31 January, 2012. Tonga MPs consultation on drafting instructions for legislative change on violence against women and children.
A consultation with Members of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, gave an opportunity for Members to share knowledge, experiences, concerns and ideas on how to most effectively use the legislation to end violence against women and children. Concerns that were raised included ensuring the proposed bill addressing victims of both genders, and suggestions to seek the assistance of church leaders in addressing the problem of domestic violence. Work should also be done, on the cause of domestic violence, the implications of the support given to victims of DV, as well as the recording of the specific denominations of victims and perpetrators were reiterated by members.
The consultation was organized by the Women's Affairs, Ministry of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture , Secretariat of the Taskforce of Violence Against Women, with support from the Crown Law Department and Country Focal Officer for RRRT/SPC.
The consultation was attended by the Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, Speaker of the House, representative of the nobility and people's representatives.
Based on Cabinet's approval to review the existing legislation on violence against women and children and the drafting of subsequent amendment for enactment during the 2012 Parliamentary session, and in recognition that Members of the Legislature play an important role in passing laws, this consultation was designed to share the ideas and recommendations for a Stand Alone Comprehensive Legislation dealing with all forms of domestic violence in order to better protect the rights of victims of violence. It covers a review of documentation on Violence against women in Tonga and neighbouring countries.
The Deputy Director of Women's Affairs, Ms Polotu Fakafanua - Paunga acknowledges the positive support of the members who attended the consultation.
>> Tongan version of this Press Release HERE
ENDS.
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For more information please contact Lepolo Taunisila This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Women's Affairs Division, MEWAC, phone 27-145.
