The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) has also taken a swipe at the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, stating his conduct towards independent opposition MP Aliki Bia was “deeply troubling and disappointing”.
In a statement, the NGOCHR said Mr Bia had raised concerns on the well-being of the Melanesian community in Parliament on September 6.
Hansard records from that day reveal Ratu Naiqama had stated that a large portion of the Melanesian group were “not paying for anything”.
“Some are registered within my village, within my other clans, Yavusa o Benau but been bracketed, descendants of Solomon Islanders,” he had said.
“They are registered in the VKB and yet you still have the audacity to come and say you are being ill-treated and mistreated, but you are part of us already. You are voting, that is through the work of former prime minister and administration in trying to take acre of the minority group within our society.
“You said you have been discriminated all this time and how come you are living amongst us, so to say that you have been mistreated, honourable Bia, I take exception to that and I do not fully agree with what you have said because you have been offered seats in the House, the Parliament of Fiji.”
The NGOCHR stated that these attitudes reflect the barriers faced by many ethnic minorities in Fiji when they seek to highlight the injustices they experience.
“Coupled with his unwarranted racially charged remarks, have not only undermined the integrity of his (Ratu Naiqama) role but also perpetuated the harmful rhetoric that threatens Fiji’s social cohesion,” the statement said.
“The NGOCHR is appalled by the comments made by the Speaker along with his dismissal of critical issues raised.
“That is an affront to our shared national values. Such racially charged rhetoric undermines the principles of equality and inclusion that Fiji has strived to build since gaining independence and feeds into the systematic exclusion of the Melanesian community.”
The NGOCHR urged Ratu Naiqama to reflect on his conduct and the harmful impact of his words and actions.
“Silence in the face of such divisive rhetoric is unacceptable, and our leaders must stand up against discrimination in all forms.
“Failing to act only perpetuates the exclusion of marginalised communities and weakens the foundations of democracy and justice in Fiji.
“Fiji deserves leaders who promote justice and unity not division, only through mutual respect and understanding can we hope to build a truly inclusive and cohesive society.”
