The Government intends to inform the United Nations Human Rights Council that one of its most glorifying moments after coming into power was repealing the Media Industry Development Authority Act in April last year.

Fiji’s Universal Periodic Review report said a free, independent, responsible and accountable media was the cornerstone of any democracy.

“The MIDA was widely seen to suppress human rights including media freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of association and individual and group rights by giving authorities broad powers to investigate, censor and penalise media outlets,” the report said.

“The repeal of MIDA marks a significant step forward in restoring media freedom aligning with the Government’s commitment to promoting and upholding democratic principles.”

The report referred to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as being an advocate of media freedom.

“Media freedom is essential for holding the Government accountable.

“Media organisations in Fiji have welcomed the repeal as the media landscape now allows journalists to report on issues affecting people more freely, independently without fear of persecution.”

The report said that following the repeal of MIDA, Fiji’s position on the World Press Freedom Index improved in 2023 to 44th position compared with 89th the previous year.

Fiji will be examined under the Universal Periodic Review in January in Geneva.