The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has commended the Fijian Government for its commitment to upholding human rights, addressing systemic discrimination, and enhancing the nation’s compliance with the Paris Principles governing national human rights institutions.
In a formal address to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review on Wednesday, Attorney General, Graham Leung, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to restore the Commission’s accreditation with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions to A status.
Commission Chair Pravesh Sharma says this undertaking underscores a broader commitment to strengthening Fiji’s human rights landscape.
He says they note with approval the Government’s pledge to safeguard the independence of the institution and to initiate reforms in the process of appointing Commissioners to ensure both plurality and independence.
Sharma says equally significant is the recognition by the Attorney General of the resource constraints faced by the Commission.
He says his statement, that the budget of the Commission has steadily increased, but the government recognizes that more financial resources need to be at the disposal of the Commission in order for it to fulfill its statutory and legal mandate, reflects a clear acknowledgment of the necessity for sustained investment in the Commission’s capacity and infrastructure.
The Chair also says the Commission also recognizes the Government’s strategic focus on advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, addressing gender-based violence, human trafficking, combating workplace discrimination and exploitation, and responding to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change through robust planning, mitigation, and adaptation measures.
He says in relation to the call to ratify key optional protocols, they eagerly await Government prioritization of the process.
Sharma says they also note that majority of recommendations provided by member countries to Fiji's review were around strengthening actions to address gender based violence such as ensuring the implementation of the National Action Plan against domestic violence, inclusive education for children with disability, addressing climate change to name a few.
He says the Commission looks forward to the recommendations that will be adopted by the State at the end of its review.
The Commission also congratulated the Fijian Government for reaffirming its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and for its successful review under the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review process.
They add this achievement reaffirms Fiji’s position as a nation prioritizing the dignity and rights of its citizens.
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