30 September, 2026
Hihifo, Tongatapau
Dear Editor
Tension between Human Rights and Cultural Norms and Expectations
The achievement of human rights is taxing. At community level, citizens are uninformed of
human rights and largely value one’s neighbors and kins. One such pigs owner, concerning my
indignation of her free running pigs, said, they will be herded, fenced only for two days weekly.
She was advised that exercising of her human rights also expects her to acknowledge my right
to a pigs dirt free neighborhood and respecting other’s rights effect better outcome, live in
harmony and gain familial and communal appreciation. State’s human rights responsibilities
include funding support for civil society to conduct community civic education. An informed
citizen is integral for educated living and dispensing of human rights. Our human rights end at
the ‘tip of our noses’, and must be respected.
‘Akanete T Lauti
(student)
