In the recent past, we have experienced instances where human rights were compromised.
These were the sentiments shared by Chair of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji, Nalini Singh, after a march to mark World Human Rights Day and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Singh says some cases have included the lock out of ATS workers, the murders of Iosefo Magnus and Akuila Salavuki who were both members of the LGBTQI community, continued brutality of the security forces as experienced in the death of Josua Lalauvaki, implementing the archaic sedition laws on citizens, and the ongoing harassment and intimidation of journalists as was experienced in investigation of Island Business journalists.
Singh further stated that Fiji has recently achieved milestones in relation to human rights when we secured a seat at the human rights council and most recently acceded to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
She says she would like to remind the State to remain committed to human rights and display the same vestige of championing human rights at home.
This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
