Good news for the people of the Northern Division as 27 years after its establishment, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has marked a historic milestone with the opening of its regional office in Labasa today.
The Commission says the new office represents a significant step towards decentralising human rights services, bringing the Commission closer to communities, and ensuring that geography is not a barrier to accessing human rights protection and redress.
The Labasa office was officially opened by Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, in the presence of traditional leaders, government representatives, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and members of the public.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Chantelle Khan described the opening as a defining moment in the Commission's history and a renewed commitment to ensuring that all people in Fiji can access their national human rights institution, regardless of where they live.
She says the decentralisation of human rights services means that people should not be disadvantaged because of where they live.
Khan says Human rights institutions must be visible, accessible and responsive to the communities they are established to serve.
She says the establishment of a permanent office in Labasa will make it easier for individuals and communities to seek advice, lodge complaints, access human rights information and participate in education and awareness programmes.
Commissioner Khan also says the Labasa Office represents much more than a physical presence.
She says this office is a commitment to listening to communities, strengthening trust, promoting inclusion and ensuring that every person has a safe and accessible place where their concerns can be heard, their dignity respected and their rights protected.
The Commission says working alongside traditional leaders, government agencies and community partners, they will work towards strengthening human rights protection and expand access to justice across the Northern Division.
The Commission encourages the people of the Northern Division to engage with the new office, seek information about their rights, raise concerns and work in partnership with the Commission to build a more inclusive, just and rights-respecting Fiji.
