As public submissions opened on the review of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission urged that all Fijians be guaranteed the right to take part in what it called “a defining national conversation.” Director Loukinikini Lewaravu said the consultative phase must allow individuals and groups to freely express views and that the integrity and independence of the Constitutional Review Commission must be protected to maintain public trust.
“As public submissions open on the review of the 2013 Constitution, the Commission emphasises the right of all citizens and entities to voice their views and thoughts during this consultative stage,” Ms Lewaravu said, framing public input as an essential democratic exercise. She described the period of consultation as an opportunity for open debate and said the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (HRADC) itself will prepare and lodge a formal submission to the review process.
Ms Lewaravu pointed to rising public discussion around proposed amendments reportedly linked to submissions by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC). She singled out three broad areas that have sparked controversy: the legal definition of “Fijian,” questions around secularism, and the scope of protections under the Bill of Rights. These topics touch on identity, the relationship between religion and the state, and the constitutional guarantees that underpin civil and political rights.
While acknowledging the existence of differing opinions, the HRADC director stressed that even contentious or unpopular positions must be allowed a place in consultations so long as they are expressed freely and honestly. “The Commission equally respects the right of the GCC, along with every individual and entity, to freely and honestly express their views… however seemingly controversial these views may be,” she said, underscoring the commission’s commitment to inclusive public engagement.
The HRADC’s decision to submit its own recommendations is significant: it signals an intention to engage directly with the constitutional questions from a human-rights perspective and to set out principled positions on issues that could reshape legal protections and civic relationships. The Commission’s participation reinforces its statutory role in promoting and protecting human rights and anti-discrimination standards in Fiji.
The call for broad participation comes amid a period of heightened public interest in constitutional change, with civic groups, customary authorities and political actors contributing to debate. Lewaravu warned that the legitimacy of any amendments will depend not just on their content but on the transparency and perceived independence of the review process itself. Maintaining faith in the Constitutional Review Commission, she said, will be essential to securing a settled outcome that commands public confidence.
As submissions continue, the HRADC’s public statement frames participation and respect for free expression as prerequisites for a credible constitutional review. The Commission’s own forthcoming submission is likely to address the human rights implications of any proposed changes, particularly those touching on identity, religion and the Bill of Rights.
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