Fiji launches Human Rights Task Force to strengthen National framework

Fiji’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF) was launched by the Attorney-General Graham Leung marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a more transparent, accountable and rights-respecting society.

The Attorney General says the establishment of the NMIRF represents a crucial step in Fiji’s progress towards greater transparency and accountability.

He says the establishment of the Human Rights Task Force also reflects Fiji’s commitment to implementing the eleven Universal Periodic Review recommendations accepted in 2019.

Leung says the creation of the Human Rights Task Force, with the recent Cabinet approval, will play a central role in strengthening Fiji’s human rights framework.

He says the Task Force's role is to coordinate Fiji’s engagement with international human rights bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, the Universal Periodic Review and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.

He says the Task Force is led by the Office of the Attorney General including representatives from various government ministries and agencies, such as the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Elections Office, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and the Fiji Corrections Service.

He says this approach is designed to encourage wide cooperation on human rights issues across government.

Leung says the immediate priority includes developing a web-based monitoring tool and process for human rights.

He adds that these steps would facilitate better reporting and also ensure that human rights issues are covered by government agencies.

Leung thanked Fiji’s development partners for their support in reaching this milestone, noting that the creation of the Task Force marks a critical step in Fiji’s commitment to human rights.

He says it reflects their resolve to not only meet their international obligations but also to create a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are respected and protected.

UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Representative, Heike Alefsen says the establishment of Fiji’s NMIRF is a new chapter in the nation’s ongoing journey to uphold and advance human rights.

Alefsen says the NMIRF was designed to strengthen the country’s ability to systematically implement, monitor, and report on the wide array of human rights recommendations it has received, including those from the UPR, treaty bodies, and special procedures.

She says it would serve as a platform for inclusive dialogue, ensuring that the perspectives of all stakeholders, including civil society, are incorporated into the reporting and implementation processes.