Report - Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights

My son lost <strong>the</strong> things we had bought for him. His inheritance is shaky, <strong>the</strong> future is unclear. He may
face an emotional situation from his fa<strong>the</strong>r’s family & friends because land is identity, security and
<strong>the</strong> right to lineage. He has to work extra hard to maintain <strong>the</strong> land and house.”
Violator – Husband’s bro<strong>the</strong>r.
Duty Holders – Island council <strong>of</strong> chiefs (customary chiefs); Area and National Council <strong>of</strong> Chiefs; The
Provincial Government. While <strong>the</strong> State should be <strong>the</strong> primary duty holder, it takes a silent stand when
it is an issue <strong>of</strong> customary land.
Actions/Interventions –
– Implement CEDAW and CRC at all levels, especially at <strong>the</strong> rural level
– Legislation or policies to implement CEDAW Article 5 and 14
– State to ratify o<strong>the</strong>r human rights conventions, e.g., CERD, ICESCR
– Establishment <strong>of</strong> a Human Rights Institution to deal with complaints
– Awareness raising on women’s rights to land and housing
– Commitment by all women towards land and housing rights
– Provision <strong>of</strong> gender training/awareness to all Government and community leaders
– Include rural women and youth in <strong>the</strong> Provincial REDI program
– Legal education on land legislation
– Social mobilisation
– Cooperation with UN bodies
– Media campaigns on land and housing rights
– Special Rapporteur intervention with <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Vanuatu on women’s rights to land &
adequate housing.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 139