No discrimination, Fiji tells UNHRC

FIJI does not discriminate against women, the United Nations Human Rights Council has been told.

At the Universal Periodic Review in November last year, several countries had asked Fiji to adopt laws and measures that would give women equal rights.

Togo recommended Fiji strengthen temporary special measures so as to reduce the gender gap and systematically address the concerns and rights of women in the public and private spheres.

“Consider taking temporary measures, including the introduction of a minimum quota of at least 30 per cent of women candidates on the electoral lists of political parties, and facilitate the selection and training of women candidates for public office, in particular at the decision-making level,” Bulgaria had recommended.

In its response, Fiji said since 2013 the country had undergone robust legislative reform to address issues in relation to discrimination of women in public and private employment.

“Fiji also has strong anti-discrimination provisions in the Fijian Constitution which have also been translated into the Fijian Employment Act.

“Fiji has an improving record of female participation in politics and is a regional leader in this regard.”

Fiji informed the UNHRC that 56 women stood for election in 2018, an increase from 18 per cent in 2014.

“Apart from changing attitudes and legal reforms propelled by the Fijian Government, Fiji’s electoral system allows for proportional representation through an open list which resulted in the highest number of elected women in Parliament in our national history.”

Fiji has an improving record of female participation in politics... – Fiji’s response to UNHRC