ONE of Australia’s leading academics and jurists, Michael Kirby, was commended for his part in paying tribute to one of Fiji’s finest judges, Sir Moti Tikaram.
Through the annual Sir Moti Tikaram Memorial Lecture organised by University of Fiji, law students were able to honour the distinguished life and career of the late Sir Tikaram.
Speaking at the event in Lautoka last week, university Law School dean Professor Julian Moti said the theme Regarding Others as Ourselves was one that could be addressed at the intersection of law and dignity.
“We have, I believe, reached the stage where we need to assert our right to have rights,” he said.
Prof Moti also paid tribute to the late Sir Tikaram.
“In a legal career spanning one half of a century, Sir Moti Tikaram scaled the heights of our profession while striding humbly with the rest of us to make a difference to our lives, both in and out of court.
“With so much in common, it was inevitable that the career paths of both Sir Moti and the honourable Michael Kirby would cross often to lay the foundation for an enduring friendship.
“Despite his crowded schedule of appointments and engagements, Michael has always found time to champion causes for the voices of suffering to right wrongs.
“He has just returned from New York after attending last week’s sessions of the United Nations in his capacity as Chair of the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” he said.
