Forum group asks how Tonga deals with gender violence [1]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 - 13:27. Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 13:58.
WITH an aim of eradicating Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the Pacific, a regional group is currently in Nuku'alofa on a three-day fact finding mission.
The five member Pacific Island Forum Secretariat Reference Group that addresses Sexual and Gender Based Violence will look at existing efforts, government policies, legislation and services as well as the work of Non-Government organisations in addressing this issue.
Their findings will help to determine how they as a regional group might help Tonga to make further progress through local efforts.
Sexual and Gender Based Violence includes a wide of abuses including sexual threats, involuntary prostitution, rape, exploitation, assaults and molestation.
PIFS
The Senior Delegates Meeting with the PIFS Reference Group, from March 9-11 include visitors Ethel Sigimanu the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Women, Youth and Children's Affairs of the Solomon Islands; Teurakai Ukenio the Acting Director Community Development & Social Services Division of Kiribati's Ministry of Internal & Social Affairs; Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu the Deputy Director-General of Secretariat of the Pacific Community; Shamima Ali Director of Fiji Women's Crisis Centre; and Tupou Vere the Regional Project Manager, Pacific fund in Support of Organisations and Actions to end violence against women.
Tonga's member in the group is Police Commissioner Chris Kelley.
On March 9 the group first met with Tonga's Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Busby Kautoke; the Deputy Director of the Women's Affairs and Culture Polotu Fakafanua Paunga; Juliana Lutui a counsel with the Crown Law office; Tufui Faletau the Deputy Director of Finance; and Peaua Heimuli the Acting Director of Education.
Team Leader Ethel Sigimanu said the group was formed following the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Cannes in 2009 with a mandate to raise awareness of the seriousness of sexual and based violence and its impact in the Pacific.
"We are in Tonga to basically meet with relevant stakeholders to ask questions and be informed and to ask questions on how Tonga addresses this issue of sexual and gender based violence in regards to government policies, legislations and services offered by NGO's," she said.
"We would then have a better understanding on what we could provide advice and support in enhancing Tonga's efforts to tackle this issue."
This is their second meeting held in Tonga following its inaugural meeting held on November 16, 2010 at the PIFS in Suva.
The group expected to travel to more Pacific Island countries on the same mission in the future.