Customary adoption will be recognised under Vanuatu’s proposed Adoption Bill, as chiefs from Sanma Province and Luganville support new legislation aimed at strengthening child protection.

The proposed Adoption Bill, together with the Child Protection Bill, was discussed during a consultation led by the Child Protection Unit under the Ministry of Justice, where chiefs were briefed on how the new laws will protect children while recognising the role of traditional systems.

Child Social Welfare Coordinator with the Child Protection Unit, Mrs Tristelle Karae, said the Adoption Bill will recognise both formal and customary adoption, ensuring traditional practices are included in national law.

“Many people think child protection is a foreign concept, but it actually begins in the nakamal. Everything comes back to the nakamal. How we address issues affecting a child and support their recovery starts within our traditional system,” Mrs Karae said.

She said the proposed legislation will also strengthen cooperation between child protection officers and traditional leaders when responding to issues affecting children.

“We went through the Bills section by section with the chiefs, explaining what each part means, how it will affect their work, and how we can work together. As child protection officers, we work closely with communities and the nakamal to address issues affecting children,” she said.

Chief Jean Claude of the Luganville Council of Chiefs welcomed the consultation, saying it helped chiefs better understand the proposed laws.

“The consultation was very good because it is about protecting our children,” he said.

Mrs Karae said consultations began in 2020. While the Bills have not yet been passed by Parliament, the consultation process is helping prepare them for consideration during the November sitting.