‘Rights come with responsibilities’
IF the Opposition genuinely cared for this country and its people, they would ensure their public statements go towards promoting national healing and reconciliation.
Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) executive director Vani Catanasiga said this in response to recent statements made by FijiFirst party members including Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Dr Mahendra Reddy
“FCOSS notes that Mr Khaiyum, Mr Reddy and FijiFirst party are making full use of the opportunity to expand the civic space that was last rated ‘obstructed’ under their administration by the global civicus monitor, dated November 2022,” she said.
Ms Catanasiga said the FFP members “do need to be reminded that rights are practiced with responsibilities”.
“In addition, FCOSS recognises that the role of the opposition is to hold the government accountable but it must do so responsibly in the spirit of the laws.
“If they genuinely cared for this country and its people, they would also ensure that their public statements go towards promoting national healing and reconciliation.
“FCOSS had recently urged citizens who may feel they will be targeted during this transition to reach out to CSOs who may be able to offer support.
“We would also like to reiterate that there are existing mechanisms for redress and grievances that can be used and encourage citizens to explore those.”
In a recent media conference, Dr Reddy called on Fijians from all walks of life to stand up and protest against “any destruction, pollution and alteration of their natural environment” after a stop work order issued by the FijiFirst government was lifted by the coalition Government.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum in a media conference over the weekend claimed they have seen a number of incursions into the separation of powers since the coalition Government came in.
However, he did not provide specific details on what the incursions were and whether he would pursue the matter further.