PSGDN gears up for PHRC in Tahiti

Third Pacific Human Rights Conference for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC+) communities held in Fiji last year.

Suva, Fiji — 12 November 2025

Excitement is building across the region as plans move full steam ahead for the fourth Pacific Human Rights Conference (PHRC) for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC+) communities, to be held in Tahiti in September 2026.

As convenor, the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) is working closely with its partners and the government of Tahiti to prepare for what is expected to be one of the region’s most significant human rights gatherings.

Funding opportunities are currently being explored to ensure the event is inclusive, accessible, and far-reaching for communities across the Pacific.

“The PHRC has always been more than a conference. It is a site of healing, resistance, and vision-building,” said Loata Tucika, PSGDN Interim CEO.

“It is a place where our communities come together to reflect on our shared human rights journey, strengthen regional solidarity, and collectively imagine a future grounded in dignity, equality, and justice for all PIDSOGIESC+ people.”

The last PHRC, hosted in Fiji, brought together over 230 changemakers, advocates, policymakers, traditional leaders, and civil society champions from across the Pacific and beyond.

The conference affirmed Pacific identities, strengthened regional cohesion, and uplifted the lived realities of PIDSOGIESC+ communities including people with disabilities, people living with HIV, LBQ women, trans and non-binary activists, youth, elders, and those of diverse faiths, races, and cultural backgrounds.

“Together, we created a powerful space to honour our cultural and political identities and stand united in the face of growing global and regional pushbacks,” Ms Tucika said.

“This work continues as we prepare for Tahiti. We carry forward the spirit of solidarity, accountability, and data-driven action, guided by the lived realities of our people.”

PSGDN underscores that the upcoming conference will be especially critical given the worsening HIV landscape in parts of the Pacific.

Fiji continues to battle a national HIV crisis, recording a surge in infections over recent years, while Vanuatu recently reported 14 new cases raising concern about gaps in prevention, testing, treatment access, and rights-based support.

“Our communities are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic,” Ms Tucika emphasised.

“The PHRC in Tahiti will create space for honest dialogue, evidence-based advocacy, and community-led solutions.

“We must address stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers if we are to protect the health and dignity of all Pacific peoples especially those most marginalised.”

The PHRC has become a cornerstone of the regional movement for equality, justice, and liberation.

It remains a space where systems of oppression, colonialism, cis-heteropatriarchy, ableism, and economic inequity can be named, challenged, and transformed through collective will.

“This conference is a reminder that our movement is resilient. Our vision is clear; decolonised, inclusive, and liberated Pacific where every person can live free from violence, stigma, and discrimination.”

As preparations accelerate, PSGDN extends heartfelt gratitude to its partners and supporters across the region.

“We acknowledge the regional governments, our development partners, sponsors, national member organisations, technical experts, youth representatives, volunteers, and community elders and leaders,” Ms Tucika said.

With Tahiti set to host the next gathering, PSGDN looks ahead with optimism, determination, and deep Pacific pride.

The fourth PHRC promises to build on a legacy of resistance, healing, community mobilisation, and transformative regional dialogue and shaping a future where justice and dignity are lived realities for all PIDSOGIESC+ people across the Pacific.

“We look forward to your support in making this unique conference a success once again.”

ENDS…