The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has expressed strong disapproval of recent acts of violence attributed to the Fiji Police Force. They highlighted that such brutality represents severe human rights violations and erodes the trust the public places in law enforcement.
In its statement, FHRADC emphasized that the police are responsible for maintaining public safety and must execute their duties with integrity and professionalism, treating every individual with dignity. Alarmingly, there have been recent reports detailing instances of excessive force by police officers, which the Commission finds both troubling and unacceptable.
The Commission recently received three complaints regarding alleged breaches of human rights linked to police actions. One case involved a bystander in Nausori who reportedly experienced physical assault by police, while another described a man who was detained in the Northern division for two weeks, during which he was allegedly subjected to physical violence. Additionally, there were accusations of excessive force used to extract a confession during a caution interview.
In response to these allegations, the Commission is calling for a prompt, fair, and transparent investigation into all claims of police brutality and emphasizes the necessity of accountability for those responsible. They believe that establishing accountability is vital to rebuild public confidence in the justice system and prevent future incidents.
Moreover, the Commission urges the Fiji Police Force to implement comprehensive human rights training for all officers. This training should focus on the importance of restraint, de-escalation tactics, and respect for human dignity during their interactions with the community.
This situation presents a crucial opportunity for the Fiji Police Force to reaffirm its commitment to upholding human rights and restoring public trust. By taking actionable steps towards accountability and education, there is hope for a safer and more respectful relationship between law enforcement and the community.
Summary: The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission condemns police violence and calls for accountability and human rights training within the Fiji Police Force, highlighting the need to restore public trust and improve police-community relations.
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