Fiji’s Coalition Government is facing intense criticism from local human rights advocates and civil society groups after officially opening an embassy in Israel.
Shamima Ali, Chair of the Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR), described the move as a national disgrace and betrayal of core human values.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, along with Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua and Information Minister Lynda Tabuya, stood beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the embassy opening in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Netanyahu is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which in November 2024 issued an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
“We are ashamed of our government for abandoning the principles of human rights, justice, peace, freedom, and human dignity,” said Ms Ali.
“The image of a wanted war criminal standing next to a coup perpetrator must haunt all of us. Fiji’s stance directly contradicts the Ocean of Peace concept that the Prime Minister himself champions.”
According to reports from Gaza, over 65,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its offensive, with more than 165,000 injured and countless others displaced, traumatised, or starving.
“Israel is using starvation to kill babies and children. This is not speculation—it is documented and being investigated under international law,” Ms Ali said.
“No politician in Fiji can claim ignorance of what is happening. The facts are clear, and so is international law.”
Ms Ali warned that the government’s actions set a dangerous precedent.
“The way our government is responding to genocide and war crimes in Gaza is telling of how it may deal with future crises. Will Fiji be a force that upholds human rights, or one that tramples on them for convenience?”
She called on the Fijian people to reject complicity and demand better from their leaders.
“We must not be our government. We must stand up and believe in humanity, justice, and the inalienable human rights of every individual.”
“History will judge us. Silence is not an option.”
