DUBAI: A Tonga women's center has won a human rights award for its efforts to promote women's rights in the country. Marking International Human Rights Day, the Tonga Women's and Children's Crisis Center proved its ability to improve rights in the country. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community through its Regional Rights Resources Team and the Fiji Women's Crisis Center made the awards today to mark international human rights day. Ofa ki-levuka Guttenbeil Likiliki of the Tongan Centre says it is very satisfying to win the organisational category. “Both I and all the staff were overwhelmed this morning to hear that we had won the award and also we've only been 12 months in existence, or a little over 12 months, but the year has been a very challenging year and the work has been non stop, and yes we have been in the forefront, especially here in Tonga, in promoting women's human rights in general,” she said in a statement carried by Radio New Zealand. Other winners include Lily Kolts Be'Soer from Papua New Guinea for her peace initiatives and highlighting the impact of conflict on women and children, Jacqui Koroi in Fiji for advancing the rights of young women, and Sainimili Tawake for her work with the Fiji National Council of Disabilities. BM
