Cyberbullying is a human right violation - Lewaravu

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent cyberbullying and online attacks directed at Youth Parliamentarian Josaia Suqesuqevanua, a person with disability.

They say that such acts are not merely offensive; they constitute a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to dignity, equality and full participation in society.

The Commission says cyberbullying constitutes a form of psychological violence.

They say it undermines equality, entrenches harmful stigma, and directly obstructs the right of persons with disabilities to participate freely in public life.

Commission Director, Loukinikini Lewaravu says this discriminatory conduct is both harmful to individuals and contrary to Fiji’s national and international human rights obligations.

Lewaravu says these rights are explicitly guaranteed under Section 26(3)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji and further protected by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which Fiji is a State Party.

She says these malicious attacks on Suqesuqevanua are also an assault on our nation's core values of respect, inclusion, and veiwekani.

Lewaravu says they stand in solidarity with the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and all youth with disabilities who demonstrate remarkable leadership and resilience in civic spaces like the recent Fiji Youth Parliament.

She says this incident serves as a stark reminder that online abuse is a societal issue demanding a societal response.

The Director says we should be creating a Fiji where every person can participate with dignity, regardless of ability, is a collective responsibility.

She says this duty falls upon government institutions, civil society, communities, and every individual citizen.

Lewaravu says they are urging the Online Safety Commission to also look into this matter.

She says we must, as a nation, affirm that our civic spaces—both physical and digital—must be safe for everyone.

The Commission Director says the Mock Parliament is a proud exercise of our democracy, and the participation of young persons with disabilities should be celebrated, not met with ridicule.

She adds when one of them is targeted for who they are, our entire community is diminished.

We have sent questions to the Online Safety Commission.