‘Recourse for judicial review’

FIJI should provide recourse for judicial review and right to an effective remedy, including compensation, in cases of violations of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly by state authorities.

This is stated in the submission by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen

Participation, PaciƝc Islands Association of NonGovernment Organisations (PIANGO), Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) and Amnesty International to the United Nations ahead of Fiji’s examination in January 2025 under the Universal Periodic Review.

“Refrain from harassment or intimidation of people peacefully expressing views on the situation in Gaza and issues of independence and self-determination in the PaciƝc, including New Caledonia and West Papua,” states the submission.

“Amend the Public Order (Amendment) Act in order to guarantee fully the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and remove restrictions other than those provided for under the framework of international human rights law and standards.”

“Halt all form of harassment and intimidation of peaceful protesters and ensure that any law enforcement officials who undertake such actions are held accountable. Review and, if necessary, update existing human rights training for police and security forces, with the assistance of independent

CSOs, to foster the more consistent application of international human rights standards.”

The CSO’s state Fiji should adopt best practices on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, as put forward by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association as was stated in his 2012 annual report.