Posted on 28 September 2023
Earlier this month, Simon Kofe, Minister of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs, announced the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023. This is a part of the Tuvalu Constitutional Review Project, which was implemented by UNDP in 2016 tackle the social, political and economic challenges, and issues of governance, in the nation.
The amendment will come into force on October 1, and includes all the constitutional changes made since 2008 – incorporating themes of “the climate crisis and recognition of Tuvalu’s statehood; enhancing the stability of governance; judicial reforms; and rights and culture.”
The Act also recognises an important shift towards decolonisation, and empowering local people and knowledge. The new Charter of Duties and Responsibilities in particular acknowledges both the individual rights of the population, but also their collective responsibility to their community.