The chairman of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), Pravesh Sharma, emphasized the importance of upholding human rights for prisoners. In a discussion with The Lens@177, he noted that despite prisoners having committed crimes and serving sentences, they are still human beings deserving of respect and proper conditions.
So far this year, the FHRADC has carried out 15 visits to prisons to assess their conditions, highlighting the need for adequate detention facilities. Mr. Sharma pointed out that the commission has recently established a memorandum of understanding with the Fiji Corrections Services, which allows for unannounced inspections of correctional facilities. This approach aims to provide a more accurate picture of the conditions within prisons, as pre-announced visits could lead to artificially improved environments.
The focus on human rights within the prison system is a positive step towards ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity, regardless of their past actions. This initiative promotes accountability and fosters a culture of respect for fundamental rights in Fijian society.
In summary, the FHRADC is actively working to monitor and improve prison conditions in Fiji, emphasizing that even those convicted of crimes retain their human rights. This commitment to oversight can lead to better rehabilitation opportunities and a more humane approach to criminal justice.
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