THE ongoing issue of online abuse and harassment targeting human rights defenders in Fiji has drawn strong condemnation from the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.
The commission expressed deep concern over recent incidents following Human Rights Day 2025, highlighting the damaging effects on activists and the wider community.
Commission director Loukinikini Lewaravu stressed that freedom of expression is not a license for hate speech, online abuse, or the incitement of violence and harassment.
She emphasised the importance of protecting fundamental rights while calling for respect and dignity to ensure that all Fijians are heard and can participate meaningfully in national development.
“Human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, must be able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisals, whether in physical, digital, or public spaces,” she said.
Ms Lewaravu urged the public to reject hateful content and support the protection of everyone’s dignity and rights.
“A society that protects its human rights defenders protects itself,” she said.
The commission called for collective responsibility to protect human rights defenders, continue promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and tolerance for diverse opinions and civil society engagement, and hold accountable those who violate the rights of others.
