The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has faced significant “reputational damage” following the 2006 coup, as concerns arose regarding the perceived bias of the commissioners towards the appointing authority. Pravesh Sharma, the chairperson of FHRADC, highlighted these issues during an interview with The Fiji Times, where he elaborated on the need for a transparent selection process for commissioners.
Currently, the FHRADC is moving forward with a plan to advertise the commissioners’ positions. This step aims to ensure that individuals are selected based on their qualifications and merit rather than being perceived as being favored by those in power. Sharma emphasized that the previous practice of appointing commissioners without a competitive process hindered their ability to meet the obligations set by the Global Alliance National Human Rights Institution (GANHRI) based in Geneva.
The commission’s credibility has been seriously affected since the aftermath of the 2006 coup, having lost its A-accreditation from GANHRI—a ranking that signifies full compliance with human rights principles. From 2003 to 2007, FHRADC enjoyed an A-status, but after the coup, the commission was deemed non-compliant, leading to its accreditation being withdrawn and ultimately suspended by GANHRI.
Sharma indicated that the commission is taking proactive steps towards mending its reputation and adhering to human rights standards. By focusing on merit-based appointments, they hope not only to restore their status but also to strengthen their commitment to human rights in Fiji.
In summary, the FHRADC is actively working to rehabilitate its image and functionality by ensuring a fair and transparent appointment process for its commissioners, signaling an important move towards accountability and transparency in human rights advocacy.
This effort to restore credibility and alignment with international standards provides hope for a more robust human rights framework in Fiji, encouraging public trust and confidence in the commission’s dedication to upholding human rights.
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