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New Zealand warmly welcomes the delegation of Tonga to the Council. The Kingdom of Tonga is one of New Zealand’s closest neighbours in the Pacific.
We greatly value this opportunity to engage with Tonga on human rights in a multilateral context. We commend the Government of Tonga, the first Pacific Islands country to be reviewed in the UPR process, for its willingness to engage actively in dialogue and to share its experiences with others in identifying and overcoming human rights challenges. In his recent visit to Geneva, the Prime Minister of Tonga underlined his country’s commitment to the process.
Tongan values of respect and mutual co-operation have deep roots. The Tongan Constitution of 1875 contained guarantees of rights that were modern for that era. A reform process is under way to update those rights and provide for a more democratic and accountable form of government. New Zealand welcomes these positive steps.
Tonga’s national report comments on the current state of media freedom in Tonga, and notes the establishment of an independent Media Council. Is a media code of conduct under consideration?
The report also refers to the passing of legislation to set up an Anti-Corruption Commission. Could the delegation elaborate on the powers and membership of the Commission and the timetable for it to begin its work?
The report demonstrates that economic, social and cultural rights are well protected in Tonga, as shown in the UN Human Development Index. Would the delegation agree that more work is required to ensure similar protection for civil and political rights in law and practice?
The Government of Tonga has been making efforts to combat violence against women. We recommend that the Government of Tonga implement its intention of ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and ask if there a timetable for this to occur?
New Zealand recognises the legal constraints on the Government of Tonga on commenting on accusations of heavy-handed treatment of prisoners by defence and police personnel during the riot of 2006, but asks if defence and police personnel are receiving any human rights training?
We note that Tonga seeks assistance in fulfilling its treaty reporting obligations. New Zealand recommends that Tonga advise potential donor agencies of the type of technical assistance that would help in meeting their treaty body reporting obligations.
