Following recent online bullying of human rights defenders during Human Rights Day 2025, where activists and human rights defenders were subjected to online abuse, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission says such actions violate the rights of others, undermine human dignity, and weaken social cohesion.
While strongly condemning all such acts of hatred, abuse, and harassment, Director Loukinikini Lewaravu says human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, must be able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisals, whether in physical, digital, or other public spaces.
She says Fiji’s commitments under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, obligate the State to ensure a safe and enabling environment for advocacy.
Lewaravu says respectful and inclusive dialogues are the foundation of our diverse society.
The Commission Director says we can disagree without dehumanizing others and hate speech and hostility have no place in Fiji.
The Commission is urging everyone to express their opinions with respect and to reject content that promotes discrimination or violence, and stand together to protect the dignity and rights of all.
They are calling on the Government, members of Parliament, institutions, and communities to protect human rights defenders, continue promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and tolerance for diverse opinions and civil society engagement, and hold accountable those who violate the rights of others.
Lewaravu further says the Commission stands in solidarity with all human rights defenders in Fiji.
She says they commend those who, through peaceful and non-violent means, tirelessly advance the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and the dignity of every individual.
The Director says their work is the cornerstone of a just and inclusive society and is essential to the health of our democracy.
Lewaravu says a robust democracy is built on the respectful exchange of ideas and the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji guarantees everyone the right to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
She says these rights are essential for civic participation, accountability, and social progress and must be upheld to ensure that all Fijians can be heard and participate meaningfully in our national development.
The Director says however, these rights carry responsibilities and they must not be misused to spread hate, ridicule, and silence others.
She says freedom of expression is not a license for hate speech, online abuse, or the incitement of violence and harassment.
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