Kiribati is rated ‘open’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Kiribati is a multiparty democracy that holds regular elections. There is freedom for NGOs to operate, particularly those engaged in human rights and governance-related work. However, concerns remain around judicial independence and that the government has yet to decriminalise defamation or establish a national human rights institution.
Association
Civil society consultation on ocean governance
The Kiribati Climate Action Network convened a National Civil Society Consultation on Marawa on 30th June and 1st July 2026. The two-day consultation brought together representatives from government, churches, civil society organisations, community leaders, fishers, women, youth, Indigenous knowledge holders, and regional partners.
Through presentations and dialogue, participants explored the connections between climate change, fisheries, ocean stewardship, traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and the collective responsibility to safeguard our ocean for future generations.
The discussions highlighted the importance of inclusive, community-informed dialogue to help shape Kiribati's ocean future and contribute to stronger national ocean governance.
Trade unions strengthen their role in shaping decent work and development
On 9th June 2026, more than 25 trade union leaders from across Kiribati came together for an ILO-supported training programme aimed at strengthening workers' voices and preparing unions to respond to the rapidly changing world of work.
Representing a diverse range of sectors - including education, healthcare, banking, maritime transport, public utilities, migrant workers and government ministries - participants gathered under the umbrella of the Kiribati Trades Union Congress (KTUC) to explore how trade unions can adapt, grow and remain effective in the face of social, economic, technological, environmental and demographic changes.
Throughout the training, participants examined the external trends shaping labour markets and employment relations, while also assessing KTUC’s current priorities, policies and activities.
Beiataake Aaron from the Staff Union of the University of the South Pacific said: “This training is very important to us. I now know more about what I have to do. Before, we were told what to do but now we have our own stand, we know more about our rights and what’s best for us.”
The programme also provided technical assistance to support the drafting and finalisation of KTUC’s Constitution. The updated Constitution is expected to help modernise the organisation, strengthen its governance structures and improve the services it provides to its members.