The recent violent brawls that gripped the streets of Suva are a concerning example of gang violence and lawlessness, says NGO Coalition on Human Rights.
A statement issued by the coalition yesterday highlighted the seriousness of the issue and the need for law enforcement agencies to ensure young Fijians break away from the cycle of violence.
“Graphic video content has circulated online showing an upsurge in fighting involving many young men and between neighbourhoods in the Suva area recently, leading to serious injuries and loss of property,” the coalition stated.
“The coalition is calling on individuals involved in neighbourhood violence to stop and respect the lives and livelihood of other Fijians that live around you. We strongly encourage everyone to access the formal justice system as a mechanism to resolve disputes whether in the home, village, community or neighbourhood. Resorting to violence will only beget violence.”
The coalition has also called on the state and all agencies to take a holistic, collaborative approach to planning and responding to this emergence of an escalation of gang-related violence and reported associated kidnapping to make communities safer.
“The coalition is deeply disturbed as well about witnessing so many young men and boys participating in such violence on our streets. We strongly stress the importance of teaching young people that resorting to violence is wrong.
“It is the responsibility of everyone to influence positive behavioural change in young people. In the same spirit, the coalition reiterates the importance of our disciplined forces in the Fiji Police Force, in maintaining professionalism when restoring law and order on our streets. Only reasonable force must be utilised to respond to the violence.”
