Parliament adjourned for lying in state of former Prime Minister Ham Lini

Nov 12, 2025 | News | 0

The Speaker of Parliament, Stephen Felix, adjourned Parliament yesterday at around 11 a.m., with proceedings set to resume on Thursday, 13 November. The adjournment followed a formal request by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Pentecost constituency, who also serves as Leader of Government Business, Charlot Salwai. MP Salwai requested the adjournment to allow MPs to pay their final respects to the late former Prime Minister (PM) Ham Lini.

In his address to Parliament, MP Salwai said the adjournment would also provide time for the Council of Ministers (COM) to convene and approve pending bills for consideration during the Second Ordinary Session of Parliament.

Parliament’s protocol team will conduct the lying in state of the former MP earlier today at the Tusk area of Parliament. The ceremony will see the President, government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries come to pay their respects to the late leader.

Born on 8 December 1951, the late Lini passed away on Monday afternoon at the Vanuatu National Hospital. His body was initially returned to his residence and was escorted yesterday morning to Maliudu Nakamal in Tagabe before being handed over to the government for the state funeral. Later today, his body will be flown to Pentecost for burial.

Lini was first elected to Parliament in a by-election following the death of his elder brother, Walter Lini, Vanuatu’s first PM. He served as PM from 11 December 2004 to 22 September 2008 and most recently held the position of Deputy PM from 16 May 2014. He also led the National United Party (NUP), which became the largest party in Parliament following the July 2004 elections.

During his tenure, Lini oversaw the re-establishment of full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and survived a motion of no confidence in 2006. His term also included declaring a state of emergency in Port Vila in 2007 following tribal clashes. Although he did not secure a second term as PM in 2008, he continued to serve in various ministerial roles, including Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Minister of Justice and Social Welfare, and Deputy PM under successive governments.

Throughout his political career, Lini played a central role in Vanuatu’s parliamentary politics, navigating multiple motions of no confidence, cabinet reshuffles, and changes in government. His contribution to political stability, governance, and national unity is well recognised across Vanuatu’s political landscape.

He served as an MP from 1999 to 2020.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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