Cabinet has agreed to invite the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, to undertake an official visit to Fiji.
The Special Rapporteur is a mandate-holder appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and is tasked with monitoring, reporting, and providing expert advice on issues concerning the independence and effective functioning of judicial systems, legal professionals, and the broader administration of justice worldwide.
Ms. Satterthwaite, appointed to the position in October 2022, is an internationally respected human rights expert with decades of experience in the field.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Fiji to engage constructively with the international community on justice sector reforms and the strengthening of judicial independence.
Ms. Satterthwaite’s visit, once scheduled, is expected to include meetings with members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, government officials, and civil society organisations.