Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1696588549183.pdf (Vanuatu)
LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK m May Edition LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK Community Services Secto r The news letter from the Ju stice and Photo Credit: Dan McGarry – Imagicity.com Brought to you by: JASTIS, SEFTI, DIGNITI, RISPEKT MO GUD FASIN BLONG EVRIWAN IN THIS ISSUE The purpose of this Newsletter is to share information, news and data among our Sector.

You can keep up with more news at the Ministry of Justice & Community Services (MJCS) website and other Sector agencies websites.
SECTOR UPDATES MJCS - Stretem Rod Blong Jasti mo Sefti support for Vocational Study The Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MJCS) - Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti (SRBJS) Vocational Study Support Scheme (VSSS) is now accepting applications for vocational study support in Semester 2 2018!

MJCS, in partnership with SRBJS, seeks to encourage an environment where staff their actively maintain and develop professional and skills knowledge, expertise.
To support this aim, staff from agencies and offices in the Justice and Community Services sector and relevant non-government organisations, may apply for financial support through the VSSS to cover the basic costs (course fees and textbooks) associated with undertaking part time vocational study.

in outlined complete The application process is competitive and fully the https://mjcs.gov.vu/images/stretem_rod/V ocational_study_/VSSS_Procedure_Curr ent_Version.pdf .
Interested applicants an must https://mjcs.gov.vu/images/stretem_rod/V ocational_study_/VSSS_Application_Curr ent_Version.pdf.

All applications must be justified on the basis of clear links between the individual's job training needs and the proposed vocational or professional education.

All require management endorsement.

applications Applications must be received by 5pm Friday 22 June 2018.
Note also that the education institution an applicant selects will have its own admission procedures that applicants need to fulfill.

For any inquiries, please contact MJCS Development Sector Coordinator, Nasak Louise (lnasak@vanuatu.gov.vu) or Capacity SRBJS Training and Learning Adviser, Amy Green (amy.green@thepalladiumgroup.com).

looking forward We are to receiving applications from across the justice and community services and relevant non- government organisations sector!
Brought to you by: Launch of the National Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2018 – 2025 Friday 18 May marked a critical step in ensuring Vanuatu is a country inclusive of all people, including persons with disabilities.

Page 3 A new law library for Vanuatu On Friday 27 April, Vanuatu’s justice community gathered at the Office of the Public Prosecutor to open the Chief Justice Frederick G. Cooke Law Library and formally launch the Prosecutors’ Code of Ethics and Prosecution Policy.
Page 4 Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors pilot underway The Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors pilot is now five months into operation.

Page 6 1 LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 2 Disability Desk news!
Building Inclusive Community Partnerships Australian-funded Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti program (SRBJS) – the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program - delivers a Building Community Partnerships course to support the skills development of staff from the Police, Justice and Community Services sector.

The course is focused on effective community engagement intended to achieve results through community partnerships which is so important in the context of an under-resourced Government.
The second input of this program which commenced in February 2018 has representatives from seven agencies from the policing, justice and community services sector.

The recent second block of training resulted in a name change for the course to Building Inclusive Community Partnerships, which more accurately reflects the program’s approach.

The name change recognised that in order for community partnerships to be effective they must be inclusive.
The course is designed to reflect and build awareness of gender equality, child protection, disability and social inclusion as highlighted in Justice and Community Services Sector Strategy 2018 – 2021.

The presentation by the Vanuatu Society for People with Disability and the Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association with over 12 panel members, was one of the highlights of the week.

The Disability Desk Officer, Knox Morris, from the Ministry of Justice and Community Services was also present.
The workshop was beautifully facilitated by Judith Iakavai (VSPD Program coordinator) who ensured participants heard the stories of people with varied and complex disability.

The stories told by the panel members provided enormous insight not only to the multiple barriers faced by people with disabilities but were also a reflection of courage and hope.
The hands-on activities of experiencing the various mobility devices gave the participants an even greater appreciation of the multiple barriers that people with disability face.

This was followed by discussion about strategies to be used to ensure people with disabilities were included in community decision making.

Building Inclusive Community Partnerships Training has a strong emphasis on applied learning, with all participants undertaking a workplace project.
As a consequence of this workshop the projects have been modified to have a stronger focus on people with disabilities and inclusion.

Strengthening Disability Inclusion in Shefa Area Councils The Disability Desk at MJCS in collaboration with Vanuatu Society for persons with Disability had together facilitated a 3 days workshops with the 11 area councils of Shefa Province.

The workshop was held at the Matnapuka conference room at Shefa province office.
There were 11 area secretaries and including People with disability at this work shop.

The purpose of the 3 day’s workshop is to: Expansion of Community base Rehabilitation work to Efate Urban Area secretaries to explore ways to collaborate in conducting a  CBR outreach program to communities of rural Efate  and offshore Islands.
 Disability Inclusion Strengthening the working relationship with Shefa province in The 3 days’ workshop also involves a panel discussion were 6 persons with disability had share the challenges the faced in a community.

A panel had raised accessibility as a challenge for wheelchair users getting into buildings and accessing transport.

The Disability Desk had also put on a presentation in regards to the National Disability Inclusive development Policy 8 priority areas and also how it aligns with the NSDP.
The last day of the workshop had the involvement of the area secretaries in a planning stage where they had also present on the few area council profiling.

LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 3 Launch of the National Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2018 – 2025 Friday 18 May marked a critical step in ensuring Vanuatu is a country inclusive of all people, including persons with disabilities.
The Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MJCS), with support from the Australian-funded Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti (SRBJS), also known as Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program, launched the Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2018 – 2025 (DID Policy).
The DID Policy is the culmination of extensive participatory review of the inaugural National Disability Policy 2008-2015 led by MJCS Disability Desk with the technical and financial support of SRBJS and the Pacific Disability Forum and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

The Policy outlines a clear vision for a disability inclusive future and activates the commitments the Government of Vanuatu made by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
In line with the approach under the CRPD and the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’, the launch was led by persons with disabilities.

Mr Sergio Moses and Ms Helen Tamata were Masters of Ceremony and the launch began with a panel discussion where persons with disabilities explained the rationale and vision behind each of the eight DID Policy objectives.
The panellists emphasised the need to ensure persons with disabilities have equal access to their rights and opportunities to contribute to Vanuatu society, economy and fully participate in decision-making processes.

The day concluded with a performance by Wan Smolbag’s Rainbow Disability Theatre.

The launch was held at the new Seafront Stage and attended by the Minister for Justice and Community Services, Hon.
Ronald Warsal, Australian High Commissioner Ms Jenny Da Rin, Government Heads of Agencies and key NGO and civil society partners, including Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association and Vanuatu Society for People with Disability.

In his official remarks the Minister highlighted the need for Government Ministries, civil society and communities to work together to realise the DID Policy vision.

Disability Inclusion is everyone’s business.


Rainbow Disability Theatre performing ‘Pikinini Blong Seaview’ at Port Vila Seafront “ Australian High Commissioner, Ms Jenny Da Rin, Ms Leitangi Solomon and A/g Director General, Mr Pacco Siri cutting the cake Disability Desk awareness at the Shefa Area Council Sitting The Shefa Provincial government had embraced its 1st council sitting for this year 2018.
The Disability Desk at MJCS was also part of the program on delivering a presentation to the 18 Honorable Shefa Provincial Councilors.

The purpose of the presentation is to inform the Councilors about work the Disability Desk within the MJCS and also the National Disability Inclusive Development Policy.

At the Council sitting there is also a representative for persons with disability in the Meetings.
The Ministry of Justice and Community Service had acknowledge the provincial government for the representation of persons with disability at its council siting every year.

LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 4 Office of the Public Prosecutor update!
A new law library for Vanuatu On Friday 27 April, Vanuatu’s justice community gathered at the Office of the Public Prosecutor to open the Chief Justice Frederick G. Cooke Law Library and formally launch the Prosecutors’ Code of Ethics and Prosecution Policy.

The event was streamed live to the Public Prosecutions office in Canberra so that two important guests, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jon White SC, and Supreme Court Justice, Michael Elkaim, could participate in the proceedings via webcam.
The books for the Cooke Law library had been gifted to the Ministry of Justice and Community Services by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and bought over to Vanuatu with the assistance of the Australian-funded Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Support program.

Over 2,000 books were distributed between the Office of the Public Prosecutor, Public Solicitor’s Office and the State Law Office.
The law library was opened by the Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, a law graduate herself.

The High Commissioner said that this ‘repository of knowledge’ would build long term capacity and would benefit prosecutors and Ni-Vanuatu lawyers for many years to come.

The library is named after Chief Justice Frederick.

G. Cooke; the first Chief Justice of the Republic of Vanuatu.

Cooke was the Chief Justice from 1980 – 1990.


Following the opening of the library, Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek launched the Code of Ethics.

The Chief Justice in his speech emphasised the importance of ethics in the legal profession and the special role that prosecutors hold in promoting ethical behaviour.

The Minister for Justice and Community Services, Hon.

Ronald Warsal, launched the Prosecution Policy remarking that a policy will make decisions transparent and accountable.
In her closing remarks, master of ceremony, Marie Taiki remarked that she and her fellow prosecutors will have no excuses now with the guidance that these publications provided.
Minister for Justice & Community Services, Hon Ronald Warsal with Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin & Public Prosecutor, officially open the Chief Justice Fredrick G.Cooke Law library at the office of the Public Prosecutor Office of the Public Prosecutor planning On Saturday 5 May 2018 in Port Vila the dedicated team at the Office of the Public Prosecutor (OPP) came together to plan the next 12 months key objectives and activities.
The planning day started with a welcome from the Public Prosecutor, Josaia Naigulevu and then moved onto an introduction from the business planning day facilitator, Richard Evans.

The planning day started with activities and discussions about how everyone in the Office viewed their role and how it fits into the agency as a whole.

Then the program moved onto some very honest discussion about gender equity and it was agreed by all that this was the beginning of a longer discussion.
Having laid the ground work the Office went ahead analysing what the key objectives were and what activities had been completed since the last planning day.

Having acknowledged that many of the activities had been completed the work started on what the Office wanted to complete in the next 12 months.

At the end the OPP had a set of realistic and measurable key objectives developed with clear ways to get them done.

It was a day well spent by all.


It goes without saying that the planning day would not have been the success it was without the ongoing support of Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti and the Australian Aid program to help us get all provincial staff to the planning day, securing the venue and providing a great facilitator.
LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 5 Prosecutor attends leadership forum on improving women’s and children’s access to justice With the support of her colleagues at the Office of the Public Prosecutor and the Australian- funded Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti program – Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program - Micheline Tasso, a State Prosecutor, was fortunate to attend the 10 day leadership forum on improving women and children’s access to justice in Melbourne, Australia from 23 April 2018.
The forum included a number of representatives from both Vanuatu and Fiji.
State Prosecutor Tasso was able to contribute to much of the legal discussion with Judges, Magistrates and Prosecutors at the Family Court of Australia, the Melbourne Magistrates, Children’s and Coroners Court and as she commented, “It was useful to see that the people working in these Courts everyday experience similar things to what we are dealing with here in Vanuatu.’ The group were also hosted by the Victorian Institute of Forensic medicine and were treated to a number of presentations on forensic medicine, DNA evidence and some of the medical myths around the sexual assault of women and girls.
The highlight for Ms Tasso was vising the Melbourne Children’s Court and learning not only about the importance to the community of rehabilitating children who offend but also some of the facilities to counsel and divert children out of the criminal justice system so that they do not become long term criminals.
Ms Tasso commented, “Vanuatu doesn’t have any Juvenile Justice legislation and my experience tells me we need some” however, Ms Tasso said, “Seeing what Australian Courts and Police are doing now and how children are benefiting this forum has given me many ideas about what can be done now when I am making submissions in Court and what can be done in the future.” The Department blong Koreksenel Sevis (DBKS) first Executive Management Meeting for 2018 The Director, Managers, Principal Correctional officers and Senior Corporate and Probation officers of the Department of Correctional Services and Technical Advisor to DBKS attended 2 days Executive Management Meeting (EMM) at the Ramada Resort on 16 – 17 May 2018.
It was an annual meeting held two times a year and this year was their first EMM for 2018.
During 2 days meeting, EMM members discussed and made decision of some of the important issues of the Corrections such as the discussion and presentation on 2018 recurrent budget against progress of Business Plan, MFAT NZ project funding to Corrections, discussion on the Corrections Vehicle fleet, discussion and approval of some new internal polices, update members on Organisational Structure in line with new GRT, discussion on Correctional Land Issues and OMS and Saperion uses.
This was a high level meeting which usually involves senior executives at top level making sound decision collectively regarding issues affecting DBKS and also opportunity to share information and encourage members to focus on the progress of the DBKS 2018 strategic plans.

Two of the highlights of the meeting were; the M & E Basics and JCSSS presentation presented by Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the MJCS, Mrs. Jocelyne Loughman.
During this presentation EMM Members where privileged to informed and reminded of the government strategic plans (NSDP, JCSSS, Corporate Plans, and Business Plan) and the importance of the M & E Framework.

The other is a field trip was organised and EMM Members were privileged to visit Errangorango farm and observed farming project there managed by Port Vila Correctional Centre.

Errangorango Farm is currently supported by the NZAid Small Infrastructure Grant (SIP).
It was a successful EMM organised so far as all of the agenda items were discussed on time.

The next EMM will be around November 2018.


Director(middle), managers, technical advisor, principal correctional officers, senior corporate and senior probation officers attending EMM at Ramada resort on the 16th- 17th May 2018 LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 6 Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors pilot underway The Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors pilot is now five months into operation.
The Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors provisions in the Family Protection Act (FPA) are now being implemented for the first time through the pilot.

All other provisions have been applied since the FPA’s commencement in March 2009 and are used by the Courts and police for the issue of Temporary Protection Orders and to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence.
The Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors provisions had proved difficult for the Government to implement for a variety of reasons, however significant work has been done to understand the key challenges.

A pilot is necessary to demonstrate if the provisions are practical and can be extended throughout Vanuatu and will offer recommendations that could inform a review of the FPA.
In 2016 an approach to piloting was agreed between the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MJCS) and the Australian-funded Stretem Rod Blong Jastis program to conduct a careful and well- monitored pilot, with MJCS having overall responsibility and oversight of the pilot and Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti (Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program) responsible for leading its implementation.
The 12-month pilot is being undertaken in South Santo, Fanafo Stonehill and Matantas/Malau on Santo, and Paunangisu, Ohlen Matakheru and Tokyo Buninga/Paama on Efate.

Acting Director General of MJCS, Pacco Siri hands the appointment letter for Wilie Tangis, Authorised Person for Fanafo, Santo A media event held on 22 January 2018, marked the ‘official’ public launching of the pilot.
While Authorised Persons had been formally appointed by His Excellency the President of Vanuatu in December 2017, the media event centred on the signing of the instruments of appointment of Registered Counsellors by the Honourable Minister for Justice and Community Services, Mr Ronald Warsal.

Honourable Mr Warsal and Her Excellency Jenny Da Rin, the Australian High Commissioner made formal speeches to mark the official launching event.
The pilot was launched by way of a series of official launching events held in January and February 2018, with MJCS Acting Director General, Pacco Siri, leading the launching events in every community.
In May 2018, police rotations commenced on Santo, which has police officers rotating through the pilot locations to provide support to Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors, raise awareness around crime prevention and the work of police, as well as receive complaints from community members with respect to criminal concerns.
The pilot is a significant development for Vanuatu and elsewhere in the Pacific, with the implementation for the first time of the Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors provisions of the FPA.

To date, the Authorised Persons have granted 14 Temporary Protection Orders for the protection of victims of domestic violence.
Purity Solomon and Julie Robinson, Authorised Persons and Registered Counsellors (dual roles), Chief Senimao, Chief Solomon Tavue, Polly Walker Dorras SRBJS, Iaken Kiero 1st PA, A/DG and Charleson Samuel LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 7 Promoting a Culture of Quality across the Sector through Monitoring & Evaluation Twelve (12) agencies from the Policing, Justice and Community Services Sector got together for a first ever sector-wide Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training from the 30th to the 31st May 2018, at the Ramada Resort.
A total of 17 participants participated in the 2 days M&E workshop including a Head of an Agency and some very senior officers representing their agencies.

A word of acknowledgment and thank you goes to all the Heads of Agencies who nominated officers from their agencies to be part of this training.
Sector Capacity Development Coordinator, Mrs. Louise Nasak, at the opening of the 2 day workshop encouraged the participants to make M&E a part of their professional culture, emphasising that everyone is responsible for the quality output of their work and that of their organisations, and that it is not the responsibility of just the M&E Officer or of one or two people in the organisation.
Topics covered in Day 1 of the workshop included M&E Fundamentals, asking critical questions such as Why, When, What, How, Where and Who, M&E Plans, SMART Indicators and Data & Data Collection Methods.

On Day 2 participants looked at Monitoring a Business Plan, starting with Business Planning, Monitoring and Reporting.

The second series continuing from this sector M&E Training is planned for September 2018.
The 2 day M&E session is the first series of a phased M&E Training Package consisting of seven (7) modules that look at fundamental M&E needs across the sector.

The sessions were delivered using a combination of theory and practical sessions, encouraging maximum participation and rich discussions.

The modules were collaboratively developed by the MJCS and the Stretem Rod Blong Jastis mo Sefti (SRBJS) Program.
On behalf of the MJCS and the 12 participating agencies, ‘bigfala tok tankio’ to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the SRBJS Program, for the budgetary and technical support that enabled the MJCS to organise and deliver the training.

We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the SRBJS Program to continue to strengthen the quality of our service delivery across the sector.
Vanuatu Law Reform Commission monthly awareness: Review, Recommend, Reform The Vanuatu Law Reform Commission will on a monthly basis provide a column of Q&A to shed light on the mandate of the Vanuatu Law Reform Reform Commission.

This is an initiative to inform the general public on the roles and functions of the Vanuatu Law Commission and the processes that can be utilised by Ministries and Departments to achieve legislative reform.
The purpose of this awareness raising strategy is to increase public knowledge and understanding of the legal mandate of the VLRC.

It is hoped that this will increase the number of submissions by Ministries and Departments as they become more acquainted on how they can contribute to law reform in Vanuatu.

1.

What is the Law Reform Commission?


The Vanuatu Law Reform Commission is mandated by the Law Reform Commission Act (Cap 115) to review, recommend and reform the laws of Vanuatu as amended from time to time.

2.

What is Law Reform?

Law reform is the process of changing and updating laws, so that they reflect the current values and needs of modern society.
Those responsible for making our laws must identify and study shifts in values, behaviours and expectations; they must consider whether new or amended laws are required; and they must develop and implement these changes.

Law reform is a perpetual or ongoing process: it never finishes.

The law must be flexible and receptive to change, so that stays fair, relevant and up to date.

Above all, it must serve the needs of the people.


A law based on outdated or irrelevant values will only let down the people it is intended to serve LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 8 and protect.

The law must also be able to respond to situations and scenarios thrown up by a changing society, such as new forms of criminal activity.

3.

What are the functions of the Law Reform Commission?
(1)The Commission has the following functions: (a)to study and keep under review all laws and to recommend reforms particularly in respect to: (i)the removal of anachronisms and anomalies; and (ii)the reflection in the law of the distinctive concepts of custom, the common and civil legal systems and the reconciliation where appropriate of differences in those concepts; and (iii)the development of new approaches to and new concepts of the law in keeping with and responsive to the changing needs of the society, of groups within that society and of individual members of that society; and creation of new laws.
4.

What is meant by the creation of new laws?

If one reads the recent amendment of 2016, Subsection 7(1)(b) provides for the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission to carry out, on its own initiative, studies and research of a legal nature as it considers necessary for carrying out its functions, including research relating to other legal systems; and To consult with the Ministry or Department to review any aspect of the law; and To provide information in regard to the review 5.
What is the legal requirement of the Ministries and Departments in relation to law Reform?

A Ministry or Department who intends to review its laws must consult with the Commission pursuant to Section 10A (1) of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (Amendment) Act of 2016 6.

Can a Ministry or Department use a Consultant to undertake a legislative review?

Yes as long as there is prior written approval of the Commission pursuant to Section 10A (2) of the Law Reform Commission (Amendment) Act of 2016.

7.
7.

What is the current composition of the board of the Commission?

The Board has a Chairman and four members.

The members include a representative of the National Youth Council, a representative of the Malvatumauri, two private lawyers nominated by the Law Society and a representative of the State Law Office.

8.

If a Ministry or Department intends to review a legislation, what is the process?
(a) Initiative must be from the Ministry or Department (b) The Departments upon request from the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission completes an approved Terms of Reference Form for the proposed reforms; (c) The Completed TOR is submitted to the VLRC for approved; (d) If it is not approved, the Commission communicates with the Department/Ministry for further dialogue and resubmission; (e) Once approved, the Commission commences the Review by issuing and Issue paper; (f) After the issue paper, Consultations begin with Stakeholders; (g) After the consultations, the feedback are compiled and (h) The report and recommendations are handed over to requesting Ministry or Department.
9. Who has the prerogative to decide as the whether to proceed with the reform or to shelf the report and recommendations?

The onus as to whether to proceed with the report and recommendations lies with the requesting Ministry/Department.

10.

If the requesting Ministry/Department decides to proceed with the reform, what should they do?
After receiving the report and recommendations, the Ministry and Department should prepare drafting instructions to be forwarded to the State Law Office (Parliamentary Counsels Unit).

11.

Can the Commission initiate any legislative reform?

Yes 12.

Is this process outlined in paragraph (7) exhaustive or is there still room for improvement?
LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 9 There is still room for improvement as we continue to see a lot of reports and recommendations collecting dust because officials in Departments and Ministries do not have the technical knowledge to write drafting instructions.

13.

How can this be solved?
Whilst the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission does the review and recommendations, reform cannot be achieved if the process is not complete, the VLRC process would only be completed if VLRC can be able to assist Stakeholders to write their drafting instructions since VLRC reports and recommendations are authoritative in nature outing current policy failures and finding solutions, it is imperative that the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission be able to assist Stakeholders to achieve the efficient and effective law reforms and law reform processes.
14.

How would that help the process?

Accurate drafting instructions to the Parliamentary Counsel’s division of the State Law Office would assist in the following ways: 1.

Lessen the time to draft recommended legal reforms or reviews; 2.

The intention of the requesting Departments/ Ministries remain intact; 3.

Same line of reading by all stakeholders in the reform process.

15.

How old is the Law Reform Commission?

Seven years but the Law Reform Commission Act was enacted by Parliament since 1980.
16.

What were the Major achievements of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission since inception in 2010?

Since the establishment of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission, outlined below are major achievements in the last six to seven years.
Reviews were undertaken to the following Acts of Parliament: (1) Public Health Act [Cap 234] (2) Dangerous Drugs Act [Cap 12] (3) Water Supply Act [Cap 24] (4) Water Resource Management Act [Cap 281] (5) Penal Code [Cap 135] (focus on sexual offences, customary reconciliation) (6) Civil Status (Registration) Act [Cap 61] (7) Marriage Act [Cap 60] (8) Law Commission Act [Cap 115] (9) Ombudsman Act [Cap 252] (10) Leadership Code Act [Cap 240].

17.
17.

What public policy formulation processes were being undertaken by Vanuatu Law Reform Commission?
(a) Undertake Research, consultations and analysis to assist government to better understand the problems to be addressed, the options for addressing the problems, and the merits of those options; (b) Prepare documents and presentation to inform Stakeholders about issues and problems and outlining policy options to line Departments and Cabinet Ministers, in an appropriate format; (c) Provide expert advice and feedback to line and cabinet Ministers on the strengths and weaknesses of any proposed policy amendment; and (d) Provide information to interested stakeholder, village councils, island councils, provincial councils, Church leaders, customary land owners, Council of Chiefs and in general public about government policy decisions and implementations.
18.

What is the purpose of this exercise?

To raise awareness to the general public on the function of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission and hopefully, this should increase the number of request from national agencies requesting assistance in relations to law reform or legislative reforms.

19.

What would be the topic of discussion in the next Awareness (June 2018)?
We should be able to share some information on the current reforms undertaken by the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission and our internal procedures in relation to Law Reform.

20.

How can I get more information?

If you wish to obtain more information, call the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission on Voip: 5913/33620/5333160 or write to the Chairman, Vanuatu Law Reform Commission, P O Box 3380, Port Vila or email lawcommission@vanuatu.gov.vu 21.
Where is the office of the Law Reform Commission LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK | MAY EDITION 10 You can find the office of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission at the 1st Floor of the Pacifica Building (Drug Store) above Uncle Bills.

Lini Highway.

Port Vila.

Thank you for reading the May edition of Loa mo Sosel Jastis Toktok.

If you have any feedback for the newsletter please send to mjcs@vanuatu.gov.vu.

If you have any information to share for next month’s newsletter please also email us.
Ministry of Justice and Community Services Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, PMB 9084, Port Vila, Vanuatu W mjcs.gov.vu│T +678 33615 │E mjcs@vanuatu.gov.vu