ACTING President and Chief Justice yesterday urged delegates at the Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions to become fearless advocates.
He reminded those present at the opening of the forum their agenda would address some of the most urgent and profound issues of our time.
“I understand you will discuss how to strengthen our national human rights institutions, ensuring their independence and capacity to act effectively as fearless advocates,” he said. “This is the foundation that gives rise to a strong and principled human rights institution.”
Justice Temo emphasised that an institution that was weak and unprincipled could not protect and defend the rights of others nor could they give voice to the voiceless and hope to the vulnerable and marginalised.
“You will then confront one of the defining issues of our time: localising our response to climate change.
“For us in the Pacific, this is not an abstract policy debate or discussion – it is an existential reality.”
Justice Temo also said the conference expanded the conversation to include civil society organisations, regional experts and community leaders who represent and are the voices of the very communities they all serve.
“Our ‘shared journey’ depends on our collective interwoven efforts and dedication to empower communities and individuals to know and claim their rights, ensuring a more rights-based and inclusive society.”
“The theme you have chosen Shared Journeys Across the Asia Pacific: Advancing Human Rights, is both a poignant recognition of our common and diverse challenges and a resolute declaration of our commitment.
“Our region, in all its diversity and similarity, faces human rights crises and concerns of a scale and complexity that no single institution or nation can overcome alone; and some notable human rights concerns are climate change, armed conflict and violence against civilians, and systemic discrimination against women and minorities.”
CJ: Climate change fuels human rights crisis
THE displacement of communities, the loss of livelihoods, and the threat to our cultural heritage are present-day human rights crises, according to acting President and Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
Mr Temo told the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Forum Biennial Conference in Nadi yesterday that in the case of Fiji, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) informed last August that 676 communities faced relocation as rising sea levels, extreme rainfall and landslides intensified under climate change.
“Translating global commitments at the local level into tangible, communityled action is a journey we must undertake together – grounded in resilience, inclusion, compassion and justice,” he said.
Justice Temo reminded the delegates the forum would also focus on protecting the right to a healthy environment and the brave defenders on its front lines.
“A healthy environment is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other human rights, in particular the absolute right to life itself.
Those who champion the protection of the environment, often do so at great personal risk.
“Our collective duty is to ensure they are heard, protected, and supported by our institutions.
“The discussions you will have today are not merely academic but an opportunity to weave stronger ropes of cooperation, knowledge, and shared resolve.
You are charting a course through turbulent seas and your collective wisdom will be the light that guides us to calm waters and safer shores.”
Justice Temo acknowledged the Asia Pacific Forum and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission for their leadership and combined efforts in hosting this critical dialogue.
“It is gratifying that you have ensured that diverse voices are at the table, which is essential for a more balanced, comprehensive and impactful discussion.”
