Tuvalu’s Strides Against Child Labour and Human Trafficking: A Mixed Picture

Tuvalu has made significant progress in its stance against child labour and human trafficking since 2013. The country has demonstrated a commitment to tackling these issues, with efforts aimed at preventing and combating them. However, despite these advancements, the reality on the ground is that child labour still persists, and more needs to be done to address this pressing issue.

Political System and Governance

Tuvalu’s political system has been marked by frequent votes of no-confidence against the prime minister, which has contributed to low trust in the government. Despite this, the country has maintained a positive record of information-sharing and international cooperation with organizations such as the Commonwealth of Nations and the United States.

• The country is part of an initiative led by New Zealand and the UN to strengthen anti-corruption laws in the Pacific Island region.
• The government has shown commitment to anti-corruption efforts, although there is a need for more coordinated measures to tackle corruption.

Human Trafficking and Child Labour

While Tuvalu has made progress in its stance against child labour and human trafficking, more needs to be done to address these pressing issues. Child labour still persists, and the country’s record on IUU fishing remains concerning.

• Despite having criminalized IUU fishing with dedicated legislation, Tuvalu has not taken strong enough action to address this issue.
• The country’s economy remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change and relies heavily on external factors such as remittance payments and fishing licenses.

Civil Society and Social Protection

Tuvalu has legislation in place to protect victims of violent crimes, including provisions for compensation and legal representation. However, adult protection services, particularly for women, remain inadequate, and there is a lack of specific action plans or national frameworks for organized crime prevention.

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are free to operate in Tuvalu, focusing on areas such as good governance, community support, and environmental work.
• Limited information is available regarding NGOs that specifically address organized crime-related issues.

Conclusion

While Tuvalu has made progress in its stance against child labour and human trafficking, more needs to be done to address these pressing issues. The country’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts and international cooperation are commendable, but the lack of strong action on IUU fishing and inadequate protection services for adults remain concerns.