THE Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has warned that threats, racial hatred and incitement to violence have no place in Fiji’s democratic debate, urging public figures to exercise greater responsibility in their public statements and online activities.
In a statement, Commissioner Alefina Vuki said Fijians had the right to express their views and disagree on important issues, but such freedoms must not come at the expense of others’ dignity and safety.
“Legitimate disagreement should never give rise to personal attacks, threats, racial hatred, religious intolerance, intimidation or incitement to violence,” Ms Vuki said.
The warning comes as Fiji enters what the commission described as a significant and potentially unprecedented period in its democratic and constitutional history.
Ms Vuki said freedom of expression was a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of democracy, allowing people to challenge ideas, criticise policies and participate in robust public debate.
However, she maintained a zero-tolerance stance towards racial hatred, religious intolerance, threats, intimidation and incitement to discrimination or violence.
She also reminded Fijians that the Constitution guaranteed equality before the law, protection against unfair discrimination and fundamental freedoms.
The commission singled out people holding public office and positions of influence, saying they had a heightened responsibility to ensure their words did not deepen divisions.
“Leadership is demonstrated not only through the views one holds, but through the manner in which those views are expressed.”
Ms Vuki stressed that Fiji’s diversity should be protected and no one should feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their race, ethnicity, religion or political beliefs.
“Democracy must remain a contest of ideas, where differences of opinion are debated respectfully and where human dignity is always upheld, not a platform for hatred.”
