A/HRC/61/49/Add.2 were different depending on the island and that there could be no generalization or affirmation of the precise perimeter and group of people for which the response applied. This awareness is equally present with authorities, who avoid imposing a single, unified voice or identity on Micronesians. The freedom to adopt various cultural references is commendable. In this context, the Special Rapporteur was surprised that the country had not yet ratified the UNESCO instruments protecting cultural diversity. 36. Some strong shared values shape society. The need to protect Indigenous knowledge and practices is increasingly recognized. The importance of the family and of sharing power at all levels greatly affect the way people interact. It was long the practice that traditional leaders would call on all people to contribute to achieving a task for the good of the community. Information and storytelling rely on sharing power, as one person will usually not tell all. These practices demonstrate Micronesians’ strong understanding of shared responsibilities, the necessary flip side of shared rights. When articulated with equality, they can greatly contribute to establishing strong democratic institutions and participatory processes. 37. There is an intense feeling of belonging and communal life, a deep-rooted value for caring and respecting one another, which is maintained by cultural practices, religious beliefs and social norms, not the laws. Taking responsibilities in family affairs, participating in celebrations and dedicating time and means to the community are taken seriously. These duties may overlap with full-time employment, creating tensions that need to be negotiated. For many Micronesians, paid work is to obtain access money but is not the main element defining who they are in society nor their daily schedule. Nevertheless, the introduction of money is gradually impacting these systems, as Micronesians who have paid employment are increasingly expected to contribute towards their social duties in the form of money and imported goods. 38. Throughout the country, the value of caring serves as a protection against domestic abuse, child abuse and poverty, as no member of the family or community should be left to face difficulties alone. Women’s groups, churches and family networks form the first line of protection and mediation. The Special Rapporteur was informed that incidences of domestic abuse rose where nuclear families distanced themselves from the community and traditional systems. Reporting abuses to law officers comes only as last resort and is perceived as a failure of the community in taking care of its people, which could represent a risk for some individuals. For better and for worse, the island context and close-tied communities make privacy about individual and family matters impossible. B. Impact of migration 39. The Compact of Free Association has triggered a shift in the migration patterns of Micronesians. It is estimated that at least 20% of Micronesians have migrated abroad (approximately 20,000 persons), a majority to the United States, and about 40% of households receive remittances from the diaspora. 40. While migration offers important opportunities for economic remittances and skills transfer, it also exposes vulnerabilities related to “brain drain”, shortages of skilled workers and community depopulation, particularly affecting rural areas. Young persons are missing the opportunity to contribute to substantial farming and fishing and to the health services, and emerging areas of priority for policies and development, such as resilience to climate change and environmental protection, suffer from the absence of educated local talents to take the lead. Easy access to migration for cash opportunities has also discouraged entrepreneurship and the creation of services and initiatives in the country and fed into the dependency on import products. 41. Young persons who the Special Rapporteur met wish to take advantage of the opportunity to go abroad and explore other things, but then want to come back – a sentiment shared with other generations. She was told that many who had spent time outside of the country appreciated the economic and academic opportunities abroad but had also become more appreciative of various aspects of life in the Federated States of Micronesia, such as the slower rhythm and simplicity, the sense of community, the interrelatedness between people 8 GE.26-01464