​Tuvalu charts pathway to establish NHRI

The APF recently met with senior representatives from the Government of Tuvalu, the Ombudsman and civil society representatives to discuss the proposed establishment of a national human rights institution in the South Pacific island nation.

The delegation included Sa'aga Talu Teafa (Ombudsman of Tuvalu), Laigane Italeli Maina (Attorney General) and Efren Jogia (Senior Crown Counsel), as well as Romulo Nayasalevu and Eseta Lauti from the South Pacific Community Regional Rights Resource Team.

Held in Suva, Fiji from 7-9 October 2016, the discussions focused on the model of national human rights institution that would be most appropriate for Tuvalu, while also meeting the standards set out in the Paris Principles.

For example, Samoa's national human rights institution (internationally accredited as 'A status') is based on the Ombuds model, while Fiji (not yet accredited) has established a multi-member Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.

The APF was represented by Rosslyn Noonan, APF Expert NHRI Consultant, and Jenni Whelan, APF Legal Policy Manager.

"The discussions were incredibly fruitful and the APF is looking forward to collaborating further with the delegation over the coming months to progress the establishment of a national human rights institution for Tuvalu," Ms Whelan said.

The Paris Principles out the set out the minimum standards required by national human rights institutions to be considered credible and to operate effectively.

They include:

• A clearly defined and broad-based mandate based on universal human rights standards
• Autonomy from government
• Independence guaranteed by legislation or the constitution
• Pluralism, including membership that broadly reflects their society
• Adequate resources
• Adequate powers of investigation.

A fundamental role of the APF is to support our members, as well as governments in the region establishing national human rights institutions, to comply with the Paris Principles.