Tonga to vote on polarising UN convention for women's rights

Transcript

The Prime Minister of Tonga says the signing of a United Nations Convention which recently led to protests in the country, will be put to a public vote, following the coronation celebrations.

Cabinet announced its intention to join the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women, or CEDAW, earlier this year.  

Multiple petitions and marches followed the announcement including a parliamentary resolution asking the government not to ratify CEDAW.

Tonga is one of seven countries, including the United States, not to have signed the convention and opponents have expressed concern that it will allow same sex marriage and abortion

'Akilisi Pohiva told Indira Moala the decision will be up to the people.

'AKILISI POHIVA: I read the letter from the privy council advising government to reconsider their decision but for me it is a matter for the public to decide and since the public is split, there's a split among the people of this country regarding the CEDAW issue, so I think the best thing is to give it to the public to make the decision. But before we do that we have to continue a consultation with the people.

INDIRA MOALA: Does the privy council have the power to?

AP: No no, only a few in certain cases but not in all. Whatever decision is made by cabinet, that's it. But the privy council still has power to make decisions regarding, you know, they have to advise [the King] when we pass a bill in parliament and then we send it to his majesty for his signature, he has council around him to advise him whether it's proper for him to sign or not to sign. That's the rule and I think that's ok.

IM: Where do you stand on the CEDAW issue?

AP: My position is to support CEDAW, however, that is the position of government but in my view it is a matter for the public to make the final decision and since there is a split the best option is to put it back to the public to make the decision.

IM: So if the public votes yes, the majority goes through it will be signed and ratified?

AP: Oh yes, yes. That is democracy.