Fiji has launched its National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF), with Attorney-General Graham Leung announcing the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the nation.
Leung stated that the formation of the NMIRF is pivotal for Fiji’s advancement in these areas. He also highlighted the recent establishment of a Human Rights Taskforce, which received approval from the Cabinet and will play a crucial role in fortifying the human rights framework in Fiji.
The Taskforce, managed by the Office of the Attorney-General, comprises representatives from various government sectors, including the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Elections Office, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and Fiji Corrections Service. This collaborative approach aims to promote widespread cooperation on human rights across governmental agencies.
“Our immediate priority is the development of a web-based monitoring tool and process for human rights,” Leung remarked. He emphasized that these initiatives would enhance reporting and ensure that human rights concerns are addressed by government departments. Leung expressed gratitude to Fiji’s development partners for aiding in this significant progression, underscoring that the Taskforce’s creation is a fundamental commitment to human rights.
“This reflects our determination not just to fulfill international obligations but to foster a society where the rights and dignity of every person are honored and safeguarded,” he added.
The Human Rights Taskforce’s establishment also aligns with Fiji’s commitment to implementing the eleven recommendations accepted during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2019.
Heike Alefsen, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Representative, stated that the NMIRF marks a new chapter in Fiji’s continuous efforts to uphold and advance human rights. She noted that the NMIRF is designed to enhance Fiji’s ability to systematically implement, monitor, and report on the array of human rights recommendations received from UPR, treaty bodies, and special procedures.