|
BRIEF
HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS & DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT
IN TONGA
The
Human Rights & Democracy Movement In Tonga
was formed in the late 1970’s by a small
group of Tongans who believed that changes were
needed to bring about more democratic governance
in Tonga.
It
was formally established and recognized as the
Pro-Democracy Movement in 1992. This name was later
changed in 1998 to TONGA HUMAN RIGHTS & DEMOCRACY
MOVEMENT. Because the Government refused our application
for incorporation under that name it was further
changed to its current form in September 2002 in
the hope it would be more acceptable. As of July
2003 government has not yet approved our application
for incorporation.
KEY
PEOPLE
The
initiative to push for democratic governance in
Tonga was led by prominent personalities. These
courageous people were at the forefront in voicing
the concerns of the Movement culminating in the
1992 Convention on the Tongan Constitution and
Democracy in the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua,
Nuku’alofa. The issues addressed related
to social justice, exploitation of the poor, inequality,
womens’ rights, land shortange, constitutional
amendments and corruption.
Amongst
the leaders were the late Dr. Sione ‘Amanaki
Havea, the late Bishop Patelisio Punou-Ki-Hihifo
Finau, Rev. Simote Vea, Fr. Selwyn ‘Akau’ola,
Prof. Futa Helu, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, ‘Eakalafi
Moala, Havea Katoa, Viliami Fukofuka, Finau Tutone,
Sione Teisina Fuko, ‘Iunisi Malolo Fuka,
Dr. Feleti Sevele, ‘Uliti Uata, Lopeti Senituli
and many others.
HRDMT Office
Home | About
Us | Media Releases | Articles | Forms & Brochures | Contact
Information
Designed and Hosted by
|
