UPDATE: United Nations congratulates Palau's human rights progress

The United Nations Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, or OHCHR, Regional Office for the Pacific congratulates the government and people of Palau for taking a historic step forward for the promotion and protection of human rights.

President Johnson Toribiong showed his country’s commitment to human rights by signing eight of the core human rights treaties in New York this week, according to a press release.

“The commitment shown by these signatures is remarkable and gives a clear message that Palau has now started a journey to provide people in the country with a stronger foundation to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Matilda Bogner, regional representative for OHCHR’s Office for the Pacific. “It also gives a clear message of political will and leadership across the Pacific and supports the spirit of the recent Pacific Island Leaders’ Forum meeting in the area of human rights. I want to join others in conveying my sincere appreciation to the Government of Palau for this progress. I also want to reiterate the Regional Office’s readiness to assist Palau in translating this commitment into a reality on the ground.”

According to the release, on Sept. 20 during the United Nations Treaty Event in New York Palau signed eight human rights treaties. They include:

• the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
• the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
• the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
• the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families
• the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance


(2011-9-23/guampdn.com)