At the recent General Assembly review of the Global Plan of Action on human trafficking, Solomon Islands’ UN envoy, Ambassador Jane Waetara, represented the Pacific Islands Forum members, reaffirming their commitment to combat trafficking. She highlighted that human trafficking poses a serious threat in the Pacific, undermining security, hindering development, and violating human dignity.
Ambassador Waetara articulated that trafficking encompasses not only the transportation of individuals but also various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, migrant abuse, and sexual exploitation, particularly affecting women and children. The ambassador pointed out that the Pacific region is increasingly becoming a target, not just as a transit hub but also as a destination for trafficking and associated transnational crimes such as drug smuggling, cybercrime, and financial fraud.
Emphasizing a collective regional response, she referenced strategic initiatives like the Boe Declaration, the Pacific Regional Strategy for Combating Transnational Organised Crime, and the ambitious 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The Forum’s call for bolstered partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies—such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)—aims to enhance Pacific efforts in tackling these grave challenges.
The ambassador underscored the significance of recognizing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and insisted that global frameworks must effectively address their specific realities.
In a collaborative effort, the Pacific Islands Forum’s permanent representatives to the UN convened with three UN Resident Coordinators for the Pacific at the UN Headquarters in New York. This gathering provided a platform for the coordinators to discuss ongoing projects and share information, further promoting cooperation between the Pacific Islands Forum and the UN system.
During the discussions, the need for a stronger UN presence in Solomon Islands was underscored, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade reiterated its request for a dedicated Resident Coordinator in the country. Ambassador Waetara acknowledged the UN’s commitment to the Pacific, emphasizing the crucial role that Resident Coordinators play in advancing national and regional development priorities and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting also touched on the UN80 reform initiative, where the Permanent Representatives urged that reforms should not compromise the support for SIDS. A unified approach in discussions aimed to ensure that any proposed changes would preserve effective UN programs tailored to the specific needs of Small Island Developing States, fostering improved collaboration and coordination in the region.
This proactive engagement demonstrates the Pacific Islands Forum’s dedication to addressing pressing issues such as human trafficking and enhancing overall regional stability, showcasing a hopeful commitment to the welfare and development of Pacific Island nations.
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