The Trans Affirmative Action Guild, a Queer and Trans Organization in Fiji, condemns transphobic reporting and violence against the Vakasalewalewa community, and they are urging the Government to effectively integrate laws into mainstream policies across various government sectors.
The organization is also calling on all media outlets in Fiji, the Pacific, and beyond to improve news coverage of trans people and the stories that affect them, including hate crimes, murders, and violence.
They say the recent tragic death of 19-year-old Esther, also known as Setariki Ravato, has sent shockwaves through Fiji, and his murder is believed to be motivated by transphobia, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding, and protection for queer and trans individuals in our society.
The Trans Affirmative Action Guild says they condemn in the strongest terms the transphobic reporting and violence perpetrated against Ravato and countless others who face discrimination and harm due to their gender identity or sexual orientation.
It says the article published by Fiji Times not only misgenders Ravato but also fails to recognize the humanity and dignity of a young vakasalewalewa who tragically lost his life due to hate-fueled violence.
They add that misgendering individuals in media reporting not only disrespects their identity but also contributes to a culture of erasure and marginalization that puts vakasalewalewa individuals at risk. Co-Founder and Executive Director Ratu Eroni Ledua Dina says they have grave concerns about media reporting of this hate crime that perpetuates misinformation, stigma, and discrimination. Vakasalewalewa lives matter.
He says they are calling for urgent improvements to reporting that supports their right to respectful media representation, safety in their community, and access to justice.
Dina says Ravato’s story is a painful reminder of the pervasive discrimination and violence faced by queer and trans individuals in Fiji, and no one should ever have to fear for their safety or face violence simply for being who they are.
The Executive Director says it is incumbent upon all members of society, including the media to challenge harmful stereotypes and narratives that perpetuate discrimination and violence against the Queer and Trans community.
He also urged the Fiji Government to effectively integrate laws into mainstream policies across various government sectors.
He says they urgently call on the Fiji Police Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Ravato's murder, ensuring that justice is diligently pursued.
They are also calling on the media to embrace responsible and respectful reporting practices that validate the identities of queer and trans individuals, fostering a safer and more inclusive society for everyone.
Dina says the country’s Bill of Rights, enshrined in the Fiji Constitution under section 26 subsection 3, explicitly protects the rights of LGBTQI individuals, ensuring that they are entitled to the same freedoms and protections as every other citizen.
However, he says despite these legal safeguards, LGBTQI people in Fiji continue to face systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence, as evidenced by Ravato's tragic murder.
He adds it is imperative that civil society organizations across Fiji come together to condemn the transphobic reporting and violence that disproportionately targets the Vakasalewalewa community.
The organisation co-founder says the LGBTQI movement cannot fight against discrimination and violence alone as it requires support and solidarity from all sectors of society to effect meaningful change.
Dina says by standing together in solidarity, civil society organizations can send a powerful message that discrimination and violence against LGBTQI individuals will not be tolerated in Fiji.
He says we must hold media outlets accountable for responsible reporting practices that respect the identities and dignity of all individuals, including vakasalewalewa and gender-diverse people.
He further says as an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of queer and trans individuals in Fiji, they remain committed to fighting against discrimination, violence, and injustice in all its forms and they are ready to work with journalists, editors, and newsrooms to support them as they report about our lives respecting journalistic standards of accuracy and respect.
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is making an urgent call that the full force of the State from Home Affairs, Fiji Police Force and Ministry for Health and Medical Services are brought to bear on the horrific case where a 19 year old sex worker from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex+ community was brutally murdered in Lautoka.
The NGO Coalition including LGBTQI+ community in Fiji are devastated by the reported murder of Esther, also known as Setariki Ravato, a 19 year old gender diverse young person from Ba and Lautoka.
Executive Director of DIVA for Equality, and member of the Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights, Noelene Nabulivou says a group of people have taken the life of a 19 year old, subjecting him to extreme sexualised torture, violence and indignity.
Nabulivou says it is way past time we ask ourselves just what kind of society we are, with so much violence and patriarchy in our country.
She says such crimes are not just heinous in and of themselves, they shame all of us in Fiji.
The NGOs say the victim was allegedly tortured and murdered two weeks ago by a group of men and women after being taken from outside his home, as witnessed by an associate.
The 19 year old reportedly died from severe internal injuries.
The NGO Coalition says a statement has been filed at the Lautoka Police Station but there is no public update yet on the progress of investigations.
They demand that the human rights of this young person are clearly defined in all dealings with this case, and that those who committed this crime are brought to justice, no matter who they are or their relationship to the victim.
The NGO Coalition asks that this reported murder becomes a vanguard moment where the people and Government of Fiji show that we will not stand for this type of transphobic hate crime nor any gender based violence.
They call for the strongest consequences for those who committed this heinous crime.
Police are yet to respond.
An urgent call is being made by the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission for the Fiji Police Force to thoroughly investigate the death of a 19-year-old sex worker, a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community, who reportedly died following an alleged violent attack late last month in Lautoka.
Chair of the Commission, Pravesh Sharma says the Commission strongly condemns all forms of violence, homophobic hate crimes and attacks on people on the grounds of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or those who do not conform to the binary sociocultural gender stereotypes and ‘norms’.
Sharma says they are concerned and deeply saddened that a young life has been lost.
They are hopeful that the alleged perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law.
The Commission will be monitoring the progress of this incident.
fijivillage News has sent questions to the Police. They are yet to respond.
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