Youths and students are today’s “change makers”: TIV

Oct 13, 2025 | News | 0

The Head of the Climate Change Section of Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV), Mr. Albert Taufa, welcomed students from Lycée Louis Antoine de Bougainville (LAB), Lycee de Montmartre, Malapoa College, Onesua Presbyterian College (OPC), and youth representatives of the National Youth Council as “change makers of today.”

In a show of respect for Vanuatu customs, Mr. Taufa removed his sandals and sat on a mat to deliver his address. He represented the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TIV, Dr Willie Tokon, who could not attend.

The annual event was organised by the National Youth Council to mark Youth Constitution Day in the Malvatumauri Chiefs Nakamal on October 6.

Students were privileged to sit face-to-face with five of the original leaders of the Independence Struggle: first former Speaker and former Prime Minister, Mr. Maxime Carlot Korman; former Deputy Prime Minister Pastor John Sethy Regenvanu; former MP Mr. Joe Natuman; former Ombudsman and former Head of State, Mr. Kalkot Matas Kelekele; and first former Leader of Opposition, Mr. Vincent Boulekone.

The students heard the leaders describe their roles in drafting the Constitution and the challenges they overcame to secure independence for all 83 islands after 74 years of joint British and French colonial rule on July 30, 1980.

The Vanuatu National Youth Council, through Principal Administrator Mr. Joe Higgs Kalo and Programme Coordinator Mr. George Worworbu, acknowledged the support of the main sponsor, Balance of Power (Australian Aid), and TIV for their assistance.

The theme of the full-day programme was “Building a generation of patriots.”

Mr. Taufa told students that patriotism is more than waving the nation’s flag or singing the national anthem. “It goes deeper than that and means you love your country and want to live in it to contribute to its development,” he said.

“You respect the laws of the land and live in peace and unity. You young people are not just potential leaders of tomorrow, but change makers of today. Through cooperation, respect, responsibility, and unity, you can strengthen your communities. You must know your rights and duties to become active members of your community and reflect justice and transparency. Leadership is not to gain a title, but to serve and help others. We need young people to stand against injustice and lead by example. Good governance and standing against corruption protect the country and ensure decisions benefit everyone.

“Do not remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. You have the power to make the change. You are the generation to change Vanuatu with love, honour, and justice. Let us work together to build a Vanuatu we can be proud of.”

Mr. Taufa conveyed his belief in the potential of the young generation to use their energy, vision, and respect for others to shape the future. “Your generation is urged to make the change today in preparation for tomorrow.

“Go and make a difference. May God bless you all,” he said.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Child sexual abuse: Vanuatu cannot afford to look away October 15, 2026
Child sexual abuse cases have revealed a disturbing pattern: children are being abused not by strangers, but by people they know and trust, including fathers, relatives, teachers and others in positions of responsibility. Vanuatu cannot undo the sexual abuse many children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. With the Child Protection Bill before Parliament this month, Members of Parliament (MPs) have an important opportunity to strengthen protections for children and ensure a stronger response to abuse. The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MOJYCS) says recent cases demonstrate the need for a stronger national response, including protection and support for children beyond the criminal prosecution of offenders. A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her father, who was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in August this year. 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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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