United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor is in Fiji on an informal visit, where she has raised concerns over proposed development projects in Namosi.
During a visit to highland communities, Ms Lawlor met members of the Namosi Landowners Committee and villagers, hearing firsthand about their concerns over plans for a hydro dam and an open-pit mine.
“I heard about their activism and the challenges they are facing from plans for a hydrodam and development of an open pit mine on their land,” she said on X.
She stressed that development must uphold fundamental human rights, particularly the principle of community consent.
“Free, prior and informed consent must always be obtained and failure to do so inevitably leads to cascading human rights risks,” Ms Lawlor said.
She also acknowledged the role of the Social Empowerment and Education Programme in facilitating her visit.
As part of her engagement, Ms Lawlor also met with representatives from the Human Rights Coalition at the United Nations Office, Kadavu House in Suva.
Discussions focused on the work of women human rights defenders, with participants highlighting ongoing challenges and priorities, particularly for those working in remote and isolated communities.
The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and explore ways the mandate can support human rights defenders in Fiji and across the Pacific.
Ms Lawlor’s visit comes amid growing scrutiny over major development proposals in Fiji, with communities raising concerns about potential impacts on land, environment and livelihoods.
