Vanuatu

Please provide us with your views on the state of peace in the country you will represent at the One Young World Summit. 

The state of peace in Vanuatu is not bad as that of its neighboring Pacific island countries. Conflicts and violence are not too common, even though they are evident. Historically most disputes, either between individuals at the village level or between different islands, have been resolved traditionally. The country has the formal courts and the informal courts that deal with disputes and violence. Crimes such as murder and robbery are not common, although there have been notable cases in the country’s capital recently. However, violence against women and girls, particularly sexual violence and assault, is still common in Vanuatu. Extreme use of social media such as Facebook to trigger conflict and violence is also an emerging issue. Another issue of concern is Vanuatu’s politics. Vanuatu is known for its history of political instability, which triggers corruption and erodes public’s trust in the country’s government. Lastly, in terms of food security and economic status, 80% of Vanuatu lives in the rural areas where they have a traditional lifestyle. Therefore, they live on subsistence farming.

How do you think your work and/or activism contribute to a sustainable peace? 

I have been an active youth leader empowering disadvantaged youths to learn and raise awareness on legal issues affecting young people as well as the society at large. Since sexual violence is an emerging issue hindering peace particularly for women, I was part a group of young people that mobilized and facilitated trainings and community awareness sessions on laws regarding sexual violence. By providing particularly young people with this information, they can make informed choices that would contribute to making their communities safer. Further, I have also been a coordinator with a sport for development program, running minor ball games and raising awareness among children under the age of 15 in various primary schools in Port Vila. When these children grow up, they will be more aware of gender issues and have an appreciation of gender equality as a means to lasting peace and prosperity. For instance, during my term as the student body academic chairperson of the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu, I initiated a scholarship scheme aimed at sponsoring a course for financially disadvantaged students. Since universal access to education is a way to enjoy lasting peace by eradicating inequality, I am sure initiatives like this have a positive impact on people in terms of equipping them with knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development in their communities and countries.