2024 Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity

Student Reflections

Hannah Harding

Attending, presenting at, and helping run the Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity conference was a remarkable experience, characterized by smooth organization and profound discussions that left participants eager for action. Delegates expressed a strong desire to translate the conference's insights into tangible benefits for their communities, emphasizing the need for immediate and practical applications. The event fostered a safe environment for important dialogues and relationship-building, encapsulated by the repeated proverb, “He tāngata! He tāngata! He tāngata!”—highlighting the centrality of people. If I could change anything for future conferences, it would be to enhance the focus on building relationships and planning collective actions. Presenting my research on governmental restrictions on religious freedom and intrastate conflict was particularly rewarding, allowing me to share my work from BYUH, receive valuable feedback, and connect deeply with other delegates. These connections and conversations will be instrumental in advancing my research and continuing the momentum generated by the conference.

Sophia Gunter

Participating in and supporting the Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity Conference at BYU–Hawaii was an invaluable opportunity to apply my skills from the Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative. The conference allowed leaders from the Pacific to discuss dignity, both personal and communal, which resonated deeply with our campus community. One of my favorite roles was driving delegates, giving me the chance to hear their inspiring conversations about implementing changes in their communities. The event successfully created a space for meaningful connections and future collaboration, demonstrating the power of collective action and shared vision. Although I don't plan to work in the Pacific soon, the relationships I built with NGO leaders, lawyers, and religious leaders will benefit my career, providing a network of professionals dedicated to human dignity. The conference highlighted the global intersection of human dignity and religious freedom, underscoring the importance of initiatives like this one, and reaffirmed my belief in the critical need for such dialogues in addressing worldwide concerns for religious freedom and representation.

Lindokuhle Mbuli

Attending the OPHD conference was a wonderful experience that significantly broadened my understanding of human dignity within the Oceania community. Engaging with scholars and delegates from diverse backgrounds deepened my appreciation of this crucial issue and provided a platform for rich, interdisciplinary dialogue. Presenting my research on BYUH students' perspectives on human dignity was both gratifying and enlightening, offering me constructive feedback that will enhance the depth and relevance of my work. Additionally, hearing from educated scholars on how to improve my research was incredibly fulfilling. The insights gained at the conference will help me educate the rising generation on the importance of religious freedom and human dignity, equipping them to be advocates when they return to their home countries. This experience has had a profound impact on my academic and professional growth, reinforcing the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration on these critical issues.

Riji Levaci

Attending the OPHD (Oceania Pacific Human Dignity) conference has been a transformative experience that profoundly impacted my perspective on community engagement and human rights advocacy. Interacting with passionate delegates from various countries, all committed to upholding human dignity, inspired me to take concrete actions to address pressing issues in my community. Engaging in deep conversations, particularly with delegates from Fiji, provided valuable insights into shared struggles and aspirations, highlighting the need for grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions. Presenting my research sparked open discussions with leaders from my home country, whose feedback and encouragement have motivated me to delve deeper into issues that matter most to our community. The conference has been incredibly rewarding, leaving an indelible mark on my journey towards advocating for human dignity and social justice. I eagerly anticipate future conferences to continue learning, collaborating, and contributing towards a more inclusive and rights-respecting society, reaffirming my commitment to making a positive impact.

Summary Reports

Human Dignity and Faith Traditions in Oceania

Introduction:

Delegates from Fiji and Micronesia discussed the interplay between human dignity and faith. Some themes included Pacific Islander connection to the land and ocean, the role of climate change and colonization in stripping Oceanians of their dignity, and the need for the universal application of human dignity.

Reverend James Shri Baghwan:

Baghwan shared that human dignity is founded on a needed balance between the health of the body and the health of the spirit. A parallel here exists in the need for a balance between culture and faith. However, Baghwan noted that, in Fiji, this balance became off-skewed and resulted in ethnonationalism instead. He felt that the solution to restoring this balance was to adopt more inclusive policies that would protect and promote human dignity. One aspect of human dignity that Baghwan felt played a significant role in this restoration was the creation of dignity, or the concept of respect for land, visitors, and community. He shared that the land and the sea are essential parts of Pacific identity and that mana draws Pacific Islanders together. Baghwan talked about the Pacific Household of God, in which Oceanians weave together the praxis of faith and dignity. Challenges to this unity include climate change, colonization, neo-colonization, and militarization.

In response to a question about the humanitarian aspect of human dignity, Baghwan noted that relationships and community indicate a collective responsibility to care for each other. He felt that humanitarian response was one aspect of how human dignity is applied in the Pacific.

Reverend Dr. Peter Loy Chong:

Chong spoke about Pacific Islander human dignity as being grounded to the land and ocean. This innate connection between Oceanian dignity and the environment is violated by climate change impacts that are caused by non-Oceanians. He demonstrated his findings by playing a recording of a song he wrote that expressed the urgency and frustration of this problem. Chong shared that these climate change choices are led by funders and politicians who direct narratives that will increase their own wealth and power. He noted that the problem here is that globalization favors the rich and powerful, and human and planetary dignity doesn’t have a seat at the table.

Chong felt that the bridge between these problems may exist within Catholic social teachings of theo-centrism and community foundations. He noted that the recognition that all people are created in the image of God may encourage globalization to serve human and planetary dignity. His recommendation was a multilateral approach that encouraged globalization from below, which would protect human and planetary dignity. He called this “The Lilliput Strategy.”

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo:

The theme of Wakolo’s discussion was unity in diversity. He touched upon the fact that there are over 1000 cultures in the Pacific that are influenced by indigenous and global traditions. He spoke much about the perspective of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on human dignity and noted that the Church is founded upon a concept that “true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” The doctrine that Wakolo focused on in particular was that each human is a child of God and that human dignity is spelled L-O-V-E. Wakolo shared that Christ is an example of honoring the human dignity of others which he did by healing, loving, and serving all those around him. He pointed to examples in the Pacific of villages coming together to worship as a means of preserving their dignity during difficult times. One village in particular, Sauniatu, had a motto to “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” which encouraged community members to learn from and serve one another. Wakolo discussed the many efforts of the Church in the Pacific to serve through humanitarian means. He closed by encouraging the audience to love when love is both expected and unexpected.

In response to a question about the humanitarian aspect of human dignity, Wakolo touched upon the image of a community working together and the implications this type of service had on the way these people viewed and treated each other.

Father Francis X. Hezel:

Hezel offered a few statements for consideration of how we honor human dignity. He said that it is easy to make a document about human dignity, but harder to apply it to life; it is easy to set up individuals as icons who deserve respect, but harder to honor the dignity of everyone. Hezel was particularly focused on the universality of human dignity, he shared that “if human dignity is not universal, then it is useless.” To him, this universality has a connection to faith in the way that churches reach out to touch the hearts of people. He felt that the role of churches wasn’t to baptize, but rather to reach out to people. Hezel shared that he believes that no one is fully secular and that all have the capacity for faith. In the 1960s, he saw a shift in the Pacific towards inclusivity rather than a practice of defining people by their faith. In this example, Hezel shared that when we set out to teach faith, we find that are really learners, and this learning is something we can practice by serving others.

In response to a question about the humanitarian aspect of human dignity, Hezel shared that he sees an excess of individualism in our modern society. He felt that humanitarian care was one way to combat this excess and restore the community balance.

Tonga and Human Dignity

Introduction:

Speakers discussed the concept and application of Human Dignity from the Tongan perspective, as well as the barriers to its application.

Honorable Linda Folaumoetu’i:

The four golden pillars of Tongan culture act as the foundation for the Tongan understanding of Human Dignity: faka’apa’apa (respect), loto to (humility), tauhi va (nurturing relationships), and mamahi’i me’a (loyalty/passion). Although most of the rights found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are reflected in Tonga’s 1875 Constitution, not all rights are protected in reality, depending on an individual’s race, gender, religion, status, etc. A few issues today include the death penalty, the use of whipping, and a lack of legislation protecting privacy. “How do I uphold international standards and respect my culture at the same time?” asks Folaumoetu’i. The key to reconciling these competing values is a balance in both worlds through a talanoa process, striving for the Tongan forefathers’ vision of equality, and changes in legislation.

Dr. Mele Tupou-Vaitohi:

Dr. Tupou-Vaitohi explored the concept of Human Dignity in terms of equity, belonging, and power and discussed a major project to improve individuals from the Pacific access to law school in New Zealand and professions in law. Currently, people with Pacific ancestry are overrepresented in the New Zealand criminal justice system. They face many barriers to attending law school, including conflicting cultural values, inequitable starting points, and a lack of feeling of belonging. From this lens, Human Dignity requires equity, creating a level playing field, and a culture of belonging so all feel safe. This project aims to contribute to a New Zealand that is just, inclusive, tolerant, and free, where all understand the role and value of the law and enjoy the protection it provides.

Honorable Alisi Taumoepeau:

Human Dignity means that when we lose everything, we keep moving forward, like the young child who searched for her school bag after losing her home to a tsunami. Although the reality is far from “unity in diversity,” Tonga can move forward and say, like the child, “We’re good, we see the challenges; we’ll move forward and do better tomorrow than what we have done today.” The Ombudsman organization in Tonga hears and investigates complaints against government administration and public service, helping public servants give people the dignity they deserve to be heard and understood.

Fiji and Human Dignity

Introduction:

Speakers discussed the concept and application of Human Dignity from the Fijian perspective, as well as the barriers to its application, and also provided insights and recommendations that could better promote human dignity in the country.

Suliana Taukei:

Miss Suliana discussed achievements, challenges, and future strategies to promote and protect human rights in Fiji. She highlighted Fiji's commitment to recognizing and safeguarding human rights, celebrated its leadership role in advancing human rights in the region, and outlined significant efforts undertaken to uphold human rights within the country. Miss Suliana identified several key strategies to enhance human rights protection in Fiji, including human rights training and awareness programs and capacity-building initiatives. Collaboration with international development partners was also emphasized as crucial for advancing human rights in Fiji.

Dr. Natasha Khan:

The Indo-Fijian community faces several challenges that intersect with human rights concerns. These challenges include gender-based violence, land security, and political insecurity. To advance human rights in Fiji, it's necessary to foster a deeper understanding of rights and responsibilities. This includes promoting open discussions on the reciprocal nature of rights and the importance of respecting individual freedoms while upholding societal duties.

Loukinikini Lewaravu:

In Fiji, human dignity is rooted in cultural values and traditions. To promote human rights effectively, it is essential to converse with communities in their local languages. Key strategies for community engagement include cultural sensitivity, collaborating with leaders and elders, organizing interactive workshops and storytelling sessions, and providing materials in local languages. Empowering communities to advocate for their rights fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and social justice.

Cook Islands, Samoa, and Human Dignity

Honorable Tamatoa Jonassen:

Jonassen offered insights into the unique challenges of identity and perception in the island nation. He metaphorically described the struggle of "fitting in a box" on a diamond-shaped island, suggesting the complexities of identity within a confined space. Additionally, Jonassen referenced a poem by Eleanor Roosevelt, likely to emphasize the importance of individuality and self-expression amidst societal expectations. Highlighting demographic statistics, he noted the disparity between Cook Islands' population of 15,000 and the larger diaspora in New Zealand and Australia, indicating the widespread influence of Cook Islanders globally. Furthermore, Jonassen mentioned the cultural significance of prayer in government meetings, reflecting the intertwining of faith and governance in Cook Islands' society. Lastly, he touched on the theme of perception, acknowledging the tendency to misinterpret people or situations, underscoring the importance of understanding beyond surface impressions. Through these points, Jonassen conveyed the intricacies of identity, community, and perception within the context of the Cook Islands.

Honorable Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli:

Honorable Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli, Acting Ombudsman of Samoa, outlined the significance of human dignity within Samoa's cultural and legal framework. With a population of 205,550 people, Seiuli emphasized that dignity, defined as the state of being worthy of honor and respect, is fundamental to every individual's humanity. He highlighted its pivotal role in upholding human rights, underscoring its importance in Samoa's societal fabric. Notably, Seiuli stressed that human dignity should be not only applicable but also suitable for all members of the community, a principle enshrined in both the Ombudsman's mandate and the constitution. In his role as the ombudsman, Seiuli has become a key advocate for human rights protection in Samoa. Regarding parenting, Seiuli asserted that while discipline is still culturally acceptable, it should not infringe upon children's human rights. Children are taught that their rights serve to protect them rather than empower them to disrespect their parents. Furthermore, Seiuli addressed the issue of gender-based violence against women, attributing it partly to women's lack of awareness regarding available resources. Through these points, Seiuli underscored the importance of human dignity as a guiding principle in Samoa's legal, cultural, and social spheres, advocating for its protection and promotion at all levels of society.

Keynote Speaker

Honorable Robert J. Torres

Judge Torres' speech delves into a critical aspect of American legal history: the unequal treatment of territories and their residents under the Constitution. The backdrop for this discussion lies in the infamous Insular Cases of 1901. These cases represent a pivotal moment where the U.S. Supreme Court established a legal framework that classified territories into two categories: incorporated and unincorporated. This classification had far-reaching implications, particularly for territories like Guam.

Guam finds itself in a unique and paradoxical position, characterized by Judge Torres as the "Domestic type of Foreign." This phrase encapsulates the complex reality where Guam is treated as part of the United States, yet its residents are denied the full spectrum of constitutional rights enjoyed by citizens residing in the fifty states.

The ramifications of this classification are profound, touching upon virtually every aspect of the lives of those who call territories like Guam home. From fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process to more practical considerations like voting rights and representation in Congress, the absence of equal constitutional protections casts a long shadow over the lives of territorial residents.

The concept of being a "Domestic type of Foreign" underscores the inherent contradiction in the status of territories like Guam. While they are geographically and politically integrated into the United States, their legal status relegates them to second-tier citizenship, where the promise of equal protection under the law remains elusive.

Judge Torres' poignant remarks serve as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need to reexamine and rectify the disparities that persist within the American legal framework. It is a reminder that the principles of equality and justice must extend beyond the borders of the fifty states to encompass all those who look to the United States for guidance and protection.

New Zealand and Human Dignity

Introduction:

The speakers enthusiastically discuss the importance of upholding the human dignity of the indigenous people especially the Maoris. In addition, they raised alarming issues in New Zealand and proposed means to address them. Dr. Daniel boldly stated that there is a need to be compassionate but still have a firm stance toward human dignity, especially when threatened. She mentioned that even now, human dignity is still at risk because of colonization, sexism, and capitalism and suggested the need to prioritize the issue and call their fellow Oceanians to action. Dr. Hemi shed light on the issues in New Zealand, such as blackbirding, cutting budgets, and the legislative policies that could undermine the rights of the people and calls to expand resources. Lastly, Mrs. Matenga added that the rights of Indigenous people are necessary and that there is a need to practice unity to better resolve the issues at hand in New Zealand.

Moderator: Honorable Matt Salmon

Dr. Jenny Te Paa Daniel, Ph.D.:

The speaker discussed the importance of justice and upholding a compassionate yet firm stance on human dignity. She pointed out that justice is inevitable, and colonizers continuously challenge to attain justice, especially for Indigenous people. In addition, Dr. Te Paa Daniel mentioned how honoring our ancestors and their legacies is essential and that dignity starts from communal spaces. For instance, when she was a child, she was taught never to trample anyone's dignity. Challenges in terms of human dignity are not new to every Maori because of colonization, sexism, and capitalism they experienced in the past, and it is still a threat to their existence. She suggested that we need to continue to show compassion for human suffering and that we need to "moderate our stance where necessary by righteous anger, passive resistance, and measured political action," which will allow us to be firm in upholding dignity for all. There is a need to prioritize human dignity and learn when to resist when threatened. Lastly, she boldly emphasized that we are part of the Oceanian and are intertwined genealogically and spiritually.

Dr. Keakaokawai Varner Hemi, Ph.D.:

Dr. Hemi argues that there is a need for a reality check on human rights in New Zealand due to the different issues that the country is facing. Some of them are the lack of support in the Maori language and cutting budgets on projects that address discrimination that undermines the human dignity of the people. She raises the issue of blackbirding, where people are being enslaved in Australia. Also, she highlighted the resilience of the Pacific people and their role in the community. Additionally, education is vital in preserving their culture and identity. As part of their reality check, New Zealand should check on how they are genuinely committed to the treaties regarding international human rights and the legal support they provide. The threats to human rights arose from the legislative changes, and she suggested that there is a need to expand the resources to uphold human dignity and eradicate discrimination in New Zealand.

Jennae Matenga:

Mrs. Matenga is a lawyer who is highly involved in the Waitangi Tribunal. The speaker delves into the importance of upholding the human dignity and rights of the Indigenous Maori through the lens of the legal framework. Also, the concept of Kotahitanga, unity or solidarity, was highly discussed. The Treaty of Waitangi was created to protect and promote the community’s principles. A supreme court case, Takamore v. Clarke, emphasizes that cultural identity is integral to human dignity. Various acts and the Human Rights Commission were established as part of an effort to uphold human dignity. However, there were challenges, such as the government’s policies, which could harm the dignity and rights of the Indigenous people. For that reason, Kotohitanga is vital between the government and the Maori. Mrs. Matenga firmly advocates for education and unity to address the current challenges in New Zealand.

Hawaii and Human Dignity

Dr. Alohalani Kaluhiokalani Housman:

Alohalani Housman eloquently captured the essence of human dignity in Hawaii by emphasizing its deep-rooted connection to ancestors and the land. She underscored the significance of lineage and place, noting that many narratives in Hawaiian tradition began with reverence for one's forebears and the sacred land upon which their stories unfolded. In doing so, Houseman highlighted the interdependence between human identity, cultural heritage, and the natural environment in shaping notions of dignity.

Dr. Gregg J. Kinkley, Ph.D:

Gregg Kinkley's invocation of blessings on the room and the earth set a tone of reverence and respect, reflecting a holistic worldview that extended beyond human concerns to encompass the well-being of the entire planet. His reflections on the adversarial nature of rights discourse in the Western legal tradition offered a sobering perspective on the limitations of confrontational approaches to justice. Kinkley's comparison between Hawaii and Hebrew society underscored the profound spiritual underpinnings underlay both cultures, emphasizing their shared reverence for the land as a source of sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

Jaimee Macanas Neel:

Jaimee Neel's remarks on religious freedom added another dimension to the discussion, suggesting a correlation between the degree of religious liberty in a society and its levels of prosperity, equality, and respect for human rights. Neel's observation invited reflection on the role of spirituality and cultural expression in fostering a climate of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for diversity, thereby nurturing the dignity of all individuals within a community.

Student Panel

Riji Levaci & Nameha Raiwalui:

Levaci and Raiwalui shared their research done on the evaluation of the perceptions and feelings of various Fijian community members about the potential introduction of Christianity. The goal of their research was to understand how open and accepting Fijians may be of various religions. They found that most respondents felt open to the idea of accepting Christianity. They hope to further their research by evaluating Fijian communities' feelings toward accepting other minority religions including Hinduism and Islam.

Lindokuhle Mbuli:

Mbuli’s research was a study on how students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii understand human dignity. The results of his study found that the many countries represented on campus also represented the diversity of opinions on what human dignity is and how it should be applied. Common themes included respect and understanding culture.

Vilai Ilolahia:

Ilolahia spoke about his lens on religious freedom and its connection to gender equality. He shared that he had failed his mathematics tests in high school so he ended up spending much more time in the civil society sector than he had originally hoped. This introduced him to the idea of gender equality. In his literature review, Ilolahi found an emphasis on community and equality as essential tenets of gender equality in the Pacific.

Hannah Harding:

Harding’s research centered on the connection between restrictions on religious freedom and conflict. Her research was founded on Volkan’s theory of group regression. This theory suggests that conflict will increase when a group feels that their identity is under threat. Her research was limited to 2008-2010 in Fiji and she found that there was a correlation between increasing government restrictions and increased intrastate conflict during that time.

Johann Faana-Kong:

Faana-Kong’s research was an evaluation of religious diversity and how it relates to political stability. He found that the greater rates of religious diversity also had the highest rates of political stability. Some of the reasons for this that he found during his research were that religious diversity improves social cohesion, increases trust, and promotes tolerance.

Religion, Civil Society, and Human Dignity in Oceania

Introduction:

Speakers discussed the role of civil society in protecting Human Dignity and the relationship between the environment and Human Dignity.

Mena Antonio:

Caritas is Latin for charity and means love in action. Small, local groups are the ones that make the biggest difference, although the New Zealand government should still be held accountable. Human dignity says that each human is created in God’s image, and each one reflects a bit of Him, but we alone are not complete. Global warming is a critical issue in Oceania, and taking care of the environment is an essential part of protecting Human Dignity. A river can be the heart of a village, their home, fridge, teacher, counselor, and friend, all in one. It can have the same rights as a person, as can whales. The natural world is integrated into who we are, its wellbeing is essential to the human dignity of us all. “We are the ocean, the ocean is us,” says Mena Antonio. She asks what legal personhood afforded to the Pacific Ocean might look like. Would we respond differently to the violations happening now, such as deep-sea mining, floating garbage, and radioactive water being dumped into the ocean? We must “engage, listen, and commune” with those who are affected by global warming.

Reverend Siotame Drew Havea:

Human Dignity comes from one being created in the image of God, but which of us holds the image of God? Is it only the rich, well-connected, and powerful? Anyone and everyone—whether they be minorities, poor, or sex workers—no matter how they may differ from us, all hold the image of God. We must invest resources to build a culture of Human Dignity in communities, not only addressing the issues at the top of donors’ lists but also the root of what Human Dignity is and what it would take to fully embrace the humanity of others.

Some UN Agencies and other Civil Society Organizations are not adequately protecting the Human Dignity of those they are trying to help. Other programs help greatly, like the one that provided weaving material to women affected by a Tsunami, who were then able to naturally talk about their experiences and find healing. Some things need to be challenged; others strengthened. Overall, however, communities are not paying enough attention to things such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child; not all UN Conventions have been ratified. Human Dignity also calls for fair and sustainable economic systems and for institutions that allow voices to be heard and included in important decisions, such as the militarization of the Pacific Ocean through nuclear submarines. Human dignity exists when there is “just peace.”

Human Dignity and the Media

Introduction:

Speakers discussed the concept and application of Human Dignity from the Tongan perspective, as well as the barriers to its application.

Nemani Delaibatiki:

Nemani Delaibatiki provided valuable insights into the role of media in democracy. Delaibatiki emphasized that the media is a pillar of democracy, serving to inform, educate, and entertain the public. He drew attention to the symbiotic relationship between government and the press, likening a newspaper's absence to a government without a voice. Delaibatiki stressed the importance of fairness, accuracy, and balanced reporting, asserting that all stories must present multiple perspectives. He acknowledged the challenges posed by social media, noting its unbounded nature and its potential for malicious content. However, Delaibatiki highlighted the positive impact of social media when used appropriately, contributing to societal prosperity. He underscored that media freedom entails responsibility and accountability, particularly for those in positions of power who have a moral obligation to foster a free and transparent community. Delaibatiki also addressed the inequality within the media landscape, advocating for a leveled playing field that includes support for the disadvantaged. Furthermore, he spoke about the transformative power of affirmative action in improving lives. Delaibatiki concluded by emphasizing the media's role in providing an equal platform for all individuals and urged politicians and leaders to lead by example in respecting the media's autonomy and integrity.

Ramanlal Vallabh:

Ramanlal Vallabh addressed the intersection of human dignity and the media in Oceania. He began by highlighting the foundational principles laid out in the Tongan Constitution, which enshrines the rights to freedom of speech and press freedom, ensuring that all Tongans are entitled to dignity and rights. Vallabh stressed the importance of accuracy, fairness, and balance in media reporting, emphasizing the need to avoid intimidation, harassment, and invasion of privacy. He also underscored the significance of upholding cultural values in media practices. Vallabh noted that once a matter becomes public, additional comments are inevitable, but he cautioned against deviating from the core issue and engaging in personal attacks, which contradicts ethical standards. Furthermore, he mentioned the existence of legislation penalizing the dissemination of defamatory content. Finally, Vallabh wryly remarked on the paradox of media consumption, suggesting that while ignorance results from not reading newspapers, misinformation can arise from doing so. Through these points, Vallabh underscored the importance of responsible and ethical journalism in upholding human dignity, fostering informed discourse, and respecting individual rights in the media landscape of Oceania.

Closing Session

During the closing session of the conference, participants reflected on the discussions held and pondered the next steps in advancing human rights within the Pacific. Key insights and commitments emerged from distinguished speakers, setting a roadmap for action at local and grassroots levels.

Question Posed: Where do we go from here?

Archbishop Chong's Call for Local Engagement

Archbishop Chong emphasized the importance of bringing the momentum of this conference to a more localized level. He underscored the need to shift from top-down approaches to grassroots engagement, advocating for dialogue and advocacy within communities. He proposed engaging with the Pacific Islands Forum to amplify the voices and actions for human rights across the region.

Loukinikini's Commitment to Grassroots Initiatives

Loukinikini expressed her commitment to taking human rights initiatives down to the grassroots level. She highlighted ongoing discussions with her team to initiate community-focused programs that promote awareness and empower individuals at the local level. This approach aims to catalyze change from within communities, ensuring relevance and sustainability.

Gratitude and Commitment to Continued Conversations

Several participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations during the conference. They acknowledged the importance of dialogue and collaboration in advancing human rights, affirming their commitment to continue advocating and working towards a more inclusive and rights-respecting society in the Pacific.

Closing Remarks - Director Brett Scharffs:

Upon the conclusion of the conference, the participants were inspired to uphold the values of unity and love in their advocacy for human rights. The focus was on fostering continued collaboration and solidarity at all levels, from local communities to international platforms.

The attendees were encouraged to work together towards promoting human rights, and to that end, they pledged their support to maintain cooperation and support across all levels. The spirit of togetherness was emphasized and it was agreed that continued advocacy in support of human rights would be a collaborative effort.

The conference aimed to motivate attendees to work towards a common goal of promoting human rights, and it was felt that the spirit of unity and love was essential to this end. The participants were urged to continue advocating for human rights with the knowledge that they had the support of a community of like-minded individuals who shared their passion and commitment.

In closing, he quoted the following religious leaders:

Spiritual Insights

James Bhagwan's poignant remarks on the depth of spirituality in the Pacific resonated deeply with participants. He emphasized the importance of engaging in profound listening and sharing within communities, fostering empathy and understanding rooted in cultural and spiritual richness.

Elder Wakolo's insightful perspective on human dignity as embodied in love left a lasting impression. Love, as defined by Elder Wakolo, is the real spelling of Human Dignity.