The CIVICUS Monitor, an initiative from the global civil society group CIVICUS, has completed an assessment of civic space conditions in 198 countries over the last year. Their findings, which provide a snapshot of civil liberties across the globe, have been published in the report titled “People Power Under Attack 2024.”
Through data collection from various civil society organizations, the report documents incidents of protests, censorship, arrests of human rights defenders, and harassment, assigning each country a score between 0 and 100. Higher scores indicate a more open and inclusive civic environment.
In a notable development, Fiji received an improved civic space rating, moving from “Obstructed” to “Narrowed.” This change acknowledges increased opportunities for civil engagement and a rise in respect for fundamental freedoms attributed to significant governmental efforts over the past two years. Key initiatives include the repeal of a restrictive media law that had curtailed press freedom since 2010 and the lifting of politically motivated travel bans on government dissenters.
Furthermore, the report highlights advancements in the autonomy of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and plans for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address historical injustices. Josef Benedict, Asia Pacific Researcher at the CIVICUS Monitor, remarked on the importance of civil society’s role in this progress and emphasized the need for ongoing consultation between the government and civil entities as Fiji aims for further improvements.
Fiji’s civic space score has increased by 8 points this year, moving from 56 to 64, placing it within the “narrowed” category globally. Despite this positive shift, the report notes that challenges remain, such as the unrevised Public Order Act, which authorities still leverage to limit peaceful assembly and expression. Instances of denied permissions for protests, particularly regarding human rights issues in Palestine, and intimidation tactics against demonstrators persist.
Looking forward, Benedict stressed the importance of revising and repealing laws that suppress dissenting voices and called for protection of the right to peaceful protests without discrimination to help Fiji transition to a more open civic environment by 2025.
The report also sheds light on the broader Asia-Pacific context, noting generally favorable conditions for civic space in the region. However, countries like Papua New Guinea and Nauru are classified as “Obstructed.” The report identifies intensified censorship efforts, especially in China, North Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan, and India, where access to information critical of the state has been systematically restricted.
In summary, while Fiji shows promising advancements in civic space, ongoing challenges must be addressed to ensure sustained growth in openness and inclusivity. Recognizing these efforts and reinforcing the role of civil society can help pave the way for a more vibrant democratic environment in the region. The outlook, while difficult, hangs on the hope that concerted efforts can lead to a future where civic freedoms are fully realized and protected.
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