The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is optimistic that its budget request will be prioritized with the upcoming announcement of the 2025-2026 National Budget. During recent discussions with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Commission outlined significant staff shortages and persistent budget constraints that have affected its operations for several years.
As of now, the Commission is functioning with just 12 employees out of the 35 authorized positions, a sharp contrast to the nine positions filled reported in a 2017 audit. Director Loukinikini Lewaravu emphasized the urgent need for additional funding to adequately meet their responsibilities, stating, “We’re looking at setting up legal units, which we don’t have. More investigating officers. We only have two investigating officers in the SUVA office, and one in Lautoka.” These capacity issues have been ongoing since 2017, significantly hampering the Commission’s ability to investigate human rights issues effectively.
Commissioner Alefina Vuki raised concerns about inequalities in funding, noting that some private institutions appear to be receiving more government support than the Commission, which hinders its capacity to fulfill its mandate. Vuki commented, “When the government provides adequate funding to the institution, it is a clear sign that it is serious about human rights issues in the country.”
The Commission is currently seeking a budget allocation of $6.25 million for the upcoming year. This funding is crucial for enhancing staff salaries to attract qualified candidates, as the Permanent Secretary for Finance has indicated a willingness to assist in realizing this budget proposal.
In light of these developments, it’s encouraging to see the Commission actively advocating for the resources necessary to improve human rights protection in Fiji. A commitment to increasing support for such institutions not only strengthens the operational capabilities of the Commission but also serves as an affirmation of government dedication to upholding human rights and democratic principles. This proactive approach fosters hope for a better equipped and more effective framework for protecting human rights in the country.
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