LEAP FROG: We wonder what porky Ashwin Raj told the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions for FHRC to be re-admitted after 15 years. Criteria is for FHRC must be independent of Government

UTTER SECRECY: Raj never revealed that he was secretly negotiating for re-admittance, for if he had done, we would have argued against the re-admittance of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, a howling lapdog of the FijiFirst Party government

Fiji has been re-admitted to the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions after a lapse of 15 years.

Director Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Ashwin Raj confirms Fiji was accredited on Monday night after months of intense lobbying, submission of documents, and rigorous interview processes.

“It’s been an incredibly taxing journey, but it’s paid off. We are a commission that is recognized in the eyes of the international community. We have a voice of our own, we have a standing internationally and at home. People might agree to disagree with the issues and might disagree with the stance we’ve taken but it does not suffuse the fact that we are a credible, recognized human rights commission.”

Raj says the Commission had to demonstrate its work and achievements as a human rights body as well as engage with international stakeholders to re-establish formal ties.

He says the fact that Fiji has been re-admitted to one of the highest international bodies for human rights issues is testament to the work done locally.

“There are hoards of people who come to us. They have nothing to eat, who have nowhere to go, escaping a situation of violence or discrimination. So for elite lawyers and civil society organizations, it might be a non-issue but for ordinary people, these are serious issues.”

Fiji was removed from the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions in 2007.

National Human Rights InstitutionsNational Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are mandated to protect and promote human rights at a national level. They are independent of governments and civil society and have the task of ensuring international human rights commitments are effectively translated into action, enabling all citizens enjoyment of their rights.

NHRIs differ in how they fulfil their mandate, but broadly these activities include:

• monitoring and investigating human rights issues;
• advocating for individuals and groups in need of protection;
• engaging with UN human rights mechanisms to hold State’s accountable for their human rights record;
• providing education and awareness-raising to inform the public of their rights;
• promoting access to justice and legal assistance;
• providing recommendations to bodies such as governments and businesses to enhance compliance with human rights obligations.

NHRIs work together to tackle global human rights issues and advance international human rights protections.

Paris Principles

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) organise themselves around the Paris Principles which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.

These Principles require NHRIs to:

• Protect human rights, including by receiving, investigating and resolving complaints, mediating conflicts and monitoring activities; and
• Promote human rights, through education, outreach, the media, publications, training and capacity building, as well as advising and assisting the Government.
  
• The CFNHRI expects all members to strive towards and support each other to achieve full compliance with Paris Principles in the protection and promotion of human rights.