Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Madam President,
New Zealand welcomes this opportunity for dialogue with the Republic of Palau on its human rights record and acknowledges the progress made since the last review.
New Zealand commends Palau for its efforts to support the rights of women, including accession to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. New Zealand recommends that Palau continue efforts to support the effective implementation of the Protocol, including through increased work to investigate, prosecute and convict traffickers, and the adoption of procedures to better identify and support victims of trafficking.
We further recommend that Palau prioritise ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, as well as other core human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Finally, New Zealand recommends that Palau take further steps to support the enjoyment of the rights of those with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, including the introduction of legislation and policies to protect against discrimination.
Thank you