However, the Minister declined to comment on the issue and instead referred the Daily Post to Director of Corrections Johnny Marango.

The Ministry’s lack of comment comes as advocates for women’s and children’s rights call for stronger measures against sexual offenders and argue that existing punishments may not be enough to deter repeat offending.

Executive Director of the Vanuatu National Council of Women (VNCW), Leiasmanu “Leias” Cullwick, said she supported considering chemical castration as a possible deterrent.

“I think it’s a good idea so that we can deter the problem from escalating,” Cullwick said.

She said the proposal was new to her but believed it was worth considering as part of efforts to prevent sexual offending.

“I am mindful of it and this is the first time I heard of this chemical castration, but I think it’s a good idea,” she said.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition, Anne Pakoa, also supported considering stronger punishment for sexual offenders, particularly those convicted of raping children.

Pakoa said that if Vanuatu’s laws allowed for measures to prevent convicted sexual offenders from continuing sexual activity, such punishment should be considered.

“If the law of Vanuatu allows to destroy the sexual activity of such people, why not?” she said.

Pakoa said rape does more than cause physical harm, particularly when the victim is a child, and argued that the psychological impact can remain with survivors for many years.

She questioned whether existing prison sentences are sufficient to protect children and deter future offenders.

“For a child rapist, it’s unquestionable because when a man rapes a minor, they should spend more than 10 to 15 years in jail,” Pakoa said.

“Why do they have to spoil the life of a child?”

Pakoa said survivors could experience long-term emotional and psychological trauma that may affect their social lives and future relationships.

She also criticised what she described as weaknesses in the current correctional system, saying some offenders leave prison and later reoffend.

“Our system is too weak.

“We make people go to prison, come out, do the same thing and go back in,” she said.

Pakoa said tougher punishment could also send a strong warning to people considering committing sexual offences.

“If Vanuatu comes up to use such punishment, why not make them afraid? This is an ongoing issue.

“A lot go to jail, and also those who are thinking to do it in the future will have second thoughts on that,” she said.

She stressed that punishment should be accompanied by proper support and counselling for survivors, particularly children, whose trauma can continue long after physical injuries have healed.

The calls for stronger punishment come as public debate continues over how Vanuatu should respond to serious sexual offences and whether existing penalties are sufficient to protect victims and deter offenders.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST