Govt will continue with the curfew as the COVID-19 risk still exists at our borders

The government will continue with the COVID-19 protection measure of having curfew hours from 11pm to 4am after balancing human rights and collective security based on the risks that still exist at our borders.

This follows comments made by the Coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Shamima Ali who said that the nationwide curfew needs to go as there is no need for it.

Ali highlighted this during a joint press conference by the CSO Alliance for COVID 19 Humanitarian Response.

The CSO Alliance for COVID 19 Humanitarian Response is made up of 8 organisations working across different sectors in Fiji including Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND), Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality, Citizens' Constitutional Forum, Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP), femLINKpacific, Rainbow Pride Foundation and the Fiji Women's Rights Movement.

Ali says having a curfew is a violation of human rights as it limits the movement of people.

She says it even restricts people from taking themselves and their families to the hospital when they are in dire need of medical assistance.

Police Chief of Operations, ACP Abdul Khan says Police at the snap checkpoints during curfew hours are allowing anyone that has emergency runs like going to the hospital. ACP Khan says people have even called their Divisional Police Commanders, and the officers have arranged for transport to take people to the hospital.

ACP Khan says this is based on common sense and understanding, and they even allow people to go if they are leaving or arriving in inter island shipping vessels.

Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu says he respects Shamima Ali’s views but it is hard to balance human rights and collective security.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says we have to remember that as much as we have normalcy, it is not normal outside Fiji.

He says the COVID risk remains at the border and by having the curfew, they are helping the health and defence officials at the border.