Is Tuvalu paradise?

Yes, by the measure of the US State Department’s Human Rights Report. They describe Tuvalu as “egalitarian, democratic, and respectful of human rights”.

Jail runs to a police holding cell.

“There have been no serious crimes within the memory of local officials,” says the Americans.

“It is rare for a prisoner to spend as long as a week in a cell; more commonly, a person is incarcerated overnight because of drunkenness.

While prison conditions are somewhat spartan as regards to food and sanitation, complaints seem to be minimal or non existent.”

Violence against women is rare.

“If wife beating occurs, it is infrequent and has not become a source of societal concern.”

Paradise?

Maybe, except that if global warming leads to sea level rises, then Tuvalu will be paradise lost, literally. ■

A car bums (top) and protestors in Papua New Guinea watch (below)