Fiji’s Human Rights Commission Tackles Controversial Reforms

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) experienced a significant decline in reputation following the 2006 coup, as it was perceived that the commissioners favored the appointing authority. Chairperson Pravesh Sharma highlighted in an interview with The Fiji Times online portal, The Lens@177, that the commission is now taking steps to ensure that the selection process for commissioners is transparent and based on merit. This change aims to eliminate any lingering perceptions that appointees are aligned with those in power.

Sharma pointed out that the current practice of hand-picking commissioners complicates their compliance with the Global Alliance National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) standards in Geneva. The FHRADC lost its A-accreditation status after the coup, which signified full compliance with human rights principles. The commission had held this status from 2003 to 2007. Following the coup, GANHRI determined that FHRADC was no longer adhering to these principles, leading to a withdrawal of its status and subsequent suspension.

Mr. Sharma expressed the commission’s determination to restore its credibility through merit-based appointments. He explained that the distinction between accreditation levels—A for compliant, B for nearly compliant, and no status for non-compliant—underlines the importance of maintaining high standards in human rights advocacy.

In summary, while the FHRADC has faced challenges since 2006, the recent initiatives to advertise commissioner positions and focus on merit could herald a new era of improved governance and accountability for this critical institution. By rebuilding its reputation, the FHRADC has the potential to reinforce its role in upholding human rights in Fiji and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and ethical standards.

This proactive approach could serve as a model for similar institutions globally, highlighting the importance of integrity and public trust in human rights organizations. Ultimately, restoring public confidence in FHRADC’s operations is not just a matter of reputation but also key to the advancement of human rights protections in Fiji.