The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has faced significant challenges since the 2006 coup, with its reputation suffering due to perceptions that its commissioners were unduly influenced by the appointing authorities. In an effort to restore credibility and ensure the integrity of appointments, FHRADC chairperson Pravesh Sharma announced plans to publicly advertise commissioner positions so that they can be filled based on merit.
Sharma emphasized that this approach is crucial for meeting the standards set by the Global Alliance National Human Rights Institution (GANHRI) in Geneva. He reflected on the commission’s previous status, noting that from 2003 to 2007, it held an A-accreditation, indicating full compliance with human rights principles. However, following the coup, the commission’s status was reevaluated, and it was downgraded due to a failure to adhere to these principles, resulting in the loss of its A-status and leaving it with no accreditation for a significant period.
This proactive step towards merit-based appointments represents a hopeful turning point for the FHRADC. By restoring its reputation and commitment to human rights, the commission aims to regain the confidence of the public and the international community.
In summary, the FHRADC is taking meaningful steps to overcome its troubled past and to strengthen its operations, signaling a commitment to improved governance and human rights advocacy in Fiji.
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