Palau Working with IOM Migration Policy; Bill to Keep Judges in Palau for Cases; VP Senior RunsAgain
Palau to Craft First Migration Policy with IOM support
by Leilani Reklai
February 9, 2024
KOROR, Palau - Palau is crafting its first-ever national migration policy with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aiming to harness the potential of migration for development while addressing unique challenges.
The Pacific island nation faces complex migration dynamics shaped by its geography, economic development, urbanization, climate change and the Compact of Free Association with the United States. While Palauan citizens can freely live and work in the U.S., the full potential of migration to contribute domestically remains untapped due to a lack of dedicated policy.
IOM, with support from its Development Fund, will assist the government in developing the policy. The project will focus on enhanced data analysis and coordination to ensure a holistic approach to migration management, encompassing labor migration, development, displacement and forced migration.
Initially, research on current migration trends will inform the policy, ensuring an evidence-based foundation. Capacity building will be provided through IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management Training for government officials involved in the policy development process.
The policy aims to incentivize the return of Palauan nationals living abroad, facilitate human mobility in the context of climate change, and streamline and clarify procedures for recruiting migrant workers.
The Palau Coordinated Border Management Working Group will lead the policy development, with the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development playing a key role. IOM will provide technical support and capacity development throughout the process.
https://islandtimes.org/palau-to-craft-first-migration-policy-with-iom-support/
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Palau Senate Bill Aims to Keep Judges Home: Ensuring Domestic Justice Delivery
by Leilani Reklai
February 9, 2024
(Koror, Palau) The Republic of Palau’s Senate Bill No. 11-I01 proposes a significant shift in the judicial landscape, aiming to keep judges and justices physically present within the country for most judicial duties. This article delves into the key points of the bill and its potential implications.
Rational for Reform:
The bill acknowledges the temporary pandemic-induced practice of allowing remote judicial functions. However, it argues that such practices are detrimental to the administration of justice, emphasizing the importance of physical presence within the country’s borders for effective decision-making.
Key Provisions:
--Residency Requirement: All full-time Supreme Court justices must reside in Palau, ensuring their physical presence for most judicial tasks.
--Limited Remote Participation: Judges and justices are generally prohibited from remotely issuing rulings or presiding over hearings, with exceptions for specific circumstances like issuing opinions or attending appellate arguments (without presiding).
--National Emergency Exceptions: Under exceptional circumstances or national emergencies, the Chief Justice may authorize limited remote participation, requiring specific justification.
Potential Impact:
This bill, if passed, would significantly alter the way Palau’s judicial system operates. It would ensure that judges and justices are physically present for most judicial duties, potentially fostering a stronger sense of accountability and connection to the local community. However, it’s crucial to consider potential challenges, such as ensuring access to justice for geographically dispersed individuals and managing unforeseen circumstances requiring remote participation.
https://islandtimes.org/palau-senate-bill-aims-to-keep-judges-home-ensuring-domestic-justice-delivery/
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Vice President Senior Vows to Run Again, Highlighting Family and Vulnerable Populations
by Leilani Reklai
February 6, 2024
Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau-Senior.
Palau’s Vice President Uduch Sengebau-Senior declared her intention to seek re-election in the November 2024 General Election, emphasizing her commitment to supporting families, women, and children.
Motivated by a longstanding passion for advocacy, Sengebau-Senior revealed her plans during a press luncheon. She intends to formally announce her candidacy at an upcoming birthday celebration.
The Vice President, who ran and won on a “Family First” platform in the previous election, highlighted her active support for the Family Protection Act and her work protecting vulnerable populations. She expressed her desire to collaborate with states through the Bureau of Domestic Affairs, believing it positions her closer to serving communities directly.
It’s important to note that while Sengebau-Senior runs independently for Vice President, her ministerial assignment ultimately rests at the President’s discretion. The constitution doesn’t clearly define the Vice President’s role, placing them among eight ministers chosen by the President.
Initially appointed Minister of State by President Whipps, Sengebau-Senior was later reassigned to the Ministry of Justice. Despite lacking significant authority within the Ministry, she used her position to advocate for her core issues, particularly human trafficking. This was evident in her involvement with the recent launch of the USAID Pacific RISE CTIP program, a $2.5 million, three-year initiative to combat human trafficking in Palau.
https://islandtimes.org/vice-president-senior-vows-to-run-again-highlighting-family-and-vulnerable-populations/
by Leilani Reklai
February 9, 2024
KOROR, Palau - Palau is crafting its first-ever national migration policy with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aiming to harness the potential of migration for development while addressing unique challenges.
The Pacific island nation faces complex migration dynamics shaped by its geography, economic development, urbanization, climate change and the Compact of Free Association with the United States. While Palauan citizens can freely live and work in the U.S., the full potential of migration to contribute domestically remains untapped due to a lack of dedicated policy.
IOM, with support from its Development Fund, will assist the government in developing the policy. The project will focus on enhanced data analysis and coordination to ensure a holistic approach to migration management, encompassing labor migration, development, displacement and forced migration.
Initially, research on current migration trends will inform the policy, ensuring an evidence-based foundation. Capacity building will be provided through IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management Training for government officials involved in the policy development process.
The policy aims to incentivize the return of Palauan nationals living abroad, facilitate human mobility in the context of climate change, and streamline and clarify procedures for recruiting migrant workers.
The Palau Coordinated Border Management Working Group will lead the policy development, with the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development playing a key role. IOM will provide technical support and capacity development throughout the process.
https://islandtimes.org/palau-to-craft-first-migration-policy-with-iom-support/
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Palau Senate Bill Aims to Keep Judges Home: Ensuring Domestic Justice Delivery
by Leilani Reklai
February 9, 2024
(Koror, Palau) The Republic of Palau’s Senate Bill No. 11-I01 proposes a significant shift in the judicial landscape, aiming to keep judges and justices physically present within the country for most judicial duties. This article delves into the key points of the bill and its potential implications.
Rational for Reform:
The bill acknowledges the temporary pandemic-induced practice of allowing remote judicial functions. However, it argues that such practices are detrimental to the administration of justice, emphasizing the importance of physical presence within the country’s borders for effective decision-making.
Key Provisions:
--Residency Requirement: All full-time Supreme Court justices must reside in Palau, ensuring their physical presence for most judicial tasks.
--Limited Remote Participation: Judges and justices are generally prohibited from remotely issuing rulings or presiding over hearings, with exceptions for specific circumstances like issuing opinions or attending appellate arguments (without presiding).
--National Emergency Exceptions: Under exceptional circumstances or national emergencies, the Chief Justice may authorize limited remote participation, requiring specific justification.
Potential Impact:
This bill, if passed, would significantly alter the way Palau’s judicial system operates. It would ensure that judges and justices are physically present for most judicial duties, potentially fostering a stronger sense of accountability and connection to the local community. However, it’s crucial to consider potential challenges, such as ensuring access to justice for geographically dispersed individuals and managing unforeseen circumstances requiring remote participation.
https://islandtimes.org/palau-senate-bill-aims-to-keep-judges-home-ensuring-domestic-justice-delivery/
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Vice President Senior Vows to Run Again, Highlighting Family and Vulnerable Populations
by Leilani Reklai
February 6, 2024
Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau-Senior.
Palau’s Vice President Uduch Sengebau-Senior declared her intention to seek re-election in the November 2024 General Election, emphasizing her commitment to supporting families, women, and children.
Motivated by a longstanding passion for advocacy, Sengebau-Senior revealed her plans during a press luncheon. She intends to formally announce her candidacy at an upcoming birthday celebration.
The Vice President, who ran and won on a “Family First” platform in the previous election, highlighted her active support for the Family Protection Act and her work protecting vulnerable populations. She expressed her desire to collaborate with states through the Bureau of Domestic Affairs, believing it positions her closer to serving communities directly.
It’s important to note that while Sengebau-Senior runs independently for Vice President, her ministerial assignment ultimately rests at the President’s discretion. The constitution doesn’t clearly define the Vice President’s role, placing them among eight ministers chosen by the President.
Initially appointed Minister of State by President Whipps, Sengebau-Senior was later reassigned to the Ministry of Justice. Despite lacking significant authority within the Ministry, she used her position to advocate for her core issues, particularly human trafficking. This was evident in her involvement with the recent launch of the USAID Pacific RISE CTIP program, a $2.5 million, three-year initiative to combat human trafficking in Palau.
https://islandtimes.org/vice-president-senior-vows-to-run-again-highlighting-family-and-vulnerable-populations/