UN Human Rights Pacific

31/08/2026

UN Human Rights Pacific looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Islands Governments, civil society, IOM Fiji, Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific-Community-SPC, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme - SPREP and Platform on Disaster Displacement in the third iteration of this programme, with whom we have been engaging since 2019.

As Ms. Heike Alefsen, OHCHR Regional Representative, highlighted: “Those who move, and those who choose to stay, can do so with safety, equality, and ultimate dignity.”

31/08/2026

🌺 Join us for our upcoming side event at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

🌊 As Pacific countries continue to navigate the impacts of climate change, planned relocation is becoming an increasingly important area of regional dialogue and cooperation. This side event will bring together perspectives from government, communities and regional partners to explore lessons, challenges and opportunities for advancing climate mobility action across the Blue Pacific.

29/08/2026

29/08/2026

“So please remember what was done,
Remember every mother, every father, every daughter, and every son.
Remember the islands,
Remember the sea,
And remember the people who just wanted to be free.” (Marshallese Student)

On the occasion of the (29 August), the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence and OHCHR Pacific Regional Office joined Marshallese students at the College of the Marshall Islands in Majuro for a commemoration ceremony.

Today, let us remember that the effects of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands and across the Pacific are not confined to history, but continue to impact the enjoyment of human rights across the region.

“The people of the Marshall Islands have waited a very long time for the world to make good on its promises. They have waited with extraordinary dignity and with a generosity toward the international community. This mandate exists to ensure that they do not wait alone. When it comes to human rights and environmental crises, every single human being on the planet must stand up to prevent further harms and to promote accountability, truth, and reparations, protecting and empowering those most at risk from their consequences. You can count on me to amplify your calls that the rights of the Marshallese be finally fulfilled” (Special Rapporteur, Mr. Bernard Duhaime)

25/08/2026

CRPD at 20: The Committee’s journey, current challenges and future directions

This year marks 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) — a landmark human rights treaty that has transformed how disability is understood and advanced the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities worldwide.

As we mark this important milestone, we reflect on the progress made over the past two decades, the challenges that remain, and the priorities needed to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Convention become a lived reality for all persons with disabilities.

Join the discussion on the Committee’s journey, current challenges and future directions.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.ohchr.org/en/events/events/2026/crpd-20-committees-journey-current-challenges-and-future-directions

The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006 marked a fundamental transformation in international human rights law. It affirmed that persons with disabilities are rights holders entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms...

23/08/2026

Good to hear from the 🇸🇧 Government about its ambitious agenda for - and -focused development reforms.

UN Human Rights Pacific looks forward to engaging with the Government, development partners and civil society on priorities such as the establishment of an independent , which was also a commitment made by 🇸🇧 at the United Nations Human Rights Council's :
https://lnkd.in/gKCHYuME

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

At the recent Expert Group Meeting on Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) in Suva, Fiji, UN Human Rights Pacific highlighted the vital importance of a human rights-based approach to climate mobility in the Pacific region ahead of COP31.

Through our work with the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) programme, OHCHR advocated for the integration of the human rights principles to guarantee a just climate transition where no one is left behind:

Participation: Ensuring people affected by climate mobility have a structured, active voice in policy development, bringing together civil society, communities, and governments.

Accountability: Strengthening the capacity of duty-bearers to connect climate responses with human rights responsibilities.

Non-discrimination and Equality: Intentionally including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups in regional governance and policy frameworks.

Empowerment: Equipping individuals and local institutions with the tools and knowledge needed to claim their rights and make informed choices.

Legality: Anchoring all regional and national climate mobility responses in international human rights laws and standards.

OHCHR continues to develop specialized knowledge products on human rights, NHRIs and labour mobility to support people-centered programming and strengthen inclusive climate resilience across Pacific Small Island Developing States.



PC: United Nations ESCAP Pacific Office

18/08/2026

OHCHR contributes a human rights lens to Fiji’s Online Safety legislation review

UN Human Rights Pacific has contributed to Fiji’s ongoing review of the Online Safety Act 2018, providing oral and written submissions to the Fiji Law Reform Commission ahead of the 18 August validation workshop and development of the proposed Online Safety Bill 2026. OHCHR’s inputs emphasized the importance of a human rights-based and evidence-based approach to addressing online harms, including safeguards for freedom of expression, privacy and due process, alongside effective protection of people who may be particularly exposed to online harm. This includes children, journalists and human rights defenders, persons with disabilities, and persons of diverse s*xual orientation, gender identity and expression, and s*x characteristics.

UN Human Rights Pacific also encouraged meaningful and inclusive consultation with rights-holders and a structured assessment of the compatibility of proposed measures with international human rights standards.

As Fiji moves towards a new online safety framework, the objective should be clear: address online harms effectively while protecting the rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone in Fiji.