Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Coalition Government are detached from the values that Fijians hold dear, said the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR).
They have expressed deep concern over the Fiji Prime Minister’s ongoing engagements with Indonesia.
“History will judge how we respond as Fijians to this moment. We must not stay silent when Pacific people are being occupied and killed,” said NGOCHR Chair Shamima Ali.
She said Mr Rabuka was extended a grant of $12 million by Indonesia recently and received proposals for joint military training.
“Is Fiji’s continuing silence on West Papua yet another example of being muzzled by purse strings?”
“As members of the Melanesian and Pacific family, bound by shared ancestry and identity, the acceptance of financial and any other benefit from Indonesia—while remaining silent on the plight of West Papua—is a betrayal of our family member and of regional solidarity.”
“True leadership must be rooted in solidarity, justice, and accountability.”
“It is imperative that Pacific leaders not only advocate for peace and cooperation in the region but also continue to hold Indonesia to account on ongoing human rights violations in West Papua.”
