FIJI will be asked how it prevents torture and ensures humane treatment of prison inmates when Government fronts the United Nations tomorrow.
Several countries filed questions in advance for Fiji to answer at the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva.
Questions in relation to human rights and the treatment of suspects in custody were raised by Belgium.
“Which measures does the Government of Fiji take to prevent acts of torture and ill-treatment by prison officers and to apply a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to torture?” asked Belgium of Fiji.
“Does Fiji provide human rights training to prison officers and guidance on the lawful treatment of criminal suspects in custody and convicted prisoners?”
“Is the Government of Fiji considering accepting the individual complaints procedure under all the human rights conventions to which it is already a State party?”
Belgium has also asked Fiji whether and when it would accept visits from three UN special rapporteurs.
“Will the Government of Fiji respond positively to requests for country visits from the special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders?”
Fiji was also asked to explain if it would set up a “complaint mechanism for harassment, threat or pressure by law enforcement personnel”.
