Attorney-General Graham Leung says he will ensure that Fiji has a national human rights institution which is effective and credible.
While delivering his maiden speech during the budget debate in Parliament yesterday Mr Leung highlighted that discussions were ongoing with the director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-discrimination Commission (FHRADC) to explore how the capacity and staffing of the commission could be strengthened.
“It is my intention in the coming months to work closely with the FHRADC and to give it as much support that is needed to ensure that Fiji has a national human rights institution which is effective and credible,” Mr Leung said.
“I am committed to working with the Commission so that it meets minimum international standards, founded on pluralism, independence and effectiveness.”
He said the commission was operating with only 12 staff members.
“It has a complaints, awareness and promotion team with only two-three persons per team.
“This is not enough to handle complaints from throughout Fiji.”
Mr Leung said between 2022 and April 2024, FHRADC had received more than 800 complaints.
