When a human rights defender from a small nation, such as the Solomon islands, is selected for fellowship programme with the United Nations, it makes a story. Teddy Kafo writes in the Solomon Star of 14 February how Watson Puiahi of the local NGO “I Lukim Sustainability Solomon Islands (ISSI)” was chosen to participate in the ‘2015 Indigenous fellowship Program’ of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.
“I realised that I have been selected from many other candidates globally, 19 of us through out the world were short-listed and have been interviewed in October 2014,” he said. “As founder and director of the local initiative, it’s challanging to have confidence and trust from international organisations and donor partners to recognise my responsibility towards my indigenous community and country”.
Mr Puiahi is adamant that with this opportunity, he is committed to take part in all sessions of the program and to demonstrate interest, diligence, and ethics. Mr Puiahi holds a Bachelor Degree in Management and Public Administration. After graduating in 2004 he went and worked for Education Authority in Kiribati under the Catholic Church program for two years. In 2008 he worked for Live and Learn for four years. Then 2012 saw him starting his own organisation.
Rise of a local NGO – Solomon Star.
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This entry was posted on February 15, 2015 at 17:39 and is filed under human rights, Human Rights Defenders, Joint Mobile Group, OHCHR, UN.
Tags: fellowship Program, Geneva, Human rights defender, I Lukim Sustainability Solomon Islands (ISSI), Indigenous People, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Solomon Islands, Solomon Star, Teddy Kafo, training course, Watson Puiahi
February 25, 2015 at 04:27
Worthwhile achievement for a local initiative (NGO)