The Acting President and Chief Justice, His Lordship Salesi Temo, officially opened the Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Denarau today (13-11-25).
Held under the theme “Shared Journeys Across the Asia Pacific: Advancing Human Rights,” the conference brought together national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, international and regional experts, and community leaders from across the region to strengthen collaboration in the protection of human rights.
In his opening address, Acting President Temo warmly welcomed returning and new delegates, acknowledging the significance of the gathering in advancing a collective regional approach to human rights challenges. Reflecting on an earlier metaphor shared by the President of the Fiji Court of Appeal, Justice Isikeli Mataitoga, he reiterated the Judiciary and National Human Rights Institutions to the “Fijian Drua” — a traditional double-hulled canoe bound together by “magimagi”, the coconut-fibre rope that symbolises resilience and unity.
“This distinguished assembly is even larger, we gather here not just as the two hulls of the canoe, but as the entire voyaging party. Our shared journey depends on our interwoven efforts and dedication to empower communities and individuals to know and claim their rights, ensuring a more rights-based and inclusive society.” he said.
Highlighting pressing issues facing the region, the Acting President identified climate change, armed conflict, and systemic discrimination against women and minorities as ongoing human rights crises requiring coordinated regional responses.
“For us in the Pacific, climate change is not an abstract policy debate—it is an existential reality, the displacement of communities, the loss of livelihoods, and the threat to our cultural heritage are present-day human rights crises.” he added.
Chief Justice Temo noted that according to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), 676 communities in Fiji face relocation due to rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and landslides. He called for global commitments to be translated into tangible, community-led action which are “grounded in resilience, inclusion, compassion, and justice.”
The Acting President also underscored the importance of strengthening National Human Rights Institutions to ensure they remain independent and fearless advocates for justice and at the same time, protecting human rights defenders and environmental defenders.
“A healthy environment is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other human rights, in particular the absolute right to life itself, our collective duty is to ensure those who champion its protection are heard, protected, and supported,” he said.
“The discussions you will have today are not merely academic, they are an opportunity to weave stronger ropes of cooperation, knowledge, and shared resolve. Your collective wisdom will be the light that guides us to calm waters and safer shores,” he added.
In closing, Acting President Temo commended the Asia Pacific Forum and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission for their leadership in hosting the event and ensuring diverse voices were represented.