Fiji continues to grapple with issues of racial discrimination and inequality, with increasing worry about so many people leaving the country and around 100,000 have left the country in recent years, the vast majority being Indo-Fijians.
This has been highlighted by Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal during the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination today.
Lal says this migration reflects a deep sense of discontent, raising questions about whether Fiji is truly a place where all its citizens feel valued and included.
He says Fiji ratified the convention in 1973, just three years after independence, committing to principles of equality and dignity.
However, he says the nation’s journey has been marked by both progress and setbacks, with periods of strong efforts toward inclusivity but also instances where minorities have faced violence and restrictions on their rights.
He says those leaving are some of the country’s most skilled and capable individuals, making their departure a significant loss.
Lal further says the greatest resource any country has is not its land or natural wealth but its human resource.
Meanwhile, Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Commissioner Alefina Vuki says while Fiji has made progress in upholding principles of equality and dignity, challenges remain.
She says issues such as exclusion, stereotyping and institutional bias continue to affect communities, with new and evolving forms of discrimination emerging.
Vuki says combating racial discrimination requires more than just legal frameworks—it demands education, awareness, advocacy and strong leadership.
She urges Fijians to renew their commitment to building an inclusive society.
