Fiji has officially launched its National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF) as announced by Attorney-General Graham Leung, representing a vital step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the nation.
Leung emphasized that the NMIRF’s creation is key to fostering greater integrity in government practices. He noted that the newly approved Human Rights Taskforce will be instrumental in bolstering Fiji’s human rights framework. This Taskforce will coordinate the country’s interactions with international human rights organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, the Universal Periodic Review, and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.
The Taskforce, overseen by the Office of the Attorney-General, will include representatives from several governmental entities such as the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Elections Office, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and the Fiji Corrections Service. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the government’s efforts to address human rights issues comprehensively.
“Our immediate priority is to develop a web-based tool for monitoring human rights,” Leung stated, highlighting that this initiative will improve reporting and ensure that all government agencies adequately address human rights concerns. He expressed gratitude to Fiji’s development partners for their assistance in achieving this milestone, noting that the establishment of the Taskforce is a significant stride in Fiji’s dedication to human rights.
Leung asserted that this initiative demonstrates Fiji’s commitment to fulfilling its international responsibilities and fostering a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are honored.
Moreover, the establishment of the Human Rights Taskforce signifies Fiji’s dedication to implementing the eleven Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations accepted in 2019. Heike Alefsen, the Regional Representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, remarked that the launch of Fiji’s NMIRF heralds a new phase in the country’s continuing efforts to promote and protect human rights. She explained that the NMIRF is intended to enhance Fiji’s capacity to systematically execute, monitor, and report on various human rights recommendations it has received, including those from UPR, treaty bodies, and special procedures.