Relevant stakeholders and non-governmental organizations have expressed concerns that the immunity provisions included in the 2013 Constitution could pave the way for future coups and should therefore be eliminated.
These concerns were detailed in the Fiji National Security and Defence Review Report (NSDR), which argues that the immunity clause encourages a culture of coups and undermines the stability of Fiji. The report was publicly presented by Independent Review Lead James Sanday, along with NSDR Editorial Board Chairperson Satish Chand, Shailendra Singh, and Ana Rokomokoti on Tuesday.
The report notes that the leadership of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) recognizes the low and fragile levels of community trust. It states, “Trust in the security forces that existed in their commitment to serving the people and protecting their legislated rights was eroded following each coup.”
It further observes that the 2013 Constitution has not succeeded in rebuilding this trust, as it expanded the military’s mandate under Section 131 (2), which assigned a guardian role to the RFMF. However, confidence in the security agencies to carry out this role has been compromised due to past human rights violations.
The report also recounts an incident involving armed soldiers and police entering Bau Island to arrest a chief and his herald during a traditional ceremony. This event is cited as an example of the security forces overstepping their bounds, with ongoing concerns surrounding the RFMF primarily rooted in its actions during the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006.
Civil service stakeholders and civil society organizations (CSOs) shared their experiences of human rights abuses at the hands of security forces. Many highlighted the suppression and violation of their civil rights during the coups and their aftermath, pointing to the threat of future military intervention in politics as an ongoing issue that continues to erode public trust.
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