Human rights in Pa'atua

Pa'atuan society is grounded in a strong emphasis on tradition, societal norms and communitarianism. It consists in tight-knit, mostly autonomous communities with interdependent members. There is little dissent of any kind, as the society's norms are viewed as necessary and backed up by deeply interiorised cultural values, but by international standards human rights are limited in a number of ways.

Civil Liberties

Freedom of expression

Laws do not restrict freedom of speech to any significant extent, but social norms limit that which it is permissible to say. It is not considered permissible to disrespect or blatantly and tactlessly contradict an ahigi (elder, person aged 60 or above). Blasphemy is frowned upon, as is any outright and repeated questioning of societal norms.

Due to the country's small size, poverty and limited infrastructure, there is no press and no media, rendering "freedom of the press" a non-issue. There are no legal impediments to starting a newspaper.

Freedom of religion

Only two religions are recognised by law: the indigenous religion and Roman Catholicism. It would be socially unthinkable for anyone to express adherence to any other religion. All Pa'atuans are considered to be religious; the national census asks them to indicate which of the two religions they are members of, with no option to select "atheist", "agnostic" or "no religion". There is social pressure for Catholics to attend Church services on a regular basis.

Proselytism is legally forbidden. Converting from one religion to the other is legally permitted, but is strongly frowned upon and carries such a social stigma that it is virtually unheard of. Interfaith marriages are not uncommon, but each spouse retains his or her religion of birth; the child of such marriages is generally raised within his or her mother's religion.

This lack of freedom of religion is explained by a strong cultural attachment to the value of ma'asuto (unity, harmony). Proselytism, foreign religions and conversion are seen as socially divisive. The two religions are expected to co-exist in harmony; religious antagonism is virtually unheard of. Expressions of religious intolerance or hatred would bring a swift rebuke from the community, and may bring legal condemnation (a small fine, a night in confinement, community work...) for disturbing the peace.

By law, the government is secular, and may not favour one religion over the other.

Freedom of movement

Pa'atuans are entitled to move freely within the country, and to go abroad. However, the land is divided equitably between extended families, so one is expected to obtain authorisation from landowners before moving from one village to another for any lengthy period of time.

When Pa'atuans still lived in Pa'atua (i.e. before resettlement), urban migration to the capital, Ufanua, was unrestricted.

Freedom of enterprise

Individualistic tendencies are culturally suspect, viewed as undermining the foundations of communal interdependence. Catholic Pa'atuans also tend to view a desire for wealth as sinful. However, there is no legal restriction on freedom of enterprise: any person may seek paid employment, produce food for cash, or start a business. Prior to resettlement, a small number of Pa'atuans had at least some involvment in a cash economy, and small businesses could be found in Ufanua. In Los'vi, however, the population is striving collectively to build a new home for itself, and private enterprise has yet to re-emerge to any significant extent.

A person going into business or obtaining paid employment would be expected to share his or her wealth with their extended family (when requested), in exchange for their family's continued support in hard times.

Minority rights

6.7% of the population belong to an ethnic minority or are of mixed descent. Ethnic minorities are, for the most part, integrated into indigenous kinship networks, and treated no differently to the indigenous population. There is no ethnic discrimination. Unusual behaviour from members of ethnic minorities is generally tolerated more than it would be if it came from an indigenous person, but minorities are expected to make efforts to assimilate.

It is generally considered "normal" for members of ethnic minorities to own businesses, more so than for indigenous people.

Members of ethnic minorities are expected to belong to one of the country's two religions, but do not face strong social pressure if they are seen not to be actively practicing their religion.

Disabled rights

People with disabilities are the responsability of society, and are ensured of strong levels of support and care from both their extended family and society as a whole. A person with a disability who is able to work without it causing them discomfort is expected to do so to the best of his or her ability.

Political rights

Pa'atuan society is governed by a gerontocratic Parliament. Any person aged 60 or above is legally allowed (but by no means compelled) to sit in Parliament and play an active part in decision-making. There are no elections. People below the age of 60 have no political rights, and must wait until they age before playing any part in the nation's political life.

Criminal Justice

The country's written judicial laws are fragmentary, and the Constitution states that traditional indigenous oral custom has force of law. Before resettlement, customary law was interpreted by the country's only judge, with assistance from ahigi if requested. Since resettlement, the position of judge has not been maintained on Lov'si, leaving the nation's judicial system in a state of limbo.

However, criminal activity is almost unheard of, in part no doubt because of the population's small size, a strong level of interdependence, a lack of destitution (everyone can rely on family members in times of hardship), and strong social pressure ensuring conformity.