The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is reminding all Fijians that while everyone has the right to express their views and disagree on important issues, such disagreement should be expressed respectfully and without resorting to hatred, threats or incitement.
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Alefina Vuki says freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of democracy.
Vuki says every person has the right to express their opinions, challenge ideas, criticise policies and disagree with others.
She says healthy disagreement and robust debate are essential to democratic participation; however, the exercise of this right must be accompanied by respect for the dignity and rights of others.
Vuki says Fiji is entering a significant and potentially unprecedented period in its democratic and constitutional history.
She says at such a critical time, all public discourse must be guided by mutual respect, tolerance, accountability and the fundamental principles of human rights.
She says legitimate disagreement should never give rise to personal attacks, threats, racial hatred, religious intolerance, intimidation or incitement to violence.
Vuki says the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji guarantees equality before the law, protection against unfair discrimination and fundamental freedoms.
She says these rights must be respected and protected, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
She says the Commission maintains a zero-tolerance stance against racial hatred, religious intolerance, threats, intimidation and any form of incitement to discrimination or violence.
She says such conduct has no place in a democratic society and undermines the values of respect, equality and peaceful coexistence that Fiji strives to uphold.
Meanwhile, Vuki is urging the public, particularly those who hold public office and positions of influence, to engage responsibly in online spaces and lead by example.
She says those in positions of trust have a heightened responsibility to promote respectful dialogue, uphold human dignity and contribute to social cohesion.
She says their words carry significant influence and should help unite communities rather than deepen divisions.
She says leadership is demonstrated not only through the views one holds, but also through the manner in which those views are expressed.
Vuki says public debate should encourage understanding, mutual respect and the peaceful exchange of ideas, particularly during periods of national importance.
She says responsible engagement in online spaces by public office holders and influential figures carries significant weight, as they have a greater impact on shaping public attitudes and behaviour.
She says they should ensure their online content contributes to constructive public discussions, upholds the dignity and integrity of their offices or positions, and promotes social harmony and inclusiveness.
She adds that by doing so, they set a standard of ethical conduct that helps foster a safe online environment where differences can be expressed peacefully and respectfully.
The Commissioner says Fiji's strength has always been its diversity.
She says regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, place of origin, gender, disability, political belief or social background, every person has the right to feel safe, respected and valued in society.
She says Fiji's democratic future must be built on respect, inclusion and peaceful coexistence, not fear, hatred or division.
She says democracy must remain a contest of ideas, where differences of opinion are debated respectfully and human dignity is always upheld, rather than becoming a platform for hatred.
Vuki says no Fijian should be made to feel unsafe, unwelcome or less entitled to belong in their own country because of their race, ethnicity, religion or political beliefs.
