It is unjust and is a violation of human rights and freedom of assembly – Ali

It is very unjust and is a violation of human rights and freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and expression which are people's rights, and it is not acceptable that permits will not be given for any march and events for Gaza.

This was highlighted by the Chair of NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji Shamima Ali during the vigil to call for a ceasefire now and to stop the genocide for Gaza that was held at Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre compound in Suva.

Ali says she wants to show the people of Fiji and the Government, apart from the Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, who voted against the UN resolutions calling to end to the killing.

She says they have to stand for the people who believe in them as they want to take away misconceptions and want people to realize the history of genocide happening during this generation that is revealed on social media and on the news and it must not happen. Ali says Christian Zionists were openly allowed to gather outside Parliament, waving the Israeli flag without a permit at around midnight Tuesday when the country was put under controlled movement due to the approaching cyclone.

She further says she wants to educate the people and the government of this country, especially the parliamentarians, that they are part of the family and stand against injustice.

She adds they are going to continue till a cease-fire has reached and humanitarian aid gets to the people.

She also highlighted that they will hold a vigil for the people of Gaza at their compound every Thursday.

Meanwhile, a huge number of supporters, students and concerned citizens turned up at the FWCC compound to show their support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Supporters were holding up cardboard signs with messages such as ceasefire now, Palestinians have the right to live with dignity, freedom and justice, free Gaza and many more.

Also, the crowd was chanting that the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka and the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Filipo Tarakinikini that they cannot hide as they have signed up for genocide.