(Geneva, 10 March 2016): As the Human Rights Council of the United Nations continues its work at the 31st session, Fiji's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Nazhat Shameem Khan today responded to the annual report at the interactive debate with Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Fiji thanks the High Commissioner for his Report on the work of his Office both in Geneva and on the field. In particular, Fiji acknowledges the challenges inherent in the work of the High Commissioner, often manifested in legislative and policy barriers to the development of human rights in the domestic sphere,” said Ambassador Khan.
“The presence of a Pacific regional office of the High Commissioner in Suva is important for ensuring an equitable share of attention on the transition towards a human rights culture in the Pacific Island countries. Its retention is important for Fiji and for all Pacific Island countries.”
“The 2030 Agenda is a promise to all the world's people. In it, States declare ‘We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want, and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind.’ This is a profoundly welcome commitment,” said Mr Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in his report to the Human Rights Council..
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) established a regional presence for the Pacific in Suva in August 2005, covering human rights related work in 16 countries in the region. Based on the global mandate, OHCHR Regional Office for the Pacific provides expert advice and technical assistance to different government offices, encourages and assists governments and civil society to actively engage with the international human rights mechanisms and documents on human rights situations. The latter contributes significantly to the outcomes presented in the annual report, which was officially presented today in Geneva.
“The Pacific is a region which is often neither seen nor heard at international meetings, and although Fiji has done its best in Geneva to be as present as possible, the representatives of the State Fiji cannot always speak for the entire Pacific, a region which is as vast as it is varied in terms of laws and policies on human rights,” commented H.E. Shameem Khan at the Council debate.
In her statement, Ambassador Shameem Khan said that Fiji is doing its best to create a human rights culture in the country and noted that the main barrier the society is facing today is a historical refusal to accept equality as the best basis for democracy. On behalf of Fiji, Her Excellency further expressed country’s readiness for a constructive and positive engagement with the High Commissioner’s local office in Suva to develop a joint agenda that would help create an equal society in Fiji.