The Director of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Ashwin Raj says it is incumbent on statutory bodies to not make the public run around and there needs to be greater coordination between various institutions to assist the public.
Raj made these comments in an interview with fijivillage as the Commission continues to receive complaints about inappropriate behaviour such as vulgar language, bullying and foul language against children on TikTok.
They received five more complaints today while they had received nine complaints yesterday.
The Commission also reported two local Tiktokers to the Online Safety Commission and the Cyber Crime Unit last night.
Raj says the public should not be simply turned away after being told to give evidence particularly if they do not have resources or the technical know how to access the platforms.
He adds it is imperative that these institutions conduct their own independent investigation and independently verify the information and afford remedy to the aggrieved.
Raj says they have received too many complaints that the aggrieved public have been turned away due to the public’s inability to furnish the authorities with digital evidence.
Raj also says social media has become the space for an eye for an eye.
He adds that people should conduct themselves with dignity and decorum on social media.
He also adds that if people are creating a threatening environment on social media and openly call for violence, the Commission will report that.
Raj further says that the Online Safety Act is a robust piece of legislation.
A woman was charged and produced in court yesterday.
We are also awaiting confirmation from Police whether any other individual has been charged.
