After a 19-year hiatus, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has proudly reconvened with the Asia Pacific Forum, hosting the 30th Annual General Meeting in Fiji. This event marks a significant milestone for the commission, which had been suspended from the forum in 2007 due to the coup led by Frank Bainimarama that disrupted its operations.
Loukinikini Lewaravu, the commission’s director, highlighted the significance of this meeting, stating that it provides an essential opportunity for leaders of national human rights institutions from the region to convene. It also acts as a platform to advocate for Fiji’s re-accreditation under the United Nations Paris Principles on Human Rights. The commission aims to regain its “A” accreditation, a designation that reflects full compliance with human rights standards, which it previously held before the coup.
Fiji had first hosted the annual general meeting in 2006, making this reunion a notable event as it marks only the second time the commission has brought this prestigious gathering back to its shores. Currently, the Fiji government is reaffirming its commitment to human rights, as demonstrated during the recent Universal Periodic Review by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Attorney-General Graham Leung has been instrumental in voicing the government’s dedication to restoring the commission’s full accreditation. Plans are in place to reform the commission’s leadership structure, enhancing its independence and transparency to better align with global human rights standards and address prior concerns about impartiality.
Chairperson Pravesh Sharma has expressed optimism regarding these developments, noting that the commission’s recent focus on merit-based appointments signals a renewed commitment to accountability. This push for transparency is crucial for rebuilding the commission’s credibility and ensuring its effective advocacy for human rights within Fiji.
As Fiji navigates these critical changes, the Asia Pacific Forum meeting serves as both a celebration of past milestones and a springboard for future initiatives. By reinforcing its human rights framework, Fiji is positioned to create stronger legal protections and cultivate a robust civil society dedicated to upholding human dignity and rights. The hope surrounding these efforts reflects a broader aspiration for a more equitable future in the region.