FIJI successfully presented Fiji’s Human Rights Report during its Third Universal Periodic Review to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.
The high level delegation – led by Acting Chief Justice Kamal Kumar and included the Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde, Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan, Director for Women Selai Korovusere, and Acting Director Legal Aid Commission Shahin Ali.
In delivering the Fijian Government’s opening statement, Mrs Khan reiterated the Government’s commitment to advancing and protecting the fundamental human rights principles through its robust national framework, strong institutions and national policies.
She informed the Council that Fiji had implemented majority of the recommendations from Fiji’s last Universal Period Review, and Fiji’s leadership on global issues notably its Presidency of COP 23 and Vice Presidency of the Human Rights Council.
Mr Kumar said access to justice was a priority for the judiciary and its continuous efforts towards ensuring access to and delivery of justice for all Fijians.
He assured the Human Rights Council that the independence and impartiality of the judiciary were guaranteed under the Fijian Constitution and was in accordance with the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of Judges.
Mr Pryde clarified there were no political prosecutions in Fiji and that it was the crime, not the individual or organisation, being targeted.
He also referred to the various guidelines that assist in the decision-making process to ensure there is a reasonable prospect of a conviction, including the Prosecution Code, including the Guidelines on the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases to ensure that the best interests of the child was safeguarded.
Brig-Gen Qiliho updated the Council on the progressive work of the Fiji Police Force in ensuring the fundamental rights and freedom of Fijians were maintained and balancing rights with justifiable limitations was consistent with international law.
The Commissioner also highlighted the work of the Fiji Police Force in collaboration with the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Legal Aid Commission with respect to cases of human rights violations.
Ms Korovusere highlighted the Government’s efforts in strengthening gender equality and women’s empowerment in the areas of elimination of violence, gender and climate change, women in leadership and economic participation.
Mr Ali updated the Council on the various empowerments and awareness programs undertaken, in line with the Government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all Fijians.
He further informed that the Legal Aid Commission had opened various branches in rural, remote and maritime areas to ensure better access to legal services.
Fiji received over 240 recommendations from 97-member States during the review that are presently being considered.
