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) today at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Denarau. This year’s theme, “Shared Journeys Across the Asia Pacific: Advancing Human Rights,” brings together a wide spectrum of national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, international experts, and community leaders from across the region to promote collaborative efforts in enhancing the protection of human rights.
In his opening address, Acting President Temo extended a warm welcome to both returning and first-time delegates, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing common human rights challenges. Drawing upon a metaphor by Justice Isikeli Mataitoga, he likened the Judiciary and National Human Rights Institutions to the “Fijian Drua,” a traditional double-hulled canoe, symbolizing resilience and unity. Temo asserted that their collaborative journey hinges on the combined endeavors of all participants to empower communities in understanding and asserting their rights, thereby fostering a more inclusive society.
Acting President Temo pointed out urgent regional challenges, including climate change, armed conflict, and systemic discrimination against women and minorities. He highlighted that climate change represents an immediate and existential threat to Pacific communities, leading to issues like community displacement and the deterioration of livelihoods. Temo cited worrying statistics from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, revealing that 676 communities in Fiji face the risk of relocation due to rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. He called for international commitments to be translated into concrete, community-driven initiatives focusing on resilience and justice.
Moreover, Temo emphasized the essential need to bolster National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to ensure their independence and effectiveness as advocates for justice and defenders of human rights and environmental issues. He reminded attendees that a healthy environment is fundamental to enjoying basic rights, particularly the right to life.
In closing, Temo praised the collaborative efforts of the Asia Pacific Forum and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, which have been instrumental in ensuring diverse voices contribute to shaping the regional human rights agenda. The conference serves as a pivotal platform for exploring actionable strategies to tackle human rights challenges in the Asia Pacific, nurturing a hopeful perspective for a coordinated response to these pressing issues.
Reflecting on previous discussions regarding the convergence of climate change and human rights in the Pacific, there is a promising consensus about the necessity of cooperative approaches among governments, civil society, and regional experts. This conference marks an important stride toward a future where human rights are prioritized and collective actions translate aspirations into tangible impacts, ultimately cultivating a safer and more equitable society throughout the Asia Pacific region.