Human rights defenders

FIJI has been asked to ensure that human rights defenders (HRD’s) are able to freely carry out their activities without fear of reprisals or undue hindrance, obstruction, or harassment of themselves or their families.

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.

“Undertake a consolidated process of repeal or amendment of legislation such as the sedition provisions of the Crimes Act and the Public Order (Amendment) Act that unwarrantedly restrict the legitimate work of HRDs, in line with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders,’ states the submission.

“Publicly condemn at the highest levels and put an end to all acts of harassment and intimidation of HRDs, activists and CSOs, including police and judicial harassment.

“Systematically implement legal provisions that promote and protect human rights and establish mechanisms that protect HRDs, including by working with CSOs to adopt a speciƝc law on the protection of HRDs.”

The CSO’s state government should provide civil society members, HRDs and journalists with a safe, enabling and secure environment in which to carry out their work.

“Conduct impartial, independent, thorough, transparent and effective investigations into all cases of harassment and intimidation against them and bring suspected perpetrators of such offences to justice in fair trials.”