The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) issued a statement condemning cyberbullying after reports emerged that a social media influencer’s suicide was allegedly caused by online harassment. According to FWRM, posts from friends and family suggested the death resulted from targeted attacks on the Facebook platform, Chat Fiji.
The organization denounced the psychological violence and character attacks, urging authorities to increase efforts in monitoring online violence. FWRM executive director Nalini Singh emphasized that technologically facilitated gender-based violence on public platforms is harmful and called on the Fiji Police Force’s Cyber Crime Unit, the Online Safety Commission, and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to take immediate action.
Singh stressed the need for accountability in cases of online violence, particularly against marginalized groups, and urged Fijians to practice responsible online behavior by avoiding hate speech. “The virtual space should be a place where people can share their thoughts and opinions freely and responsibly,” she said.