Human Rights Council: 44th Session of the Universal Periodic Review - Tuvalu, November 2023

Mr President,

New Zealand warmly welcomes the delegation from Tuvalu and commends Tuvalu’s on-going commitment to the advancement of human rights.

New Zealand welcomes the passing of the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023, including the constitutional recognition of the authority of the Falekaupule, and the constitutional prohibitions on discrimination against persons with disabilities and on the grounds of sex.

Our recommendations focus on ratification of core human rights instruments, as an important step to promote the equal rights of all individuals regardless of gender identity, religious belief, sexual orientation, age, ability or status.

New Zealand recommends that Tuvalu:

1. Ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
2. Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
3. Ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
4. Increase the allocation of resources and take other concrete measures to increase the capacity of frontline service providers to respond to cases of gender-based violence and facilitate appropriate referrals utilizing a survivor-centred approach.
5. Take steps to encourage women’s participation at all levels of political representation.
6. Refresh its national human rights action plan to strengthen the implementation of its international human rights obligations.

We thank the delegation for its participation today and consideration of these recommendations.

Thank you Mr President.