Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 20th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Fiji
29 October 2014
Australia welcomes the delegation from Fiji and appreciates its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review Process.
Australia welcomed Fiji’s historic elections on 17 September 2014 and congratulated Fiji on taking this important step in its return to democracy. We welcomed the provisional statement of the Multinational Observer Group of 18 September which found that the elections were credible.
It will be important to build on the successful elections including by supporting the role that civil society and the media play in democracies.
Australia notes the importance of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. Australia recommends Fiji appoint a Chairperson to the Commission. Australia also recommends Fiji take steps to seek the Commission’s reaccreditation under the Paris Principles.
Australia commends Fiji on its acceptance of an International Labour Organisation Direct Contacts Mission following the elections. It will be important for Fiji to continue to engage closely with labour partners. Australia recommends that Fiji conclude the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on the future of labour relations in Fiji.