Port Vila, Thursday 16 July 2026 – The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MoJYCS) this week officially launched Vanuatu's National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) Scoping Report, marking an important milestone in the Government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights for all people of Vanuatu.
The launch reflects the Ministry's mission to promote justice, good governance, community wellbeing and inclusive development by strengthening institutions that uphold the rights, dignity and equality of every citizen. The NHRI Scoping Report provides a nationally informed foundation for progressing the establishment of an independent National Human Rights Institution that is responsive to Vanuatu's unique social, cultural and constitutional context.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Honourable Job Sam Andy, acknowledged the significant efforts that have brought the report to completion.
"The work on this report began before I became Minister, and I acknowledge everyone who started and sustained this important process through challenging times," the Minister said. "Despite COVID-19, destructive cyclones, the 2024 earthquake and other disruptions, consultations continued across our islands. This report reflects the voices of our people, and that is what makes it so important."
Vanuatu has continued to demonstrate leadership in advancing human rights both internationally and nationally. Recent achievements include the submission of the country's initial report under the Convention Against Torture, completion of its third Universal Periodic Review, and continued advocacy on climate justice and the human rights impacts of climate change on the global stage.
The NHRI Scoping Report complements these efforts by identifying practical pathways to strengthen human rights protections within Vanuatu through an institution that is accessible, independent and grounded in local values. Minister Andy emphasised that any future National Human Rights Institution must serve all communities across the country.
"Vanuatu already speaks strongly on human rights internationally. This report is about making sure we are equally strong at home. A National Human Rights Institution must work for all people – whether they live in urban centres or the provinces – and communicate in English, French, Bislama and our local languages while respecting the ways our communities understand justice and respect."
The Ministry will lead the next phase of engagement with government agencies, provincial representatives, traditional leaders and development partners to develop a clear roadmap towards establishing a National Human Rights Institution. This work will build on the report's recommendations and support the development of an NHRI policy paper that could inform future legislation.
The Ministry also acknowledges the valuable partnership and technical support provided by the Pacific Community (SPC), the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF), and all stakeholders who contributed to the consultations.
The launch of the NHRI Scoping Report represents an important step towards strengthening good governance, accountability and the protection of human rights, reinforcing the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services' commitment to ensuring that justice and human rights remain at the heart of national development for the benefit of all people of Vanuatu.
