Namosi Province has agreed to support the proposed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Speaking at the Namosi Provincial Council meeting, the deputy CEO of the Itaukei Affairs Board, Josefa Toganivalu, highlighted that Fiji was one of the key countries that helped outline the UNDRIP before its adoption by the UN General Assembly in 2007.
At that time, the then government opted not to adopt the declaration, arguing that indigenous rights in Fiji were already adequately upheld and safeguarded.
Toganivalu noted that in 2022, when the Coalition Government came into power, it identified 37 pieces of legislation that undermined the rights of the iTaukei.
“It would take us two years to implement changes,” Toganivalu said. “To review these pieces of legislation, it will take up to one year. To put it into action, it would take two years, factoring in the yearly review.”
Concerns were raised about whether the Mining Act could be amended to suit traditional resource owners. Toganivalu stated that provincial consultations were aimed at addressing such issues.
“Whatever is raised here will be taken up for further consultation,” he said.
The Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, advised council members to agree with the principle, emphasizing the importance of documenting discussions and opinions on necessary changes or implementations.
The UNDRIP’s framework is based on eight aspects of indigenous people. Once the Bose Levu Vakaturaga recognizes the framework, further discussions will be conducted with other government agencies for implementation.