Universal Periodic Review 30: Tuvalu
This UK statement was delivered during the 30th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Tuvalu's Human Rights Record on 9 May 2018.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK welcomes the delegation of Tuvalu and notes the positive steps taken on human rights advancement since the country’s last Universal Periodic Review.
We are aware of the challenges facing Tuvalu, particularly on climate change and providing services on a small scale, and we are impressed by the government’s level of consultation with civil society in preparation for this review process.
We welcome the steps taken by Tuvalu to work towards establishing a National Human Rights Institution. In taking this forward, we would encourage the government to make use of the South Pacific Community’s Regional Rights Resource Team, for which the UK has provided funding.
The UK notes that Tuvalu has ratified just two International Human Rights Treaties - the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). We, therefore, encourage the government to sign and ratify other human rights treaties, particularly the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and it’s Optional Protocol.
We have three recommendations:
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repeal all provisions that criminalise consensual same-sex conduct and ensure that anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation.
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adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.
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ratify ILO convention concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999 (No.182)