U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu

32^ndSession
Geneva, January 24, 2019

as delivered by Anna Palladino 

The United States welcomes the Vanuatu delegation to the UPR Working Group.

We recommend that Vanuatu:

1. Address the lack of accountability for police abuse and corruption by the Vanuatu Mobile Force and the Vanuatu Police Force through investigations and prosecutions.
2. Investigate and prosecute domestic violence and sexual abuse cases, as well as offer victim-centered support services.
3. Conduct and make publicly available mapping studies and data collection on statelessness, access to legal identity, and birth registration in the country.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Vanuatu in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms while strengthening democratic institutions.

The United States highlights the importance of ending impunity for police violence.  We recognize efforts to ensure that police investigate domestic violence cases, but note that violence against women and child abuse continue to be key concerns.  We also encourage efforts to identify and prevent statelessness.