one's hardest hit and least able to cope with dramatic changes.
Vanuatu is indeed being hurt through a variety of measures such as decreasing trade, erratic commodity prices, increased
borrowing costs and strains on official development assistance. One of the reasons of this downturn is that we are quite dependent
on external finance which includes aid and trade. Furthermore our foreign - exchange earnings and government revenue relies on a
small number of commodities but we are confident in counteracting these impact measures by introducing progressive
microeconomic policy mechanisms and improving government structures and striving to maintain political stability. This feature is
in line with upholding the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and the focus of achieving country targets by the
year 2015.
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Pasa Tosusu becomes Vanuatu’s new Ombudsman
April 24, 2010 19:01
The Head of State President Iolu Abbil appointed a new Ombudsman for the Republic of Vanuatu yesterday afternoon at the State
Office in Port Vila. The new Ombudsman is Pasa Tosusu from the island of Santo.
Vanuatu’s new Ombudsman has been serving in the office of the Ombudsman since the inception of the office of the Ombudsman,
and working alongside all his predecessors before him up to the time of his appointment yesterday afternoon.
The ceremony of his swearing-in was officiated by Vanuatu Attorney General Ishmael Kalsakau, witnessed by the Head of State,
the Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council Pastor Hosea Bani, and the staff of the Ombudsman office and the State Office.
Before the Head of State and the Attorney General, Tosusu took oath of allegiance, oath of office and oath of his official
appointment as the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu.
In his official remarks to the new Ombudsman, the Head of State President Abbil congratulated the new Ombudsman for accepting
to take the position of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu.
“I am very pleased this afternoon and have the honour to appoint you Ombudsman to this high and important office that is always
watched by all the people of the republic of Vanuatu to guide the nation and be a watchdog of the nation in the way that is expected
by the people of Vanuatu.
“This is not the first time that you have held such a high office because you were the first Auditor General after Vanuatu became
Independent in 1980.
“I trusted you that is why I have appointed you to this position.
“I was an acting Ombudsman but I came from outside into the office and likewise with Honourable Taurakoto and so Honourable
Hannignton Alatoa.
“We never had experience before taking up the office like you who have been with the office since its inception.
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April 24, 2010 19:01
The Head of State President Iolu Abbil appointed a new Ombudsman for the Republic of Vanuatu yesterday afternoon at the State
Office in Port Vila. The new Ombudsman is Pasa Tosusu from the island of Santo.
Vanuatu’s new Ombudsman has been serving in the office of the Ombudsman since the inception of the office of the Ombudsman,
and working alongside all his predecessors before him up to the time of his appointment yesterday afternoon.
The ceremony of his swearing-in was officiated by Vanuatu Attorney General Ishmael Kalsakau, witnessed by the Head of State,
the Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council Pastor Hosea Bani, and the staff of the Ombudsman office and the State Office.
Before the Head of State and the Attorney General, Tosusu took oath of allegiance, oath of office and oath of his official
appointment as the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu.
In his official remarks to the new Ombudsman, the Head of State President Abbil congratulated the new Ombudsman for accepting
to take the position of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu.
“I am very pleased this afternoon and have the honour to appoint you Ombudsman to this high and important office that is always
watched by all the people of the republic of Vanuatu to guide the nation and be a watchdog of the nation in the way that is expected
by the people of Vanuatu.
“This is not the first time that you have held such a high office because you were the first Auditor General after Vanuatu became
Independent in 1980.
“I trusted you that is why I have appointed you to this position.
“I was an acting Ombudsman but I came from outside into the office and likewise with Honourable Taurakoto and so Honourable
Hannignton Alatoa.
“We never had experience before taking up the office like you who have been with the office since its inception.
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90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE ILO
1 MAY 2009
As we have heard during the speeches this morning, Vanuatu became a member state of the ILO in 2003. At this moment I would
like to acknowledge the work done by our former Minister of Internal Affairs and current Minister for Health the Rt Hon Joe
Natuman who initiated and led the process of Vanuatu becoming the 176th member state of the ILO.
Vanuatu has benefited directly and indirectly from our membership and partnership with ILO since 2003, and we look forward to
that continuing and strengthening into the foreseeable future.
The completion of this DWCP document, the mutual agreement of the four priority areas on which it will focus from now until the
end of 2012, and the alignment of these priorities with our own national development plans expressed in our Priorities and Action
Agenda, are an important and significant step forward in the direction of a stronger and more productive working relationship
between the Government, our Trade Union movement and our private and public sector businesses and employers in Vanuatu.
This tripartite relationship is of fundamental importance to the ongoing social and economic development of our country and to the
achievement of our own goals and objectives, and we welcome the partnership with the ILO office and for their involvement and
support in this regard.
I was particularly pleased to see that the issue of disability, and promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the world of
work, was a prominent feature of the priorities of our Decent Work Country Programme. As Minister for Justice and Social
Welfare I am particularly proud that the Vanuatu government is the first country in the Pacific region to ratify the UN Convention
on the Rights of Disabled Persons. This week in the Le Lagon hotel, we are also hosting the Pacific Disability Forum. SHEFA
Province has appointed a Provincial Disability Officer and there is much other good work being done in other parts of the country
too, including ongoing work between the Department of Labour and the Dept of Foreign affairs to sign and ratify the ILO
Convention C159 regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons.
Inclusiveness is a central part of the culture of Vanuatu and it is important that we respect the rights and promote equal
opportunities for all people in the world of work in Vanuatu, regardless of their gender, their age, their ethnicity or their physical
and mental abilities or disabilities.
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1 MAY 2009
As we have heard during the speeches this morning, Vanuatu became a member state of the ILO in 2003. At this moment I would
like to acknowledge the work done by our former Minister of Internal Affairs and current Minister for Health the Rt Hon Joe
Natuman who initiated and led the process of Vanuatu becoming the 176th member state of the ILO.
Vanuatu has benefited directly and indirectly from our membership and partnership with ILO since 2003, and we look forward to
that continuing and strengthening into the foreseeable future.
The completion of this DWCP document, the mutual agreement of the four priority areas on which it will focus from now until the
end of 2012, and the alignment of these priorities with our own national development plans expressed in our Priorities and Action
Agenda, are an important and significant step forward in the direction of a stronger and more productive working relationship
between the Government, our Trade Union movement and our private and public sector businesses and employers in Vanuatu.
This tripartite relationship is of fundamental importance to the ongoing social and economic development of our country and to the
achievement of our own goals and objectives, and we welcome the partnership with the ILO office and for their involvement and
support in this regard.
I was particularly pleased to see that the issue of disability, and promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the world of
work, was a prominent feature of the priorities of our Decent Work Country Programme. As Minister for Justice and Social
Welfare I am particularly proud that the Vanuatu government is the first country in the Pacific region to ratify the UN Convention
on the Rights of Disabled Persons. This week in the Le Lagon hotel, we are also hosting the Pacific Disability Forum. SHEFA
Province has appointed a Provincial Disability Officer and there is much other good work being done in other parts of the country
too, including ongoing work between the Department of Labour and the Dept of Foreign affairs to sign and ratify the ILO
Convention C159 regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons.
Inclusiveness is a central part of the culture of Vanuatu and it is important that we respect the rights and promote equal
opportunities for all people in the world of work in Vanuatu, regardless of their gender, their age, their ethnicity or their physical
and mental abilities or disabilities.
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Edward Nipake Natapei Tuta
Fanua`araki
Prime Minister since 22 September 2008
Fanua`araki
Prime Minister since 22 September 2008
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
