[1] The Constitution of Vanuatu is supreme law and sets out the legal framework which deals with the respect of human rights.
The review identified a number of the above concerns and made recommendations to Vanuatu as to how to address its human rights issues.
Vanuatu has also ratified a number of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions that aim to protect and uphold the rights of its workers.
[5] Domestic violence is not well reported to police, particularly in rural areas due to cultural norms, stereotyping, prejudices and lack of access to town centres and health facilities.
[7] In 2009 Vanuatu accepted the recommendations set out in its Universal Periodic Review in relation to human rights issues regarding women.
The recommendations advocated for Vanuatu to continue to incorporate principles of CEDAW as well as the other human rights conventions that it is party to into its domestic legislation and to undertake further actions to combat discrimination, and to ensure equality for women.
[6] In December 2008, detainees published a detailed report on the abuse of human rights by Correctional Services Officers and the Police.
[11] In 2009 Vanuatu accepted the recommendation under its UPR to take appropriate measures and continue working towards improving conditions in prisons and detention centers.
[12] Vanuatu also accepted the recommendation to ensure a timely and thorough investigation into the allegations in the detainee report and initiate reform of corrections where necessary.
The office of the Ombudsman and the Auditor General are the key government agencies responsible for combating governmental corruption.
[14] In 2009 Vanuatu accepted the recommendations from its Universal Periodic Review which advocated for Vanuatu to continue strengthening the role of the Ombudsman's office, including its ability to follow up on the results of its investigations and namely to increase efforts to provide it with sufficient funding and allocate more funding to the Ombudsman to allow for more aggressive prosecution of corruption cases.
Vanuatu did not accept the recommendation of considering applying adequate sanctions for parents who fail to send their children to school.