Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) chairman, Pravesh Sharma, emphasized that prisoners possess human rights during a recent statement. Speaking to The Lens@177, he highlighted that the commission has conducted 15 visits to prisons this year to evaluate the living conditions within these facilities.
Mr. Sharma acknowledged that while individuals are incarcerated for crimes they have committed, they remain human beings deserving of respect and dignity. He stated that adequate detention facilities must be provided to uphold these rights.
Additionally, the FHRADC has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Fiji Corrections Services, granting the commission the authority to conduct unannounced inspections of correctional facilities. Mr. Sharma pointed out that surprise visits are essential for accurately assessing the conditions of police stations or correctional facilities.
This commitment to human rights reflects an important step toward ensuring that even those who are incarcerated are treated with dignity and respect. It represents a hopeful move towards promoting a more humane approach to corrections in Fiji, fostering positive change in the treatment of prisoners while maintaining accountability within the justice system.
In summary, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission continues to advocate for the rights of prisoners, affirming that they are entitled to humane treatment even while serving their sentences.
Leave a comment