Fiji has officially launched its National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF), initiated by Attorney-General Graham Leung. This launch signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Leung emphasized that the introduction of the NMIRF is a vital advancement toward improved governance in Fiji. He also announced the formation of a Human Rights Taskforce, which received recent Cabinet approval, aimed at bolstering the country’s human rights framework.
The Taskforce will be instrumental in coordinating Fiji’s participation with international human rights organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies and the Universal Periodic Review. It will be led by the Office of the Attorney-General and will incorporate members from several government ministries and agencies, including the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Elections Office, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and Fiji Corrections Service. This structure is intended to foster comprehensive collaboration on human rights matters within the government.
“Our primary focus is to create a web-based monitoring tool for human rights,” stated Leung. He emphasized that these initiatives will enhance reporting and ensure human rights considerations are integrated across government agencies. Leung expressed gratitude to Fiji’s development partners for their support in achieving this milestone, highlighting that the Taskforce’s establishment underscores Fiji’s dedication to human rights.
“This reflects our commitment not only to fulfill our international obligations but also to foster a society that respects and safeguards the rights and dignity of every individual,” he added.
The formation of the Human Rights Taskforce is also a demonstration of Fiji’s dedication to executing the eleven Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations that were accepted in 2019.
Heike Alefsen, the Regional Representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that the establishment of Fiji’s NMIRF marks a new phase in the country’s ongoing commitment to uphold and promote human rights. She stated that the NMIRF is designed to enhance Fiji’s capacity to systematically implement, monitor, and report on a broad range of human rights recommendations received from various international bodies, including those from the UPR, treaty bodies, and special procedures.