The Government of Vanuatu has issued a strong warning to international aid agency and non-governmental organisation Oxfam, stating it may move to de-register the organisation over what it calls “repeated interference” in domestic political affairs.
At a press conference held yesterday, Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat cited three key incidents that he said reflect a pattern of behaviour inconsistent with Oxfam’s status as an NGO operating in Vanuatu.
The most recent controversy stems from a Facebook post published on Oxfam Vanuatu’s official page earlier this week. The post invited members of the public to attend a consultation on a proposed amendment to the Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) Act, referring to it as the “Sun Tax Bill.” It suggested the changes could lead to grassroots families being taxed for using solar energy. The event was reportedly supported by the Vanuatu Association of NGOs (VANGO) and to be hosted at the Sista office in Freshwota.
Minister Napuat said the claims made in the post were “misleading and untrue,” and confirmed that the URA itself had denied that the amendments would result in a tax on solar energy use.
“This is not the first time Oxfam has stepped beyond its role as a non-governmental organisation,” the Minister said. He referenced Oxfam’s involvement in a 2022 demonstration calling for 50% of parliamentary seats to be reserved for women — an initiative not endorsed by the Vanuatu National Council of Women, which later lodged a complaint with the Ministry.
Napuat also criticised Oxfam for publicly displaying a rainbow flag alongside the Vanuatu national flag, saying the move was “provocative and against national protocols” which prohibit the use of national symbols in sensitive matters without government approval.
The Minister linked the spread of misinformation about the so-called “Sun Tax” directly to confusion and mistrust in the government, stating: “This false information dissemination has undermined public confidence and created unnecessary confusion.”
The 2018 NGO Policy, launched during Napuat’s previous term as Minister, outlines the framework under which NGOs are recognised and supported in Vanuatu. It also details the conditions under which NGOs may be de-registered, including serious breaches such as violating visa conditions, engaging in activities that threaten public order, or promoting agendas contrary to national values.
Under the policy, an NGO can be de-registered if its actions—or those of its members—are found to have breached visa conditions, committed criminal offences carrying penalties of at least 10 years’ imprisonment or VUV 10 million in fines, or acted in ways deemed harmful to the welfare of the country.
In such cases, a formal letter outlining the breach and intent to de-register the organisation must be issued, followed by a 14-day period in which the NGO can respond. If no response is received, de-registration becomes automatic. The details are then forwarded to the Vanuatu Immigration Service for further action, including possible placement on the Prohibited Immigration List under Part 5 of the Immigration Act 2010.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs is very concerned that Oxfam’s dissemination of false information and involvement in political discourse violates the spirit of their visa and NGO mandate,” the Minister said. “We have written to Oxfam’s Director expressing our strongest concern over these repeated actions.”
Napuat confirmed that the government no longer views these incidents as isolated misjudgments and will now lodge a formal complaint with the Deputy Prime Minister, recommending Oxfam’s de-registration under the Charitable Associations Act, which governs NGO registration through the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission.
He emphasised that international NGOs are permitted to operate in Vanuatu to support national development—not to promote political agendas or ideologies in conflict with the values and cultural norms of the country.
“All NGOs are reminded to focus on development work, not on political interference or advocacy that contradicts the will of the people or the priorities of the Government,” Napuat said.
In response to the controversy, the Vanuatu Association of Non-Government Organisations (VANGO) has called for dialogue and mutual respect. Chairman Dr Willie Tokon acknowledged that Oxfam’s Facebook post inaccurately framed the URA Bill but warned against punitive measures such as de-registration.
“Civil society plays a critical role in democratic governance,” Dr Tokon said. “Mistakes should be corrected, not used as a reason to silence organisations.”
He added that VANGO had planned a closed consultation with the URA, but it was cancelled due to the controversy triggered by the online post. “We urge all NGOs to seek guidance through VANGO in such matters to prevent misunderstandings,” he said.
Dr Tokon stressed the importance of public consultation and inclusion, particularly for rural communities. “Over 70% of Vanuatu’s population lives in rural areas and must be part of national dialogue. Legal reforms should not happen behind closed doors.”
VANGO, which represents more than 200 member organisations—80% of which are grassroots groups—called for strengthened collaboration between civil society and government to ensure an inclusive and accountable democracy.
doddy@dailypost.vu
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