Forum to discuss Wallis and Futuna membership
Updated
The Pacific Islands Forum's Officials Committee has met to discuss Wallis and Futuna's application for membership.
If endorsed, the small island nation of approximately 15,000 people will join two other French Pacific overseas countries, French Polynesia and New Caledonia, as associate members of the group.
Last month, two officials from the forum secretariat visited Wallis and Futuna to look at ways for future regional engagement.
Meanwhile, acting secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Feleti Teo, says a new human rights mechanism is
also being considered.
He has told the Pacific News Service the fact it is under consideration reflects the changing opinion in the region that human rights are no longer foreign concepts, but in fact critical for economic and social development.
