UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for Fiji's UPR Outcomes Session
UK Statement for Fiji's Universal Periodic Review Outcomes Session. Delivered at the 59th session of the HRC in Geneva.
Thank You Mr Vice President,
We commend Fiji鈥檚 engagement with the UPR process.
We welcome Fiji鈥檚 establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote healing, truth telling and national unity. The UK is pleased to have provided legal and communications assistance to support these efforts.
The UK recognises the emphasis Fiji places on freedom of expression and assembly. We encourage Fiji to go further, to ensure a safe civic space for all Fijians to challenge and protest, strengthening democratic accountability.聽
We welcome Fiji鈥檚 openness to engage with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and hope they will be able to visit soon.
We also welcome Fiji鈥檚 commitment to countering gender-based and domestic violence. Fiji鈥檚 Action Plan and the police鈥檚 enhanced policies in this regard are reassuring. We encourage Fiji to continue monitoring this issue and to ensure the process delivers from investigation through to sentencing.
We note the measures in place to counter human-trafficking, and encourage Fiji to build on these, in particular to ensure an effective enforcement mechanism.
We look forward to Fiji鈥檚 continued progress through subsequent reviews.
Thank you.