Our human rights are non-negotiable, says NGO Coalition on Human Rights chair Shamima Ali.
Speaking at the World Human Rights Day celebration in Suva today, she urged everyone to promote and respect human rights for everyone and everywhere.
She said despite the country’s high national debt, there were politicians who had salary and benefits hike.
“Fiji’s health care system has failed, especially for our women and girls whose health care needs and whose reproductive rights are often overlooked,” she said.
“And we have our politicians who gave themselves salary and benefit increases despite the country’s high national debt, high incidence of poverty, where 400,000 Fijians are living below the poverty line, poor education outcomes for young people, poor quality health care services and compensation for public health nurses and doctors, crumbling water infrastructure.”
She questioned if people were enjoying all the rights and freedoms that came with being part of a free, democratic, sovereign state.
“Are all our people liberated?
“Is our beloved country truly free from the shackles of oppression, violence and discrimination?”
In response, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya said she was listening.
She also acknowledged the leadership of the women’s rights organizations.
