Fiji’s coalition government is under increasing scrutiny following accusations of human rights violations. The allegations were raised during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day held in Suva, where the Fiji NGO Coalition for Human Rights (NGOCHR) criticized the administration for what it described as a “lack of commitment to human rights.”
Shamima Ali, the chair of NGOCHR, compared the current coalition government to the previous FijiFirst administration, claiming that both have failed to uphold fundamental freedoms. Speaking to over 400 activists at the event, Ali expressed concerns over the suppression of freedom of expression and the government’s inability to address pressing human rights issues. She criticized the continued enforcement of the Public Order Amendment Act, stating it restricts freedom of expression and assembly. “Two years into this government, which many hoped would bring change, this Act remains unchanged,” she remarked.
Ali further claimed that significant government decisions lacked fairness and frequently undermined women in leadership positions. “Nepotism and cronyism persist across successive administrations, with party supporters often granted positions without regard for merit, diversity, or representation,” she asserted. Additionally, Ali highlighted that women leaders faced rampant misogyny, including sexism and online harassment, which she described as troubling and systemic.
Government’s Response to Criticism
Responding to these accusations, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya acknowledged the concerns raised by civil society organizations. She emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue to address these issues, reiterating Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s administration’s commitment to human rights.
Minister Tabuya addressed the gathering with a candid acknowledgement of the government’s shortcomings. “I am willing to hear and accept the criticisms levelled against the government,” she said. However, she cautioned that not all members of the administration might share the same openness to critique. She called for stronger collaboration between the government and civil society, emphasizing that sustainable change requires collective efforts.
Calls for Collaborative Action
Tabuya stressed the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, including traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups, in tackling the country’s human rights challenges. “The government cannot achieve these goals alone,” she noted. A cross-sector approach, she argued, was essential to addressing the concerns raised by activists.
While critics like Ali saw the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue as a positive step, they remained sceptical and demanded concrete action. Ali stated that true progress requires the government to prioritize reforms, particularly by amending restrictive legislation like the Public Order Amendment Act and ensuring fairness in decision-making processes.
Challenges and the Path Forward
The criticisms directed at the coalition government highlight the complexities of governance in Fiji, where longstanding issues of nepotism, cronyism, and gender inequality remain pervasive. Activists have urged the administration to demonstrate a genuine commitment to human rights by implementing reforms and fostering an inclusive and merit-based approach to governance.
Meanwhile, the call for dialogue and collaboration between the government and civil society represents a potential pathway to address these challenges. As Minister Tabuya pointed out, bridging the gap between government policies and public expectations requires partnerships built on trust and mutual accountability.
In conclusion, the ongoing scrutiny of Fiji’s coalition government underscores the urgency for systemic reforms to uphold human rights and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. While the administration has expressed its commitment to listening and engaging with stakeholders, the effectiveness of these efforts will ultimately depend on its ability to translate dialogue into meaningful action. Undoubtedly, Fiji’s leadership faces a challenging road ahead, but they must pursue it with determination and a clear vision for progress.
