The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission remains committed to
protecting, promoting and supporting Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in their work.
HRADC chair Pravesh Sharma said HRDs make the world a better and fairer place and solidarity and support are crucial for them.
“HRDs can face risks and threats based on the human rights issues they work on and the rights they promote and protect in their communities.”
“HRDs play a significant role in advocating for and upholding civil, cultural, economic, human, political, and social rights. However, the rights of HRDs have been increasingly
threatened globally.”
“This can be attributed to a global decline in the shrinking of civic spaces. Civic spaces refer to the conditions necessary for civil society actors to meaningfully participate in political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life.”
Sharma said in the context of shrinking civic spaces, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play a vital role in promoting and protecting the rights of HRDs within their jurisdictions and in line with this, the 2018 Marrakesh Declaration established a global framework for NHRIs to take action in support of HRDs’ rights.
“Like HRDs, NHRIs play a critical role in promoting and monitoring the effective implementation of international human rights standards at the national level. ”
“NHRIs occupy a unique position as protectors, monitors and supporters of HRDs.”
He said monitoring the situation of HRDs is central to adequately provide them protection and any personnel whose rights have been breached, are entitled to seek assistance from the Fiji Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Commission.
HRDs include, but are not limited to journalists, lawyers; magistrates & judges; doctors &
other medical practitioners; people who protect persons with disability; environmental & indigenous; LGBTIQ; and women’s rights; civil society organizations and non-governmental organisations.
