The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is planning inspections of Fiji Corrections Service facilities in the coming weeks as it continues to monitor the alleged assault of a remand prisoner at the Lautoka Remand Centre.
FHRADC Commissioner Alefina Vuki confirmed a Commission team visited the Lautoka Remand Centre last week specifically to assess the welfare of the remand prisoner involved in an alleged assault incident.
“A team from the FHRADC visited the Lautoka Remand Centre last week to assess the welfare of the remandee concerned,” Vuki said.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the matter and is planning inspections of FCS facilities in the coming weeks.”
Vuki said monitoring places of detention and safeguarding the rights, treatment and welfare of people deprived of their liberty were key parts of the Commission’s mandate to protect and promote human rights.
The planned inspections come as investigations continue into the alleged assault at the Lautoka Remand Centre.
The Commission has welcomed progress by the Fiji Corrections Service and Fiji Police Force, noting that an FCS officer has been charged with assault and six officers have been suspended pending internal disciplinary proceedings.
“These processes must be carried out independently, transparently and in accordance with the law, with due regard for the rights of all parties,” Vuki said.
The FHRADC stressed that people held in custody continue to retain their fundamental human rights.
“FHRADC reiterates that persons deprived of their liberty retain their fundamental human rights, including the rights to safety, dignity, appropriate medical care and protection from violence,” Vuki said.
The Commission also referred to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which affirm that prisoners must be treated with respect for their inherent dignity and protected from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Vuki is also calling on the Fiji Corrections Service to examine its existing safeguards for inmates.
The Commission has called on FCS to “review and audit its protection and safety protocol for inmates and maintain zero tolerance for violence and misconduct by officers.”
