A significant writeshop aimed at preparing Vanuatu’s initial report on the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) was underway at the Ramada Resort in Port Vila. This important initiative is jointly organized by the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MJYCS) and the Pacific Community (SPC).

The writeshop marks a historic milestone, as it represents Vanuatu’s first formal reporting effort since the country ratified the Convention Against Torture in July 2011, following international calls for action in 2010.

This international pressure came in the wake of a coroner’s report which revealed police brutality involving the late John Bule, who was a prisoner at the time and sustained fatal injuries after escaping custody. His death at the Port Vila Central Hospital brought to light the urgent need for Vanuatu to align with international human rights standards.

Although Vanuatu was expected to submit its initial report shortly after ratification in 2011, no progress was made for the past 14 years. In response, the MJYCS—through its Human Rights Unit has now taken concrete steps to draft and submit the country’s first report.

The workshop was officially opened by the Honorable Minister of Justice, Job Sam Andy, alongside SPC’s Melanesian regional office representative, Ms Cecile Depuille. The MJYCS expressed its gratitude to its development partners and stakeholders for their support in funding and facilitating this week-long workshop.

Participants include representatives from law enforcement agencies, as well as members of the National Human Rights Committee, who are working collaboratively to ensure the report reflects both national realities and international human rights obligations.

This marks the first phase of the report preparation process. Vanuatu will have two months to validate the draft report before its official submission to the UN Human Rights Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. There, a committee of 10 international human rights experts will review the report.

Upon completion, the Honorable Minister of Justice is scheduled to travel to Geneva to formally present Vanuatu’s report before the Committee Against Torture.