Human rights in the Cook Islands
Human rights in the Cook Islands / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Human rights in the Cook Islands?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Cook Islands are 15 small islands scattered over 2 million km squared of the South Pacific.[1] According to the latest census, the nation has a total population of approximately 18,000 people.[2] Spread in population between the mainland capital, Rarotonga, and the Outer Islands mean inequality in terms of delivery of public services. Internal migration between Rarotonga and the Outer Islands is relatively high due to lack of schooling and employment opportunities, and increased living standards and availability of medical and educational services in Rarotonga.[3]
The Cook Islands are a state in free association with New Zealand since 1965, and has the power to legislate its own laws and enter into international human rights instruments of its own accord.[4] The country has a Westminster parliamentary system that is democratically elected.
Rights are generally well respected, as provided for in the 1965 Constitution, but a number of issues still exist. These include the limitations that remain upon legislated rights and freedoms, political participation, women's rights, the rights of sexual minorities, and limits on freedom of religion.