Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 29th Session (15-26 January 2018): 3rd UPR of the Kingdom of Tonga – Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India. [Geneva, 15 January 2018]
Madame Vice President,
India welcomes the delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga for the presentation of its national report.
2. We appreciate the adoption by Tonga of New Education Act 2013 that provides for compulsory school education for all children below the age of 19 years. We also commend the adoption of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education.
3. We recognise the continued efforts of Tonga to eliminate violence against women. In this regard, the enactment of Family Protection Act, 2013 is a welcome step aimed at providing greater protection for victims of domestic violence.
4. We recommend that the Kingdom of Tonga may work towards ratification of the Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
5. We wish the Kingdom of Tonga all success in its future endeavours.
Thank you Vice President.
