The Marists, through the Secretariat of Solidarity and their NGO Fondazione Marista per la Solidarietà Internazionale (FMSI), are amplifying the voices of Kiribati's youth on the global stage. This initiative is part of the United Nations' Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, a mechanism that allows civil society organisations to highlight human rights challenges and propose solutions to UN member states.
By collaborating closely with local young people aged 16-17, these two organisations -
the Secretariat of Solidarity and FMSI - have developed a report that authentically captures the pressing issues facing Kiribati, a nation at the forefront of the climate crisis.
Essential to the development of this initiative has been the collaboration of the Star of the Sea Province, facilitating the necessary contacts, as well as the support of a group of Brothers and other Marists in Australia, particularly at the Parramatta Marist High School.
The Star Post caught up with Br Angel Diego Garcia Otaola, Director of the Secretariat of Solidarity, who was in Kiribati recently and has been leading this important initiative.
Br Angel Diego Garcia Otaola, Director of the Secretariat of Solidarity
The UN Reporting Process and FMSI’s Role
The UPR process, part of the UN’s human rights monitoring efforts, involves countries submitting reports on their human rights situations every four and a half years. These reports are not limited to government perspectives - NGOs and civil society groups are also encouraged to participate. The Marists, through FMSI, have long been committed to elevating community voices, particularly those from marginalised or at-risk populations.
Based in Rome, FMSI is an NGO with special consultative status at the UN (ECOSOC), a designation that enables it to participate in processes like the UPR.
While FMSI’s involvement in human rights advocacy spans multiple countries, Kiribati, a small island nation grappling with the existential threat of rising sea levels, emerged as a priority this year. For this project, FMSI partnered with local students to gather firsthand insights into their lives and challenges. Rather than depending on secondary data, the organisation prioritised grassroots input, ensuring that the concerns expressed were not only authentic but deeply rooted in the local context.
While FMSI’s involvement in human rights advocacy spans multiple countries, Kiribati, a small island nation grappling with the existential threat of rising sea levels, emerged as a priority this year.
“This approach ensures that the unique perspectives of Kiribati's youth are represented in global discussions on human rights and climate change,” says Br Angel.
In a world where small island nations often struggle to be heard, FMSI's work is crucial.
Engaging Kiribati’s Youth
FMSI began its work in Kiribati by conducting open forums with students from the Marist School, St Louis High School and the one run by Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. “These sessions provided students with an "open microphone" to discuss their thoughts on human rights issues impacting their daily lives. From these discussions, we identified recurring themes that would shape our report,” says Br Angel.
The help of the Marist Brothers in Kiribati, as well as other adults from the two schools, has been very important in facilitating the whole process of participation of the young people, he adds.
Br Angel in Fiji, before heading to Kiribati.
Among the topics raised were climate change, overpopulation, education access, and the need for safe housing. Through a series of follow-up meetings, FMSI worked alongside the students to refine these themes into actionable recommendations.
Climate Change - A Dire Threat
Climate change, however, emerged as the most pressing concern, with students expressing profound fears about the future of their homeland. “In Kiribati, the highest point on the main island, Tarawa, stands only three meters above sea level. Rising sea levels, a tangible reality for this island nation, threaten not only the land but also the cultural heritage and identity of its people. For the students, the potential loss of their homeland represents a profound loss of self, tradition, and connection to their ancestors,” says Br Angel.
Among the topics raised were climate change, overpopulation, education access, and the need for safe housing.
Br Tainga Moanriba in Kiribati
Among their recommendations, students suggested continuing constructing seawalls and planting mangroves – something that the Marist and the larger Kiribati population have been doing for decades – to mitigate erosion and protect shorelines. “They urged the UN to address the broader impacts of climate change, not only to preserve their land but also to safeguard their cultural legacy for future generations. The students also discussed the idea of artificial land creation, inspired by Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, but they recognised the practical challenges in replicating such projects in Kiribati due to its coral-based terrain and lack of resources.”
Among their recommendations, students suggested continuing constructing seawalls and planting mangroves – something that the Marist and the larger Kiribati population have been doing for decades – to mitigate erosion and protect shorelines.
Similarly, students noted that overpopulation in Tarawa compounds many of the environmental and social challenges. “Crowded living conditions limit their ability to grow food or maintain livestock, essential for food security. The scarcity of space contributes to housing shortages, increased poverty, and insufficient access to resources. This urban congestion has a direct impact on the quality of life, as essential infrastructure is stretched to its limits, leaving residents in precarious conditions,” he adds.
Education and Youth Challenges
Access to education was another significant theme. Students from Marist and Christian Brothers schools acknowledged that, compared to public schools, their schools provided them with more resources and educational opportunities. However, the stark contrast with overcrowded and underfunded public institutions underscores a wider issue of educational inequality in Kiribati. Students called for greater investment in education to ensure that all youth have equal access to learning environments conducive to their growth and success.
Youth issues like early marriage, teen pregnancy, and drug use also surfaced as critical areas of concern. These challenges, while complex, reflect the urgent need for support systems that help young people navigate the obstacles they face.
These challenges, while complex, reflect the urgent need for support systems that help young people navigate the obstacles they face.
“The students’ candid discussions brought to light the importance of comprehensive programs to address these issues head-on, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and support needed to break cycles of poverty and dependence.”
FMSI’s Strategic Approach - Advocacy Beyond Reporting
Once finalised, FMSI’s report will enter the next phase - advocacy. The document will serve as a tool for lobbying and engagement.
“FMSI submitted the report in October, after which we entered an official lobbying period. During this time, FMSI will share the findings with various embassies and permanent missions in Geneva, strategically targeting nations like Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji that have regional influence and connections to Kiribati. This outreach is intended to generate support for the report’s recommendations and prompt UN member states to address the highlighted issues during Kiribati’s review session, slated for early 2025,” says Br Angel.
In addition, FMSI will have opportunities to present oral statements and video submissions during UN sessions, further emphasising the report’s key messages.
Moving Forward
The Marists and FMSI are providing a crucial platform for Kiribati's youth to express their concerns on a global scale. This initiative goes beyond mere empowerment; it's a vital link between local voices and international policymaking. By transforming local youth’s perspectives into concrete recommendations, this process has the potential to drive meaningful change and influence decision-making at the highest levels.
FMSI NGO invites you to join us for the "Voices of Tomorrow" event on November 20, 2024, in honour of World Children's Day. The event will be held at 10:00 AM Italian Time. However, you can still follow it via a YouTube premiere live stream at 2:00 PM Italian time in English and at 6:00 PM Italian time in Spanish.
The primary goal of this event is to raise awareness about the challenges children face and promote their rights, safety, and happiness. It is also an opportunity to renew the Institute of the Marist Brothers' commitment, particularly through FMSI and the Secretariat of Solidarity, to ensure children's voices are heard in decisions affecting their lives. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/27hp5swd
Written by Gayatri Nair
Pic Courtesy: Br Angel and Br Tainga Moanriba
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