The Vanuatu Ministry of Justice and Community Services has spoken out strongly about violence against women and girls.
The Daily Post newspaper reports the Minister, Ronald Warsal saying the ministry is deeply concerned by the recent increase in reported violent attacks on women across Vanuatu.
He said the violent attacks by men on women and girls are criminal acts and violate the victims' fundamental human rights.
The minister also said the violence deprives families and communities of the opportunity to grow and be enriched by the active participation and contribution of women.
He said all women have the right to feel safe in their own homes, communities and public places.
Mr Warsal said the focus must go on destroying the deeply entrenched and harmful attitudes that lie at the heart of violence, not on restricting and controlling women's and girls' behaviour and mobility.
Photo: RNZI/ Walter Zweifel Vanuatu parliament building in the capital Port Vila.