Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has made an official request to Fiji Police and the Online Safety Commission to shut down the Facebook page, Chat (Fiji).
This follows a child being targeted with hate speech, homophobic content, and serious cyberbullying on Chat (Fiji).
“The insensitive and malicious remarks, directed at the child, who is already experiencing serious health challenges, are deeply distressing and risk causing further emotional and psychological harm,” said FHRADC Director, Loukinikini Lewaravu.
“Such statements violate the rights of the child as enshrined in Fiji’s Constitution, as well as under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which Fiji is a State Party.”
“In light of these serious concerns, the Commission has lodged a complaint against the platform Chat (Fiji) with both, Fiji Police Force and Online Safety Commission, calling on these institutions to initiate a thorough investigation into the administrators and operators of the platform and take swift action to shut down the platform to prevent further harm.”
“The Commission urges all digital platforms, media outlets, and community members to uphold the rights and dignity of children and to exercise responsibility when using online spaces.”
Mrs Lewaravu said everyone should live freely from abuse, discrimination, and harm—online and offline.
