SPC signs agreement with UK Government to strengthen human rights in 9 Pacific Commonwealth countries

The Pacific Community (SPC) and the UK Government signed a grant agreement totaling £1.8 million to help improve the capacity of nine Pacific Commonwealth countries deliver on their human rights.

The money released from the “18-20 Commonwealth Fund” is earmarked for projects in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu and will be spread over the two years the UK is Chair in the Office of the Commonwealth that started on 19 April.

The “Pacific Commonwealth Equality Project” will be implemented by the SPC’s Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and national human rights institutions across the Commonwealth.

The Project partnership has three core components: to support emerging national human rights institutions through cross-Pacific and cross-Commonwealth learning and exchange; provide technical support to Pacific states to develop National Human Rights Action plans to meet their human rights and gender equality commitments; and create platforms for Members of Parliament and civil society leaders across the Pacific to champion and advance human rights.

SPC’s Deputy Director-General, Dr. Audrey Aumua, highlighted the significance and potential of the agreement saying, “The political will to advance gender equality and human rights exists across our region. With the support of partners like the UK Government, I feel that we are nearing a turning point in achieving our common goal of a Pacific future based on a foundation of respect and equality for all.”

Pacific countries, including those affiliated to the Commonwealth, are making steady progress in developing a legal and social environment where Pacific people, in all their diversity, are able to enjoy their human rights, live free, peaceful and prosperous lives, and be included in all aspects of political, economic and social life.

The British High Commissioner to Fiji and Head of the South Pacific Network, Melanie Hopkins said:

“Women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other minority groups will all benefit and this new funding offers valuable support to the recipient Pacific Commonwealth countries as they strive to strengthen their national human rights institutions.

“This is a strong outcome of the Commonwealth Leaders aspirations from CHOGM 2018 and I am delighted the UK Government is partnering with SPC for this important work for our Pacific countries.”

The Pacific Community has a long-standing commitment to Human Rights and has applied an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that places Pacific peoples and their rights at the centre of the organizations work.

The project funding will run from July 2018 to March 2020.

Original source: SPC
Published on 13 July 2018