Tonga

Reservation made upon ratification

       “With respect to Article 12 the Kingdom of Tonga recognises that all persons with disabilities enjoy the right to liberty and security of person, and a right to respect for physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others. The Kingdom of Tonga however, reserves the right to continue to apply its current domestic laws in lieu of the regular review referred to in Article 12, paragraph 4 of the Convention.”

       “The Kingdom of Tonga understands that Articles 23.1 (b) and 25 (a) shall not be interpreted in a manner which confers an individual right to abortion or mandating state party to provide access thereto, unless the right is guaranteed by domestic laws.”

       “The Kingdom of Tonga, with respect to Article 29, subparagraph (a) (iii) of the Convention, reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation, until the right is guaranteed by domestic laws.”

Declaration made upon ratification

       "The Kingdom of Tonga declares that the implementation of the Convention shall take into account the unique and special circumstances of the Kingdom as a small island developing state and the needs of its people."

       “For Article 12 of the Convention, the Kingdom of Tonga will interpret it in a way allowing the application of the incapacitation, in the circumstances and in the manner set forth in its domestic laws, as a measure indicated in Article 12.4, when a person suffering from a mental illness, mental disability or other mental disorder is unable to control his or her conduct.”