By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – Fiji responded to criticism of its human rights council at a United Nations conference in Geneva.

Several countries have expressed concern for the situation in Fiji, in particular the actions taken by the interim government in regard to human rights.

The UN review panel, which included New Zealand and Australia, claimed that Fiji misrepresented its human rights record, while Fiji, on the other hand, stated that its accusers have also been criticized for human rights violations.

Fiji claimed that it had accurately portrayed its domestic situation to the UN Human Rights Council.

Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, Fiji’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, stated that “these sorts of criticism are not reserved for Fiji” at these conferences.

Fiji’s delegation at the UN council meeting was led by Peceli Vocea, who is also Fiji’s permanent representative to the European Union.

Vocea spoke positively about Fiji and the interim government’s plans for the future, welcoming the UN’s recommendations for improving human rights.

“Fiji will employ the outcome of this process as a benchmark for future human rights reporting and express the commitment that in areas found wanting, it will be improved upon in future reviews.”

The representative stated that Fiji would continue with its “roadmap for democracy”. He also claimed that former President Josefa Iloilo, who was in office at the time Fiji’s Constitution was annulled, called for elections by September 2014 at the latest.

Further, Vocea indicated that discussions about a new constitution would begin by September 2012 and that Fiji would have a new constitution the following year.

He also told the UN council that although Fijians have a right to freedom of speech, the government placed “limits” on the media in light of national security interests. Vocea also noted that the Public Emergency Regulations implemented by the interim government are not permanent and will soon be lifted.

Various reports indicate that interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama intends to retire as military commander after Fiji holds elections in 2014. However, a spokesman for the Prime Minister stated this is not the case and that Bainimarama would run for the position if the people wanted him to do so.

For more information please see:
Radio Australia News – Fiji replies to UN rights accusers – 12 February 2010

Radio Australia – Fiji PM will not stand down as military commander – 12 February 2010

Radio New Zealand International – Fiji promises improvements in human rights – 12 February 2010

Sydney Morning Herald – Fiji dismisses pressure for elections – 11 February 2010