‘bullying tactics’
Coalition condemns
THE increasing reports of harassment, arrests and detainment of Fiji citizens who raise their concerns relating to government institutions and human rights violations through media and social media platforms is concerning, states the NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR).
In a statement, the coalition condemned the “bullying tactics” and reminded the “Government and its statutory arms” of Fiji’s commitments towards the protection of human rights and upholding democratic values and principles.
NGOCHR stated the protection of freedom of speech and expression was enshrined in Fiji’s Bill of Rights.
It stated Fiji demonstrated itself as a leader in human rights globally yet the continued targeting of citizens in the country who criticised the work of Government — or its statutory bodies — contradicted the democratic values the country represented on the world stage.
“In the last Universal Periodic Review process (2019-2020), Fiji had accepted the recommendation by a member of the UN Human Rights Council to safeguard freedom of expression by ensuring that criminal and speech-related legislation were not used to suppress media, civil society and opposition politicians’ criticism of the government,” the statement read.
“It is crucial that we put into practice the recommendations which we have accepted.”
It also stated that it was appalling that arbitrary arrests and detainment were still being undertaken despite the continued calls for a higher standard of conduct from relevant authorities.
“It is crucial to have different perspectives and voices in a rich and diverse society.”