Fiji’s security agencies have been urged to be more considerate towards issuing permits for marches and not to impose a blanket denial to approvals, according to a Fiji report.
The issue will be raised at the United Nations Human Rights Council during its fourth cycle review under the Universal Periodic Review in January.
The Fiji report stated the Constitution, under section 18, guaranteed the right to freedom of assembly, subject to restrictions ensuring national security and public order.
“However, previously the requirements under the Public Order (Amendment) Act 2014 (Act) were used as a means of restricting and blocking peaceful gatherings and demonstrations,” the report stated.
“A key development under the new Government has been the relaxation of certain provisions of the Act which previously required permits for any public gatherings.
“While permits are still required, the process has become much more transparent, and authorities are encouraged to ensure that the granting of such permits is not arbitrary and that any refusals are based on justifiable grounds.”
The report stated that following the change of government in December 2022, women’s rights organisations and CSOs have been able to freely and peacefully protest.
“In 2022, a total of 752 applications for permits were approved under the Act while in 2023, a total of 1126 permits were approved.”
