Namosi Province has expressed its support for the proposed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). During the Namosi Provincial Council meeting, Josefa Toganivalu, the deputy CEO of the Itaukei Affairs Board, highlighted Fiji’s role in shaping the UNDRIP before it was ratified by the UN General Assembly in 2007. Despite Fiji’s involvement, the government at that time did not adopt the declaration, believing that indigenous rights were sufficiently protected.
Toganivalu mentioned that the Coalition Government, which came into power in 2022, identified 37 legislative pieces that compromised iTaukei rights. “It would take us two years to implement changes,” he stated, adding that reviewing these laws would require one year, with implementation taking an additional two years, including annual reviews.
Concerns were voiced about amending the Mining Act to benefit traditional resource owners. Toganivalu emphasized that provincial consultations serve this purpose, saying, “Whatever is raised here will be taken up for further consultation.”
Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, the Tui Namosi, urged council members to agree with the principle of supporting indigenous rights. He stressed the importance of documenting discussions and opinions on necessary changes. The UNDRIP framework focuses on eight aspects of indigenous people’s rights.
Once the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, the Great Council of Chiefs, acknowledges the framework, further talks will be held with other government bodies to ensure its implementation.