Namosi Province has pledged its support for the proposed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
During the Namosi Provincial Council meeting, Josefa Toganivalu, the deputy CEO of the Itaukei Affairs Board, noted that Fiji was instrumental in outlining the UNDRIP before it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007. Despite this, the government at that time chose not to adopt the declaration, asserting that indigenous rights in Fiji were already adequately safeguarded.
Toganivalu highlighted that when the Coalition Government came to power in 2022, it recognized 37 pieces of legislation undermining the rights of the iTaukei people.
“It would take us two years to implement changes,” Toganivalu remarked. “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 also raised about whether the Mining Act could be amended to better suit traditional resource owners. Toganivalu responded that provincial consultation aims to address such concerns, stating, “Whatever is raised here will be taken up for further consultation.”
The Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, urged council members to support the principle. He emphasized the importance of documenting discussions and opinions on necessary changes or implementations.
The UNDRIP framework is based on eight key aspects of indigenous peoples’ rights. Once recognized by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, further discussions will be held with other government agencies for implementation.