Fiji’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF) was officially launched by Attorney-General Graham Leung yesterday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to foster a more transparent, accountable, and rights-oriented society.
Leung noted that the establishment of the NMIRF is a vital advancement in Fiji’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability. He highlighted the recent Cabinet approval for the creation of a Human Rights Taskforce, which will play a key role in bolstering the country’s human rights framework.
The Taskforce, led by the Office of the Attorney-General, will coordinate Fiji’s interactions with international human rights organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, the Universal Periodic Review, and the Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures. It comprises representatives from several government ministries and agencies, including the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Elections Office, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and Fiji Corrections Service.
This collaborative approach aims to promote extensive cooperation on human rights matters across government sectors. “Our immediate priority includes developing a web-based monitoring tool and process for human rights,” Leung stated. He emphasized that these initiatives would improve reporting and ensure that human rights concerns are addressed by government agencies. Leung expressed gratitude to Fiji’s development partners for their support in achieving this important milestone, underscoring that the creation of the Taskforce is a critical commitment to human rights.
“It reflects our determination not only to meet our international obligations but also to foster a society that respects and protects the rights and dignity of every individual,” he added.
The formation of the Human Rights Taskforce also underscores Fiji’s commitment to implementing the eleven Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations that were accepted in 2019. Heike Alefsen, Regional Representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, remarked that the establishment of Fiji’s NMIRF signifies a new chapter in the country’s ongoing journey to uphold and promote human rights. She remarked that the NMIRF is designed to enhance Fiji’s capacity to systematically implement, monitor, and report on various human rights recommendations it has received, including those from UPR, treaty bodies, and special procedures.