GENEVA, Switzerland— Representing the Palau government, Uong Jameson Yalap is currently participating in the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva under the OHCHR LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund program. This six-week initiative, running from February 18 to April 4, provides training for representatives from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to engage in global human rights discussions.
“This experience benefits Palau as the knowledge and skills I gain here will be valuable in my work on the CRPD and other human rights obligations upon return. It will also be useful in the long term, especially when Palau establishes a permanent mission in Geneva,” said Yalap.
This marks Palau’s first direct participation at the HRC since 2019, when Ms. Risong Tarkong was the last Palauan beneficiary of the OHCHR Trust Fund. “Since then, Palau has not had a presence at the HRC, so this is an important opportunity to re-engage,” Yalap added.
Palau’s Human Rights Advocacy
On March 10, Yalap delivered Palau’s official statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing that climate change is a human rights issue.
“Persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, are among the most vulnerable to climate change,” the statement read. “Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and natural disasters increase their risks, affecting their security, livelihoods, and access to essential services. Without inclusive policies, climate change will continue to widen inequalities and deepen exclusion.”
Palau’s statement called for “urgent, rights-based climate action that actively includes persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.”
Strengthening Palau’s Global Presence
The OHCHR LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund, established in 2012, helps nations like Palau engage in human rights discussions despite not having permanent representation in Geneva. “Many LDCs and SIDS do not have permanent representation in Geneva—[this] limits the ability to engage in global human rights discourse,” Yalap explained.
“This Trust Fund was created to bridge that gap by ensuring that LDCs and SIDS are represented, their concerns are heard, and their human rights priorities are reflected in international discussions.”
While acknowledging Geneva’s status as a hub for global governance, Yalap stressed that Palau must strategically focus on its key priorities. “We can’t cover all issues, so we must be strategic in what we engage with.”
The Future of Human Rights in Palau
Reflecting on the experience, Yalap highlighted the importance of integrating human rights into all aspects of policymaking:
“Human rights are intersectional—you cannot talk about climate change, gender, food security, education, or disability rights without recognizing their connections to human rights. A human rights-based approach ensures that policies are inclusive, equitable, and focused on protecting the dignity of all individuals, especially marginalized groups.”
Looking ahead, Yalap hopes Palau will establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Geneva. “Moving forward, I hope Palau really considers soon to have [a] Mission here and participate in human rights discussions, ensuring that our unique challenges and perspectives are heard in international decision-making.”
Since completing a contract with UNESCAP in December 2024, Yalap has been working closely with Villaney Remengesau and OHCHR colleagues to revise Palau’s National Disability Policy. The knowledge gained from the HRC will support efforts to strengthen human rights protections and disability inclusion in Palau.
Yalap also emphasized the value of networking with fellow program participants: “One of the most inspiring parts of this program has been meeting the other eight beneficiaries. I’m the only one from the Pacific. They are some of the brightest, most ambitious, and like-minded people I’ve met.”
With increasing global challenges—climate change, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and emerging human rights issues—Yalap reaffirmed that Palau must continue to strengthen its engagement in multilateralism.
“It means that now more than ever; Palau needs to strengthen its engagement in multilateralism to ensure our interests are well represented and that we are actively shaping decisions that impact us.” By: Eustoria Marie Borja