The Acting President and Chief Justice, His Lordship Salesi Temo, inaugurated the Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Denarau today. This event, themed “Shared Journeys Across the Asia Pacific: Advancing Human Rights,” brings together a diverse assembly of national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, international experts, and community leaders from the region, aimed at fostering collaboration to enhance the protection and advancement of human rights.
In his opening remarks, Acting President Temo warmly welcomed both returning and new delegates, stressing the significance of regional collaboration to address shared human rights challenges. Using a metaphor originally shared by Justice Isikeli Mataitoga, he compared the Judiciary and National Human Rights Institutions to the “Fijian Drua,” a traditional double-hulled canoe that represents resilience and unity. Temo emphasized that their collective journey depends on the interwoven efforts of all participants to empower communities to understand and assert their rights, thus ensuring a more inclusive society.
The Chief Justice highlighted pressing regional challenges such as climate change, armed conflict, and systemic discrimination against women and minorities. He noted that for Pacific communities, climate change transcends theoretical discussions and poses real existential threats, including community displacement and loss of livelihoods. Temo referenced alarming data from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, indicating that 676 communities in Fiji are at risk of relocation due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. He called for global commitments to translate into actionable, community-driven initiatives rooted in resilience and justice.
Moreover, Temo stressed the critical need to strengthen National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to ensure their independence and effectiveness in advocating for justice and protecting human rights and environmental defenders. He reminded delegates that a healthy environment is essential for enjoying fundamental rights, specifically the right to life.
He concluded his address by praising the collaborative efforts of the Asia Pacific Forum and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, which have ensured diverse voices are included in shaping the regional human rights agenda. The forum serves as a vital platform for discussing actionable steps towards addressing human rights issues in the Asia Pacific, fostering a hopeful outlook for a coordinated response to the region’s most pressing challenges.
Based on previous discussions surrounding the intertwining issues of climate change and human rights in the Pacific, there remains an encouraging consensus on the importance of collaborative approaches among governments, civil society, and regional experts. This conference represents a significant step towards a future where human rights are upheld, and collective efforts translate ideas into real-world impacts, ultimately leading to a safer and more equitable society across the Asia Pacific region.