Pravesh Sharma, the chairman of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), has emphasized that prisoners retain their human rights, despite their incarceration. In an interview with the Fiji Times, he noted that the commission has conducted 15 inspections of prison conditions this year to ensure their rights are upheld.
While acknowledging that prisoners are serving time for crimes for which they have been convicted, Sharma stated, “At the end of the day, they are human beings” and must have their rights respected. He highlighted the necessity for adequate detention facilities to maintain these rights.
Recently, the FHRADC has established a memorandum of understanding with Fiji Corrections Services, which allows for unannounced inspections of correctional facilities. Sharma pointed out that surprise inspections are crucial for gaining an accurate understanding of the conditions within these facilities, as announced visits could lead to misleading portrayals of the environments.
This commitment to ensuring humane treatment within prisons reflects a positive step towards upholding human rights in Fiji, providing hope for reform that aligns with international human rights standards.
In summary, the efforts by the FHRADC underline the importance of recognizing and respecting the rights of all individuals, including those who are incarcerated. This approach not only aims to improve prison conditions but also fosters a more humane and just society.
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