OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Nauruans deserve protection of human rights
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 provides that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in the spirit of brotherhood [fellowship]”
Nauru ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further made it part of its written 1968 Constitution. The fundamental rights of Nauruans are entrenched and protected by the supreme law. Our ancestors, in adopting the Constitution, recognised that we are all born equal and have equal rights to justice, freedom, liberty, property, religion and so forth. In acknowledging these rights, in the preamble of the Constitution, it was undertaken in the true spirit that “…God as the almighty and everlasting Lord and the giver of all good things”.
The Office of Human Rights works toward the progressive realisation of the rights and freedoms of every person in Nauru. We are the central agency for all reporting purposes to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This includes the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).
WHAT WE DO
The Office of Human Rights aims to build a society that recognises and respect the rights of women, children, detained persons and persons with disabilities to promote equal opportunities and social inclusion. Our day-to-day functions, responsibilities and duties include the following:
- Promoting and educating the people of Nauru on human rights and its values and importance.
- Working closely with the Office of the Public Legal Defender with regard to family cases, in particular on divorce, mmaintenance, custody of children and adoption of children.
- Working closely with the Office of the Legislative Drafter to domesticate human rights treaties and conventions that have been ratified and acceded to by the Republic of Nauru.
- Working closely with the Department of People Living with Disabilities, Department of Women and Social Development Affairs, Human Rights and Social Division/ Pacific Community (HRSD/SPC) and various United Nations human rights agencies.
- Working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to stabilise the function of the Working Group on Treaties as the national monitoring, implementation, reporting and follow-up mechanism.
- Managing and handling the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for the Republic of Nauru by completing and submitting its National UPR Report. As part of the UPR Process, the Office of Human Rights engages in the constructive dialogues to respond to questions and recommendations.
- UPR Recommendation Implementation Plans are formulated and disseminated to specified departments to motivate the inclusion of activities relating to the implementation of the recommendations to each department’s annual operation plans or as new project proposals.
- Formulating human rights legal advice and raise awareness of human rights issues where necessary.
UPDATES
Capacity building for the staff of the Office of Human Rights is a significant part of institutional strengthening for the Department. In December 2022, the Human Rights Paralegal Officer at the time, Ms. Katherine Belong completed a short course on Gender Equality between Men and Women: Towards a more Inclusive Singapore Society. The training was held in Singapore and it was based on the gender culture of Singapore, however trainees came from various parts of the world offering an opportune learning experience for Katherine to integrate best practices into the gender work of the Office of Human Rights.
In January 2023, Katherine graduated from the Pleaders Course and got admitted to the Bar in August 2023. She is now a Pleader in the Office of Human Rights.
Publications
FAQs
They are moral principles or norms for certain standards of human behaviour and are regularly protected in national and international law.
They embody key values in our society such as fairness, dignity, equality and respect. They are an important means of protection for us all.
You can find more information about human rights at the Office of Human Rights, Department of Justice, Government Offices, Yaren District.
OUR TEAM
Stella Duburiya
Director of Human Rights
Katherine Belong
Pleader
OUR LOCATION
Ground Floor
Government Buildings
Yaren District
Republic of Nauru