The President of the Fiji Court of Appeal, Isikeli Mataitoga, has emphasized the urgent need for strengthened regional partnerships to protect human rights and maintain the rule of law. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, Mataitoga stressed the vital collaboration between the judiciary and human rights organizations to uphold human dignity and prevent rights violations.
Mataitoga articulated that independence, accountability, and impartiality are essential attributes for earning public trust and effectively guarding against rights infringements. He remarked, “The Asia-Pacific Forum brings together national human rights institutions with a rich diversity of histories, political landscapes, and legal frameworks. This diversity, while unique to each institution, constitutes profound strengths that can be leveraged.”
He underscored the progress made by Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, which reinstated its B status in 2021 after a suspension in 2007. This renewal marks ongoing reforms and highlights the necessity for continuous self-evaluation and engagement with both regional and international partners.
Using the metaphor of a Luwa, a traditional double-hulled canoe, Mataitoga illustrated the importance of unity between the judiciary and human rights institutions, suggesting this cooperation fosters resilience in the face of challenges. He noted that complex issues, such as climate change, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups, require collaborative, not isolated, efforts.
Asia-Pacific Forum Chairperson, Samar Haj Hasan, echoed the need for solidarity in facing contemporary human rights challenges, including climate change and geopolitical instability. She affirmed that despite these daunting threats, national human rights institutions remain dedicated to defending and promoting human rights across the region.
Haj Hasan acknowledged the contributions of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission in hosting the forum, encouraging its continued role as an independent institution.
The discussions at the forum reflect a hopeful momentum towards enhancing human rights protections in the region, as various institutions across the Asia-Pacific come together to share experiences, collaborate on strategies, and bolster capacity within their legal and political systems.