The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has reiterated the country’s legal stance against hate speech, emphasizing that expressions denigrating other religions are unlawful. This assertion follows a major incident involving a viral video of a preacher, who is suspected to be a law enforcement officer, making offensive comments about different faiths. As outlined in Section 17(3)(a)(i) of Fiji’s Constitution, advocating for hatred or inciting violence against anyone based on religious beliefs is strictly prohibited.
FHRADC director, Loukinikini Lewaravu, voiced strong condemnation of such remarks, highlighting that they contradict the core constitutional values aimed at ensuring equality and mutual respect among the nation’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic population. “Fiji is a secular state founded on the principles of equality, dignity, and social harmony,” Lewaravu stated, urging that these principles should govern all religious dialogues.
She further stressed that while freedom of religion and expression are constitutional rights, they do not grant license to incite hatred. Lewaravu emphasized that speakers from religious platforms should foster unity and understanding rather than divide communities. She highlighted that hate-filled rhetoric threatens the harmony that is essential for peaceful coexistence and undermines the interconnectedness denoted by the cultural concept of “vanua,” which signifies community well-being in Fiji.
The FHRADC’s reminder also aligns with previous warnings against hate speech, which is not protected under freedom of expression as per international human rights law, specifically Article 20(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). According to Lewaravu, Fiji’s laws intricately balance the right to free speech with the imperative to protect the rights and dignity of others.
This call to action has garnered support from various community leaders, who echo the sentiments that respect and dialogue are vital for maintaining social harmony in Fiji. The collective aspiration is to reinforce a societal framework where every individual can express their religious beliefs freely without fear of vilification, thereby contributing to a future marked by inclusivity and understanding among Fiji’s diverse communities.
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