Fiji’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF) was officially launched yesterday by Attorney-General Graham Leung, marking a key development in the nation’s pursuit of enhanced transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Leung emphasized that the launch of the NMIRF is an essential step in advancing Fiji’s commitment to these principles. He mentioned that the newly formed Human Rights Taskforce, which gained recent Cabinet approval, will play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s human rights framework.
The Taskforce is responsible for coordinating Fiji’s interactions with various 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. Led by the Office of the Attorney-General, this initiative involves representatives from multiple government 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 promote comprehensive 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 added that these initiatives would improve reporting and ensure that government agencies adequately address human rights issues. He also expressed gratitude to Fiji’s development partners for their support in achieving this significant milestone, highlighting that the Taskforce’s formation underscores the country’s dedication to human rights.
“It reflects our commitment not just to fulfill our international obligations but also to foster a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld and safeguarded,” he noted.
The creation of the Human Rights Taskforce also signifies Fiji’s commitment to executing the eleven Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations accepted in 2019. Heike Alefsen, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Representative, remarked that the establishment of Fiji’s NMIRF signifies a new chapter in the ongoing effort to uphold and enhance human rights in the nation. She highlighted that the NMIRF is designed to bolster the country’s capability to systematically implement, monitor, and report on the diverse range of human rights recommendations it has received, including those from the UPR, treaty bodies, and special procedures.