We need to be very clear about what consultation means – Professor Shameem

The Dean and Coordinator for the School of Law and Centre for International and Regional Affairs at University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem says consultation does not mean that you send out a notice to everyone and then wait five minutes and then say the consultation has finished.

While speaking at a panel discussion on Human Rights in Fiji organised by the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum at the Southern Cross Hotel Conference Room last night, Professor Shameem says we need to be very clear in our heads about what consultation means.

She adds consultation is literally about going out and really listening to the community as parliament does not necessarily really represent all the community voices.

Professor Shameem says she can see that the art of listening is something that is not present.

She says there is a lot of male aggression out there when it comes to dealing with Opposition or a different point of view.

The Constitutional lawyer further says she thinks that people who have the capacity to really understand society are the ones who are not going to be threatened by the questions people ask.

She went on to say that it is really important for Citizens’ Constitutional Forum to not be dormant any more, and fearful and raise its voice once again.

Professor Shameem is also the former Ombudsman and Director Human Rights Commission.