This update covers developments relating to the civic space conditions in Tuvalu from 1st January 2024 to 31st October 2024.
GENERAL
Elections- with issue of diplomatic allegiances at its centre
On 26th January 2024, nationwide voting elected 16 members of parliament, comprising independent candidates across eight electorates. A strong voter turnout was reported. The new members of parliament declared Feleti Teo, a former attorney general, unopposed as Prime Minister.
The elections ousted Kausea Natao who had a pro-Taiwan position. Tuvalu is one of only 12 countries that have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. On 1st March 2025, the new prime minister reaffirmed that his government would maintain diplomatic ties with Taipei, ruling out a shift to China.
Our ties with Taiwan are purely based on democratic principles and they have been very loyal to us
- Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu
New Security Deal with Australia
On 9th May 2024, Tuvalu signed a new security deal with Australia after critics complained that a previous pact signed in 2023 by the then Prime Minister gave Australia veto power over any other security agreement Tuvalu would sign with a third country, such as China. The treaty agreement offers Tuvaluans a lifeline to escape rising seas by granting permanent residency to up to 280 citizens a year.
Persistent gender-based violence despite renewed commitment to gender equality
In April and May 2024, a review process for the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA)+30 took place with government officials, representatives from the public and private sectors, and civil society organisations to review Tuvalu’s progress over the past five years regarding gender equality. The report mentions measures implemented in partnership with civil society organisations and communities but also notes that significant challenges remain to achieve gender equality.
A significant achievement has been the update of the 2014 National Gender Policy – known as the Te Paagatasi a Tuvalu – that demonstrates a renewed commitment by the government to gender equality and women's empowerment.
Among the challenges and setbacks, the report notes that intimate partner violence remains a major issue in Tuvalu and that the lack of comprehensive services and protocols for first responders (such as the police force or doctors) often leaves victims without adequate support. Also, there are limited employment opportunities for women and prevailing social norms restrict women's economic participation, making women and girls more vulnerable to hardship and poverty.
The document lists a series of actions that will be prioritised to implement the Beijing Platform for Action and insists on the close collaboration with civil society organisations to reach these goals.
Collaborating closely with civil society organizations enhances the reach and effectiveness of gender-focused initiatives. These partnerships are vital for leveraging resources, expertise, and community engagement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to promoting gender equality
- Tuvalu National Beijing +30 Review Report
EXPRESSION
Launch of Right to Information Initiative
On 18th October 2024, the Right to Information Initiative was launched in Funafuti. This initiative is supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) and it aims to create awareness on the right to information and promote transparency and anti-corruption measures.
Simon Kofe, the Minister of Transport, Energy and Communications, said the framework will allow citizens to better question the government and allow journalists to hold leaders to account. The project is focused on training and capacity building for women, youth and journalists, but eventually legislation will be passed on the topic.
I think this needs to be a bit of a cultural change as well - I think there is not enough that is being done from the side of the media, the journalists, and even just the people too, to question the government (…) But there’s also responsibility on our part to ensure that information is available and accessible to the public.
- Simon Kofe, the Minister of Transport, Energy, and Communications