"I am therefore asking all political parties to refrain from politicising this highly-sensitive issue, recognise the humanity of this individual and the enormous trauma he is going through and let the relevant authorities address this issue keeping in mind not only the legislative framework governing Fiji in relation to immigration but also our human rights obligations." - Ashwin Raj
Ashwin Raj reads out the Refugee Convention act The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has strongly condemned statements made by the FLP and other political parties who had called for the immediate arrest of the Iranian Refugee Loghman Sawari who is seeking political asylum in Fiji
"I wish to remind the Fiji Labour Party and all other political actors that apart from the national legislations pertaining to immigration, Fiji succeeded to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1972 and therefore, Fiji has legal and moral obligations in relation to international human rights norms and conventions," said director Ashwin Raj.
In a statement issued yesterday, he cited Article 31 (1) of the 1951 Convention, which said that Contracting States would not impose penalties, on account of the illegal entry or presence of refugees who came from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened.
The convention said this was provided the refugees presented themselves without delay to the authorities and showed good cause for their illegal entry or presence.
Mr Raj said the convention also clearly stated that Contracting States would not apply restriction of movement other than that which was necessary until the refugees status in the country was regularised or if they obtained admission into another country.
"I am therefore asking all political parties to refrain from politicising this highly-sensitive issue, recognise the humanity of this individual and the enormous trauma he is going through and let the relevant authorities address this issue keeping in mind not only the legislative framework governing Fiji in relation to immigration but also our human rights obligations." Source: Fiji Times, 2 February 2017
"I wish to remind the Fiji Labour Party and all other political actors that apart from the national legislations pertaining to immigration, Fiji succeeded to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1972 and therefore, Fiji has legal and moral obligations in relation to international human rights norms and conventions," said director Ashwin Raj.
In a statement issued yesterday, he cited Article 31 (1) of the 1951 Convention, which said that Contracting States would not impose penalties, on account of the illegal entry or presence of refugees who came from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened.
The convention said this was provided the refugees presented themselves without delay to the authorities and showed good cause for their illegal entry or presence.
Mr Raj said the convention also clearly stated that Contracting States would not apply restriction of movement other than that which was necessary until the refugees status in the country was regularised or if they obtained admission into another country.
"I am therefore asking all political parties to refrain from politicising this highly-sensitive issue, recognise the humanity of this individual and the enormous trauma he is going through and let the relevant authorities address this issue keeping in mind not only the legislative framework governing Fiji in relation to immigration but also our human rights obligations." Source: Fiji Times, 2 February 2017
