The Fiji Teachers Union has called for a Constitution that combines the strengths of Fiji's previous constitutions while strengthening democratic governance, education, workers' rights and accountability.
While making the submission to the Constitutional Review Commission, FTU General Secretary Muniappa Goundar says the Bill of Rights should be expanded to include digital and workers' rights.
He says digital rights should protect people from cyberbullying and online harrassment, safeguards for personal data and privacy and protection against misuse of digital platforms, while workers' rights must protect people from harassment or abuse.
Goundar says the FTU does not support corporal punishment, describing it as inconsistent with modern child protection standards.
The FTU General Secretary says secularism should be maintained as it guarantees freedom of religion.
He says a secular state is neutral and allows people to practise their religion.
Goundar says one of their key recommendations is the constitutional recognition of education as a fundamental right and a core responsibility of the State.
He says this should include free and accessible primary and secondary education, inclusive education for learners with disabilities, equitable access for rural and maritime communities, adequate funding for public education and measures to recruit and retain qualified teachers.
The FTU is also calling for constitutional protection of academic freedom, digital rights, workplace rights and teachers' professional independence.
Goundar says constitutional reform is one of the most significant responsibilities undertaken by any nation and should provide a stable foundation for future generations.
He says the FTU believes Fiji's constitutional future should draw on the strengths of the 1970, 1997 and 2013 Constitutions, retaining the positive aspects of each while addressing their shortcomings.
Goundar says the Constitution should promote democratic governance, social justice, equality, accountability, respect for diversity and the rule of law.
He highlighted that the 1997 Constitution was notable for its emphasis on consultation, reconciliation and democratic participation, while the 2013 Constitution introduced equal citizenry, an expanded Bill of Rights and stronger anti-discrimination protections.
However, he noted concerns over the concentration of executive authority, constitutional amendment procedures and parliamentary oversight under the 2013 Constitution.
The FTU submission recommends strengthening parliamentary oversight, public participation in law-making, judicial independence and merit-based appointments in the public service.
It also proposes reviewing constitutional amendment procedures to encourage broader parliamentary support, public consultation and referendums for major constitutional changes.
It recommends explicit guarantees for the right of workers to form and join trade unions, protection for collective bargaining and safeguards against victimisation for union activities.
