The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum met with United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women Committee (CEDAW) Member, Ms Bandana Rana yesterday.
Ms Rana commended the Fijian Government on the ratification of the Core 9 International Human Rights Treaties and its commitment to meet its reporting obligations to the UN Treaty Bodies.
She also lauded the Fijian Government on the legislative reforms and Government initiatives to ensure the protection of the rights of women and girls in Fiji.
Ms Rana stated that the UN CEDAW Committee will have its election in 2024 and hopes for a candidate from the South Pacific as there has not been a CEDAW Committee member from the South Pacific region in the last 40 years. This will not only help bring visibility to the South Pacific, but also ensure the plight of the women in this region is advanced.
Recently, Ms Rana and fellow UN CEDAW Committee Member, Natasha Stott Despoja attended the Pacific Governments CEDAW Learning Exchange held in Suva from 12 – 14 July 2022. Fiji participated in the Learning Exchange along with 9 other Pacific Island Countries.
Also in attendance was Heike Alefsen, OHCHR Regional Representative for the Pacific Melissa Stufele, UN Women Officer in Charge, Principal Legal Officer Ms. Suliana Taukei and Legal Officer Tevita Cagilaba both from the Office of the Attorney-General.