Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698835337779.pdf (Micronesia, Federated States of)
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

20-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

20-59/H&SA SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT ASSISTANCE FROM THE CANADA IN THE AMOUNT OF CAD$98,500.

NOVEMBER 02, 2017 The Honorable Wesley W. Simina Speaker, Twentieth Congress Federated States of Micronesia Second Special Session, 2017 Dear Mr. Speaker: Your Committee on Health and Social Affairs to which was referred C.R.

No.
20-59, entitled: “A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN THE RIGHT OF CANADA, THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, AND DEVELOPMENT (DFATD) IN THE AMOUNT OF CAD $98,500, TO FUND AND SUPPORT THE FSM’S PROJECT ENTITLED: “STRENGHTHENING THE FSM’S INSTITUTIONS THAT PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY AND CEDAW AWARENESS RAISING TO THE RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNER AGENCIES IN THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA”, INDCLUDING ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITONS OF THE ASSISTANCE.”, begs leave to report as follows: The intent and purpose of the resolution are expressed in its title.
Your Committee held a hearing on November 1, 2017, the witnesses present included the Department of Health & Social Affairs, including the Secretary and her key staff, and SCRL 20-­‐46/CR 20-­‐59/H&SA Committee STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

20-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

20-59/H&SA SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT ASSISTANCE FROM THE CANADA IN THE AMOUNT OF CAD$98,500.

NOVEMBER 02, 2017 representatives the Department of Justice and the Department of Finance and Administration.
Your Committee has monitored the reporting and work done to satisfy our Nation’s obligations under the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women for the last 13 years that the Federated States of Micronesia has been a signatory to the Convention.

The Committee supports the women’s rights and gender equality commitments, but is concerned that previous funding for these issues was not utilized to its fullest extent.
The Committee and the Department of Health & Social Affairs discussed the on-going challenges facing our Nation regarding domestic abuse, child abuse, equal access to participation in education and all aspects of community and civil life.

The Secretary of the Department of Health & Social Affairs and the Gender Affairs Officer were both articulate with detailed information regarding the challenges that our Nation faces in these areas, and the need to support activities with funding at the National level.
Much time was spent discussing the priorities of projects in the states.

The Committee asked which was the priority, legislation in this area or additional awareness campaigns.

The Department stated that both were necessary and equally important.

The Department also stated that some obstacles remain in passing legislation at the state level.

Your Committee suggested that funding for the states be tied to performance, particularly the passage of necessary legislation.
During the hearing the Committee was advised that the obstacles facing women and girls, including violence and sexual abuse, remain in our Nation, and are still happening at high levels.

The Committee requested all current statistics available regarding these issues.

It strongly requested all documents that show multi-year trends in this regard.

-­‐2-­‐ STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

20-40 RE: C.R.

NO.
20-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

20-59/H&SA SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT ASSISTANCE FROM THE CANADA IN THE AMOUNT OF CAD$98,500.

NOVEMBER 02, 2017 The Department has provided a budget breakdown and this is included for the Members review.

As the Committee for the other grants under review this session, a detailed report for each state and the activities proposed for the coming year, is requested.

The Committee reiterates its request for information.
It is the desire of the Committee to know how the various projects are being evaluated and how the Department is influencing successful outcomes.

The Department has agreed to provide this information at the earliest possible date.

Your Committee is supportive of the Department of Health and Social Affairs’ efforts, however, further encourages additional communication regarding this program.
Notwithstanding the above comments, it is therefore, for the reasons set forth above, your Committee on Health and Social Affairs supports the grant activities proposed to be funded, it is in accord with the intent and purpose of C.R.

No.20-59, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto.

-­‐3-­‐ STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

20-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

20-59/H&SA SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT ASSISTANCE FROM THE CANADA IN THE AMOUNT OF CAD$98,500.
NOVEMBER 02, 2017 Respectfully submitted, /s/ Ferny S. Perman Ferny S. Perman, chairman /s/ Alik L. Alik Alik L. Alik, vice chairman /s/ /s/ /s/ Florencio S. Harper Tiwiter Aritos, member Florencio S. Harper, member /s/ /s/ David W. Panuelo David W. Panuelo, member /s/ /s/ Joseph J. Urusemal Joseph J. Urusemal, member /s/ Derensio S. Konman, member -­‐4-­‐