The Chairman of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Pravesh Sharma, has emphasized that prisoners retain human rights, as reported in an interview with The Lens@177. In light of this assertion, the Commission has undertaken 15 inspections of prison facilities this year to evaluate the conditions within these institutions.
Mr. Sharma pointed out that while individuals are incarcerated due to their crimes and have gone through a legal process, it is essential to remember that they are still human beings deserving of basic rights. He affirmed the importance of maintaining humane conditions and adequate facilities for inmates.
In a positive step, the Commission recently established a memorandum of understanding with the Fiji Corrections Services, granting them the authority to conduct inspections of correctional facilities without prior notice. This approach ensures that the true state of the facilities can be assessed, as announced visits may give a distorted view of the conditions.
This initiative underscores a commitment to uphold the rights of all individuals, advocating for humane treatment even within the justice system. It highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain accountability and improve the prison environment in Fiji.
Overall, this movement signals a hopeful trend towards reinforcing human rights for all, even those who have made mistakes, and emphasizes the need for transparency in the justice system.
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