Tonga Church Leaders Still Say No to PM’s CEDAW Proposal Featured
Church Leaders Meeting With Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva 27 May, 2015 at Dr. Moulton Hall
Nuku'alofa, 31 May 2015. The proposal from Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Government to ratify CEDAW Convention was consistently rejected by Tonga’s Church Leaders in a meeting called by the Prime Minister with Church Leaders on Wednesday 27 May 2015.
The meeting was held at the Free Wesleyan Church’s Dr. Moulton Meeting Hall where majority of church leaders attended. Government party was led by the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva with the Minister of Internal Affairs Fe’ao Vakata, Attorney General ‘Aminisasi Kefu, CEO for Internal Affairs Lopeti Senituli, Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Palenitina Langa’oi and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Va’inga Tone.
Prime Minister Pohiva in his opening address stressed the importance for Tonga to join the one hundred and eighty plus countries worldwide who already ratified the treaty. He moved on to say that Tonga is among the only seven countries in the world who had never endorsed CEDAW and this is a perfect opportunity for Tonga to jump onboard.
Pohiva believes that it is important to show the world and member countries that Tonga is supportive of the convention predominantly the elimination of all forms of violence against women. He concluded by reminding the meeting that Tonga should not be afraid of walking into the future and accept change.
The response from church leaders could be summed up in one phrase “Obey God’s Words” as the bible says. Revered Dr. Liufau Saulala of the Tokaikolo Fellowship and His Eminence Cardinal Mafi of the Roman Catholic Church shared common belief that it is a blessing for Tonga if it remains the only country who refuses to ratify CEDAW. It will tell the world that Tonga is an exceptional Christian country who obeys the will of God.
Other church leaders shared mutual views in their remarks with a clear message that Tonga should not sign the convention as it will bring more harm than good to the country. Dr. Uili Fukofuka raised the questions of right and wrong in the principles of CEDAW and importance of being a sovereign state.
Attorney General Mr. ‘Aminiasi Kefu responded that UN doesn’t have any authority whatsoever to interfere in Tonga’s affairs as Tonga is a sovereign nation. Mr. Kefu later clarified that the UN can inspire change in a country’s law if the people of that country agree.
Prime Minister Pohiva in the conclusion of the meeting sought the indulgence of church leaders to allow government time to reconsider its position and kindly asked for their support by praying for them.
Source: ‘Ofa-Ki-Tonga News Paper Vol.24, Number, 4 June 2015
