UN CEDAW Committee Concludes First Technical Cooperation Session In The Pacific

SUVA/GENEVA (14 April 2025) – The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) concluded its first regional technical cooperation session in Fiji (7 to 11 April) during which it engaged in country exchanges with three States parties: Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. It also convened thematic discussions (“Talanoas”) that brought together civil society, youth, government representatives and community leaders, providing an important platform for Pacific countries to reflect on progress, challenges, and priorities in eliminating discrimination against women and girls in the region.

During the country exchange with Tuvalu, the committee highlighted the intersection of gender and climate justice in the country, but also the cultural and gender stereotypes that have led to a lack of participation of women in political decision-making bodies. It also emphasised the need to increase protection of women and girls from gender-based violence and discrimination while noting women’s leadership in advocating for Tuvalu’s right to self-determination, including through the constitutional “perpetuity clause” and the “Future Now Project”- a pioneering initiative to establish a digital twin of the nation in the metaverse as a response to rising sea levels.

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During the exchange with Fiji, the committee welcomed the country’s notable efforts to increase social protection and combat violence against women and girls through a holistic national action plan but also expressed concern about the deeply entrenched gender stereotypes and the persistent exclusion of women from customary leadership and political decision-making structures in Fiji. It urged the State party to address cyberbullying against women and girls and women’s underrepresentation in political and public life by adopting temporary special measures to achieve gender parity in governance or party structures.

During the exchange with the Solomon Islands, the committee commended the State party on recent advances in legislative and policy reform to promote gender equality. It, however, acknowledged the need for meaningful reparations for the gender-based violence and discrimination experienced by women during the ethnic tensions (1998–2003), despite women’s essential contributions to peacebuilding. The Committee called for further steps to decriminalise abortion as part of a broader commitment to ensuring women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The CEDAW Committee commended Pacific countries’ engagement and affirmed its ongoing support for the region’s efforts to advance gender equality, protect human rights, and build inclusive, climate-resilient futures. The Committee will address recommendations to Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu in the concluding observations that it will adopt at its 91st session scheduled to be held in Geneva from 16 June to 4 July 2025.

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