Fiji has officially launched its National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF), an initiative announced yesterday by Attorney-General Graham Leung. This development signifies an important step in the nation’s effort to foster a society characterized by transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Leung emphasized that the NMIRF’s formation is essential for advancing Fiji’s standards of transparency and accountability. He also highlighted the establishment of the Human Rights Taskforce, which recently received approval from the Cabinet. This Taskforce is set to enhance Fiji’s human rights infrastructure.
The primary function of the Taskforce is to oversee Fiji’s interactions with international human rights entities, such as the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, the Universal Periodic Review, and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. The Taskforce, managed by the Office of the Attorney-General, involves representatives from various governmental bodies, including the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Elections Office, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and the Fiji Corrections Service. This collaborative effort aims to foster broader cooperation on human rights issues across the government.
“Our immediate priority includes developing a web-based monitoring tool and process for human rights,” Leung stated. He highlighted that such measures will improve reporting and ensure that human rights concerns are adequately addressed by government agencies. He expressed gratitude to Fiji’s development partners for their assistance in achieving this milestone, underscoring that the creation of the Taskforce is pivotal to the country’s dedication to human rights.
“This reflects our commitment not only to fulfill our international duties but also to build a society where every person’s rights and dignity are honored and safeguarded,” he added.
The formation of the Human Rights Taskforce also aligns with Fiji’s pledge to implement the eleven recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) accepted in 2019. Heike Alefsen, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Representative, remarked that the establishment of the NMIRF opens a new chapter in Fiji’s ongoing pursuit of upholding and advancing human rights. She noted that the NMIRF aims to bolster the country’s capability to systematically implement, monitor, and report on the diverse set of human rights recommendations received, including those from the UPR and other treaty bodies and special procedures.