Port Vila, Vanuatu – 23 August 2026
The Vanuatu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (VANGO) and the Ministry of Justice and Community Services have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and promoting meaningful civil society participation in human rights-related policy and legislative processes in Vanuatu.
The discussions took place this week following VANGO's successful acquisition of a one-year grant from the Commonwealth Foundation. The grant will support efforts to increase awareness, understanding, and participation of civil society organisations in Government policies and legislation relating to human rights, while also strengthening VANGO's capacity to facilitate constructive engagement between civil society and Government institutions.
During the meeting, representatives from VANGO and the Ministry of Justice and Community Services exchanged views on current human rights priorities and identified opportunities for closer cooperation to ensure that community perspectives are reflected more effectively in national decision-making processes.
A key component of the initiative will focus on supporting civil society organisations to better understand developments in the human rights sector and providing platforms for them to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. The project aims to strengthen the ability of organisations and communities to engage confidently, respectfully, and constructively with Government and other key stakeholders.
VANGO Chief Executive Officer, Shirley Abraham, emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships between Government and civil society, noting that inclusive consultation processes are essential for developing policies that reflect the realities and needs of communities across the country, particularly those in remote and rural areas.
As part of the Commonwealth Foundation-supported project, VANGO will convene a series of civil society consultation forums throughout the year. These forums will provide opportunities for organisations and communities to learn about, discuss, and contribute to human rights-related developments and national policy discussions.
Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring broad and diverse participation, including women, persons with disabilities, youth, and grassroots communities. Insights and recommendations gathered during the consultations will inform VANGO's engagement with Government and contribute to evidence-based civil society input into relevant policy and legislative processes.
Both VANGO and the Ministry of Justice and Community Services have expressed their commitment to continuing dialogue and identifying practical ways their respective work can complement one another to strengthen inclusive governance, accountability, and effective civic participation.
This initiative reflects VANGO's broader commitment to promoting a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable governance system in Vanuatu, where civil society voices are valued and can meaningfully contribute to national development and decision-making.
