Federated states of Micronesia - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 37, January 18, 2021
Recommendations by Canada

Background

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a democratic country with human rights protections outlined in its Constitution’s Declaration of Rights. FSM has ratified three of the nine principal human rights treaties.

Since its last UPR, FSM has taken positive steps to strengthen its human rights framework, including by addressing human trafficking. In 2019, an order was passed to establish a Division of Anti-Human Trafficking Services within FSM’s Department of Justice.

FSM has also committed additional funding for anti-human trafficking enforcement, campaigning and investigation, along with funding for victim shelter services. FSM is party to the Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

In FSM, national and state laws do not establish a minimum age or prescribe limits on hours or occupations for employment of children, which leaves legal room for child labour. FSM is not a member of the International Labour Organization and its laws do not prohibit the worst forms of child labour.

Although sexual assault is a crime in FSM, cases are underreported and prosecution is rare. Moreover, spousal rape is not expressly prohibited. Social stigma, family pressure, and fear of further assault discourages reporting. There are currently no government facilities to provide shelter and support to women and children in abusive situations.

FSM has struggled to increase women’s political participation and women are underrepresented in national and state decision-making bodies. No woman has ever been elected to the national Legislature (Congress).

Recommendations

Thank you, Madam President.

Canada commends the Federated States of Micronesia for the efforts to eliminate human trafficking, namely through the restructuring of its Department of Justice to include a new Division of Anti-Human Trafficking Services and by strengthening victim services.

Canada recommends that the Federated States of Micronesia:

1. Take immediate steps to criminalize spousal rape.
2. Amend legislation to prohibit the worst forms of child labour and establish a minimum working age.
3. Continue working with partners to establish effective protection services for victims of human trafficking.
4. Take concrete measures to encourage women’s political participation and increase women’s representation in national and state legislatures

Canada urges the Federated States of Micronesia to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.