Walking Against Impunity

The “Walk Against Impunity” in Vanuatu has grown into a powerful movement that connects this Pacific island nation to global human rights advocacy. What began as a tribute to struggles for freedom has transformed into an unexpected success that exceeded organizers’ expectations. The walk highlights Vanuatu’s commitment to standing against injustice while drawing international attention to human rights issues both locally and globally.

Francis Janssen, the initiative’s founder, arrived in Vanuatu after 60 hours of travel from Amsterdam, accompanied by team members Isaac Pattikawa and Marcel Tomasowa. Their warm welcome in Port Vila marked the beginning of a journey that would take them across the island nation. The walk follows a previous successful campaign, as the first Walk Against Impunity honored the people of Timor-Leste and their persistent struggle for freedom.

During his time in Vanuatu, Janssen has engaged with local communities, including delivering a speech at the Dr. Fr Walter Hyde Lini Memorial College in Laone village on Pentecost Island. This peaceful demonstration against impunity has resonated deeply with the people of Vanuatu, who have embraced the message with the characteristic “tanku tumas” (thank you very much) spirit that reflects the nation’s hospitality and commitment to justice.

Vanuatu’s Advocacy for Justice and Accountability

Vanuatu has emerged as a strong voice for international justice, particularly through its diplomatic initiatives at the United Nations and support for the International Criminal Court. The Pacific island nation consistently champions accountability for serious crimes regardless of who commits them.

Global Efforts to Combat Impunity

Vanuatu’s Foreign Ministry has actively participated in UN forums to strengthen global mechanisms against impunity. In October 2024, Vanuatu led UN efforts seeking legal clarity on climate obligations, demonstrating its commitment to environmental justice.

The nation consistently votes to support International Criminal Court funding and jurisdiction expansion. This stance reinforces their belief that serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity must face consequences.

Vanuatu advocates for:

Universal ratification of the Rome Statute
Full cooperation with ICC arrest warrants
Implementation of targeted sanctions against perpetrators
Strengthened international investigative mechanisms

Vanuatu’s Role in International Justice

Despite being a small nation, Vanuatu has made significant contributions to international justice frameworks. The country’s judiciary, while focusing on strengthening its domestic independence, has advocated for global application of justice principles.

Vanuatu’s government has made notable progress in addressing internal challenges while promoting accountability abroad. They have worked to prosecute and punish officials who committed human rights abuses within their own borders.

Recognizing that stability requires justice, Vanuatu has developed conflict management networks between policing, justice, and community services. These domestic efforts complement their international advocacy by demonstrating their genuine commitment to accountability.

Community Mobilization and Support

Vanuatu’s fight against impunity has been strengthened through grassroots efforts, disaster recovery initiatives, and community preparedness programs. Citizens across the island nation have joined together to combat injustice while simultaneously rebuilding after devastating natural disasters.

Public Protests Against Impunity

The movement against impunity in Vanuatu has gained momentum through organized public demonstrations. A notable initiative is the Walk Against Impunity, which draws inspiration from similar events held in other countries. This peaceful protest brings together citizens who demand accountability from those in power.

An activist from the Netherlands recently announced plans to visit Vanuatu to lead a Walk Against Impunity dedicated to the people of Vanuatu. This follows the first Walk Against Impunity, which honored the people of Timor-Leste and their struggle for freedom.

Protests in Port Vila have drawn hundreds of participants carrying banners with messages opposing corruption and demanding justice. These demonstrations typically culminate in community forums where citizens can voice concerns directly to government representatives.

Aid and Recovery in the Wake of Natural Disasters

Vanuatu has faced significant challenges from natural disasters, with Cyclone Pam in 2015 causing widespread devastation across the archipelago. The Red Cross played a crucial role in immediate relief efforts, providing emergency shelter, clean water, and medical supplies to affected communities.

International aid organizations mobilized quickly after the cyclone, but local community groups proved equally important in distributing resources. Village councils coordinated with national emergency services to identify the most vulnerable populations in need of immediate assistance.

Recovery efforts in Port Vila focused on rebuilding critical infrastructure while smaller communities received help restoring homes and agricultural lands. Community-led initiatives emerged to ensure aid reached remote islands, with local boats transporting supplies to areas inaccessible by larger vessels.

Building Resilience and Preparing for Future Crises

Vanuatu has implemented comprehensive disaster preparedness programs in communities nationwide. Schools now incorporate emergency drills into their curriculum, teaching children how to respond to cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes.

Key Resilience Initiatives:

Community early warning systems using both traditional and modern communication methods
Construction of cyclone-resistant community shelters in high-risk areas
Training of local disaster response teams in each village
Seed banks to preserve indigenous crop varieties for post-disaster replanting

The government has partnered with international organizations to develop climate adaptation strategies. These include shoreline reinforcement projects, water conservation systems, and relocating vulnerable communities to higher ground when necessary.

Traditional knowledge plays an important role in resilience planning. Elders share historical weather patterns and traditional building techniques that have helped communities survive storms for generations. This wisdom is now being documented and integrated with modern scientific approaches to create more effective disaster management plans.