The NGO Coalition on Human Rights and their allies have stressed that the recent proposals by the Great Council of Chiefs to the Constitution Review Commission have no place in an evolving democracy such as Fiji and are a distressing retreat from democratic principles.
According to the information provided by the Constitution Review Commission to fijivillage News last week, the Great Council of Chiefs has proposed to reserve the term “Fijian” exclusively for iTaukei people, to grant the Council authority to appoint the President and Vice-President, to amend constitutional protections relating to children to allow punishment at the discretion of parents and teachers, to remove the words “gender” and “sexual orientation” from Section 26(3) on equality and freedom from discrimination, and, to repeal the constitutional provision that establishes Fiji as a secular State.
NGO Coalition Chair, Shamima Ali calls on all leaders and institutions to approach these discussions with care, responsibility, and a firm commitment to protecting the rights of all people in Fiji.
The NGO Coalition include the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens Constitutional Forum, femLINKPacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program (SEEP), Diverse Voices and Action for Equality Fiji (DIVA), and Pacific Network on Globalization (PANG), which is an observer.
The Coalition supports the statement made by Fiji SOGIESC-led groups and emphasizes that Fiji’s future must be built on a foundation that fosters unity, upholds human rights, and respects the dignity of every person.
The NGO Coalition says the GCC's proposals taken together, represent a significant potential rollback of constitutional and human rights protections and raise serious concerns about the future of equality, inclusion, and democratic governance.
The Coalition is particularly alarmed by the proposal to remove Fiji’s constitutional status as a secular State.
They say secularism is a fundamental safeguard in a diverse, multi-faith society such as Fiji.
The Coalition says this ensures that the State remains neutral in matters of religion, protects freedom of belief, and guarantees that no individual or group is privileged or disadvantaged on the basis of faith.
They say the removal of this protection opens the door to exclusion, discrimination, and the politicization of religion in public life.
The NGO Coalition says they cannot stress enough that the recognition of all citizens as “Fijians” is a foundational principle of equal citizenship and national unity.
They say while the rights of iTaukei people - including land, culture, and traditional governance - must be fully respected and protected, these rights must coexist with a shared civic identity that affirms equality for all.
They add the proposal to vest the authority to appoint the President and Vice-President in the Great Council of Chiefs raises serious constitutional concerns.
The Coalition says public offices of such significance must be filled through processes that are transparent, accountable, and reflective of democratic principles.
The Coalition also expresses strong opposition to any amendment to Section 41 on the Rights of the Child that would permit punishment at the discretion of parents and teachers.
They say children have an inherent right to dignity and protection from all forms of violence.
The NGO Coalition says equally concerning is the proposal to remove “gender” and “sexual orientation” from Section 26(3).
They say these protections are essential to ensuring that all people in Fiji are treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of who they are.
The Coalition says the Constitution must empower and protect the most vulnerable, not a mechanism through which protections are diluted.
They call on traditional leaders across Fiji to actively engage in this process in ways that reflect the values of equality, inclusion, fairness, and respect for all.
The NGO Coalition also calls on all Fijians to make their voices heard, participate in the constitutional reform process, make submissions, and contribute to shaping the future of our country.
They add that when proposals risk undermining rights, equality, inclusive democracy, and the secular foundations of the State, the public must speak clearly and collectively in defence of these principles.
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights will be making a formal submission to the Constitution Review Commission in the coming days.
