The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is urging the Government to ensure all development projects are guided by a human rights-based approach, amid growing public debate over major proposals including the Vuda waste-to-energy project.
Director Loukinikini Lewaravu said while national development remains important, it must align with Fiji’s human rights obligations.
“The Government has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that a human rights-based approach shapes consultations, discussions, and negotiations with all stakeholders,” she said.
The Commission stressed that development projects directly impact key rights, including health, access to information, a clean environment, and fair decision-making processes.
“Such projects have a direct bearing on a range of rights including the right to health, the right to a clean and healthy environment… and the overall wellbeing of surrounding communities,” Ms Lewaravu said.
The Commission also highlighted ongoing concerns surrounding the proposed waste-to-energy plant in Vuda, Lautoka, noting both its potential benefits and risks.
“While the project carries significant potential benefits, it also entails serious implications for affected communities and landowners,” she said.
Ms Lewaravu emphasised that community wellbeing must be central to all development planning.
“For any development project, the wellbeing of communities must be integral, not incidental. A careful balance must be struck between economic development, environmental sustainability, investor confidence, and fairness to affected communities.”
The Commission has called on Government to ensure all human rights obligations are fully complied with throughout consultation, negotiation, and implementation processes.
