The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission welcomes the progress made by the Fiji Corrections Service and the Fiji Police Force in investigating the alleged assault of a remand prisoner at the Lautoka Remand Centre.
Human Rights Commissioner, Alefina Vuki says they note that the action taken following the alleged incident, including the charging of a Corrections Officer with assault and the suspension of six officers pending internal disciplinary proceedings.
The commission says these processes must be carried out independently, transparently and in accordance with the law, with due regard for the rights of all parties.
A team from the commission visited the Lautoka Remand Centre last week to assess the welfare of the remandee concerned.
The commission will continue to monitor the matter and is planning inspections of Corrections facilities in the coming weeks.
Monitoring places of detention and safeguarding the rights, treatment and welfare of persons deprived of their liberty are key components of the commission’s mandate to protect and promote human rights.
The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, affirm that all prisoners must be treated with respect for their inherent dignity and protected from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The commission reiterates that persons deprived of their liberty retain their fundamental human rights, including the rights to safety, dignity, appropriate medical care and protection from violence.
In this regard, the commission calls on the FCS to review and audit its protection and safety protocol for inmates and maintain zero tolerance for violence and misconduct by officers.
