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Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008 Website: www.ccf.org.fj ISSN: 1996-5281 Racial discrimination in to be discussed by CERD in Geneva Fiji’s periodic reports to the Committee on namely: CCF, Women’s Action for are covered in the submission include: the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Change (WAC), and Ecumenical Centre • the four coups and its impacts; (CERD) will be discussed in Geneva on 19 for Research, Education and Advocacy • history of reporting to the Committee and 20 February 2008. (ECREA). A draft submission was sent to on CERD by Fiji; the Reconciliation, Tol- The non-government organisations’ ‘Sub- CERD, in Geneva, on 31 October 2007. The erance and Unity Bill of 2005; mission to CERD Concerning the Repub- final NGOs submission was sent to Ge- neva on 19 January 2008. • preferential treatment by previous gov- lic of the Fiji Islands’ identified the race- ernments; based communal voting system and the lack The submission assesses, from the civil of a national identity for all citizens as society point of view, the quality and ex- • race-based affirmative action in education major problems of racial discrimination in tent of efforts made by the Government and other areas; Fiji. of Fiji since 2002 to comply with its obli- • unresolved land issues and growth of A PDF copy of the submission can be gations under the CERD Convention. In squatter settlements; viewed at the Citizens’ Constitutional Fo- response to a request by the Committee • disproportionate immigration of Indo-Fi- rum (CCF) website: www.ccf.org.fj. The on CERD, the Fiji Government on 20 June jians; 2006 submitted its 2005 and 2006 reports submission was made possible through • racist provisions in the Immigration Act together in one document. Its last submis- funding from the European Union. 2003; sion was made to the Committee in 2002. The submission has been endorsed by three • suicide rates; Fiji non-government organisations, Issues relating to racial discrimination, that (continued on page 6) Charter meet Citizens march for human rights The first meeting of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF) took place at the Tradewinds Hotel Convention Centre in Lami, Fiji. The meeting was opened by the President of the Republic of the Fiji Islands H.E. , followed by speeches by the co-chairs: Interim Prime Minister Commo- dore Voreqe Bainimarama (representing government) and His Grace Archbishop Petero Mataca (representing civil society). 34 members attended the first NCBBF meeting including Chief Executive Officer of CCF Rev Akuila Yabaki. On behalf of NCBBF members, Rev Yabaki gave a vote of thanks, stating that he was honoured to speak on behalf of citi- Traffic in central Suva came to a standstill around midday on 10 December 2007, as people zens and communities that make up our marched through the capital to commemorate International Human Rights Day. The march wonderful country Fiji. He thanked all for was organised by the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF). Several non-government (continued on page 2) organizations joined the march. Full story on page 6. Editor’s notes Human rights song competition The deadline for entries to the Human entries. For further information, contact Democracy and human rights are widely Rights Song Competition has been ex- Mosmi Bhim on phone: 3308379 or email: used concepts now but still very little tended to 29 February 2008. [email protected]. understood. People know more about what rights they have, however, not eve- The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum Entries should be posted or hand delivered ryone is willing to acknowledge their (CCF) launched the competition on 28 to: Song Competition, Citizens’ Constitu- responsibilities towards rights and December 2007 through advertisements. tional Forum, 25 Berry Road, Suva; PO Box freedoms of other human beings. The initial deadline of 31 January 2008 has 12584, Suva. been extended to give time for more en- This continues to be a challenging aspect tries. of democracy and human rights educa- tion work. Individuals are invited to submit lyrics for a song on human rights. Students are en- Conflict cannot be resolved through en- couraged to participate. trenched positions of non-engagement. Nor can it be resolved without the par- Song entries will be judged on the follow- ticipation and commitment of all parties ing criteria: to the conflict. To build a better future, 1. Must be based on human rights. the lessons and mistakes of the past must 2. Must be in English and can include local be acknowledged. This is the message Fiji slangs. that CCF takes to the Charter process. 3. The song must reflect the Fiji situation. Tutaka - Published by: CCF, 25 Berry Rd, 4. Should be adequate for a 3 to 4 minute PO Box 12584, Suva, Fiji. song. Masthead design: Jo Uluinaceva Template design: Mosmi Bhim 5. Entries should be in the form of a voice Editor: Mosmi Bhim cassette or CD, accompanied by the writ- Contact: [email protected] ten lyrics. Ph: (679) 3308379, Fax: (679) 3308380 CCF staff Marie-Pierre Hazera (left) and Printer: Bluebird Printery Ltd The best song will be recorded to be aired. Marama show their Human Rights Day t- Prizes will be awarded to the best three shirts, being sold at the CCF Office for FJ$12. First NCBBF meeting to prepare Charter (continued from page 1) or so has been that out of the crises, we nations are much more difficult. Priests and this historic first meeting of the National have made attempts to build and improve Ministers of religions are no better Council for Building a Better Fiji. the basis of constitutional governance. Our equipped than anybody else in the under- problem has been that we have not been standing of this more complex dynamic. Below are extracts from Rev Yabaki’s vote able to make it work, in accordance with We must learn from each other through of thanks. the enshrined constitutional principles, and analysis and dialogue towards constructive “I thank your Excellency the President, for to sustain democratic governance. How- solutions. Russell Daye, A Canadian Theo- your inspiring words of encouragement, for ever, our people are learning through ex- logian (who is an expert on the South Af- all our communities and the nation, to work perience the difficulties and challenges of rican experience of national reconciliation) together in this process of constructive moving towards a better-governed coun- and who used to teach at the Pacific Theo- engagement and trust-based dialogue. try, based on tolerance, trust and co-opera- logical College, states that political forgive- Consultation and consensus building to- tion. ness and reconciliation can be a long his- wards a People’s Charter for Change and I also wish to congratulate and thank all torical process involving generations. Progress begins with us here today and the inaugural members of the National Ladies and gentlemen, the task of helping then, we try to extend it to our fellow citi- Council for Building a Better Fiji, includ- in the recovery and rebuilding of our na- zens and communities. ing those who have formed the nucleus tion is a challenge that we do not take I thank Commodore Bainimarama and Technical and Support Secretariat, for your lightly because it is massive and difficult. members of his interim Government, past generosity of spirit, courage and patriotic We can only make a start and unfinished and present, for their wisdom, foresight loyalty in giving your support and com- work may have to be passed on to others, and resolution, in initiating this process mitment to the work of charting our way even future generations, who we hope will that is very much needed at this time. For forward towards a better Fiji for all. appreciate what we achieve (or may not some of us civil society organizations, af- Finally I would like to say that one of the achieve) at the end of this process. We ter much soul searching and debate, we strong reasons that some of us in civil so- must remain open to dialogue with those came to the conclusion that this initiative ciety organizations have supported this who at this stage will not join us. I pray is the most practical and constructive way initiative is because we see it as a broad that God will inspire and guide us in all forward to get our country back to elec- societal and political transformative proc- our efforts to move this country towards a toral democracy. But a better democracy ess that can begin to heal the wounds of better future for all. then what we have had in the past, one that our recent history, and achieve a greater Once again, thank you to our leaders and is more broadly supported, more deeply measure of reconciliation on all sides. all of you who have decided to commit rooted and sustainable over the long term. The concepts of political forgiveness and yourselves to this important worthwhile Our experience in Fiji over the last 30 years reconciliation involving communities and undertaking.” 2 Tutaka Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008 Human rights, good governance workshop The Grassroots Education Workshop on talk by Rev Yabaki on Human Rights and Good Governance was Basic Human Rights and conducted at the Salvation Army Hall at Good Governance con- Grantham Road, Raiwaqa on 30 October cepts. These were ex- 2007. plained in vernacular – in The workshop was conducted by the Citi- Fijian and Hindi. zens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) The introductory talk through its staff Rev Akuila Yabaki and was very useful as par- Mosmi Bhim, by way of participatory ticipants were able to learning exercises. understand the concepts The workshop targeted participants from by asking for explana- squatter communities that are located be- tions in the vernacular tween the Suva-Nausori area. CCF liased and thus preparing them with the People’s Coalition Network for the later exercises. (PCN) through the Ecumenical Centre for The first exercise was on Participants enact a role play during the workshop. Research Education and Advocacy the Concept of Citizenship, the second one problems, trying to learn new things, and (ECREA) and the Women’s Action for was on Transparency and Accountability, were engaging in activities to move their Change (WAC) to secure participants for and the last one was on A Rights-Based families and communities forward in life. the workshop. Approach to Citizenship Capacities. En- Some of the comments given back by par- 40 people participated in the workshop ergisers were conducted to enable partici- ticipants were: pants to relax before exercises. The exer- which was funded by AusAID. Morning - “I really gained knowledge on how citi- and afternoon tea was sponsored by WAC. cises were supplemented with short hand- outs and discussion sessions. zenship is very important in our society or The workshop began with an introductory government.” Majority of participants said they learned a lot - “It would be useful to have this kind of from the workshops and workshop in our communities.” asked for further work- - “If this course can be taken to villages.” shops to be conducted es- - “If you can beg the government for our pecially in the communi- electricity, power and water.” ties. The conclusion - “I hope that there would be more work- given back to the partici- shops, that I could broaden my knowledge pants was many of them in the future, as our rights of citizenship.” were already active citi- zens as they were trying - “This workshop helped me understand Participants present back results of an exercise. to find solutions to their my right to my country.” Low Indo-Fijian participation is a worrying trend Low turn-out marked the Grassroots Edu- The participants said they learned a lot The conclusion given back to participants cation Workshop on Human Rights and from the workshops and asked for further was that: the low empowerment and low Good Governance, conducted on 24 No- workshops to be conducted especially in level of participation of citizens in those vember 2007 at the DAV Girls College, the communities. areas (Suva-Nasinu) is directly linked to Kula Street, Samabula. The exercises and discussions revealed that the poor accountability and leadership. The low Indo-Fijian participation at work- there was a lot of apathy in the communi- People need to speak out and demand if shops is a worrying trend, therefore, a sepa- they want better rate workshop was organised for Indo-Fi- leadership. jians from the Suva-Nausori area. Comments given This CCF workshop was conducted by back by participants Rev Akuila Yabaki and Mosmi Bhim, by are: way of participatory learning exercises. - “this was the first The venue for the workshop was provided time I came to know by the Arya Samaj Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. about what are hu- man rights.” The participants were mainly women who were very enthusiastic to learn about hu- - “More courses should be conducted man rights and good governance. Participants contemplate human rights and good governance. so more people get Participants were from the Arya Samaj, to know their rights.” Poor Relief Society and Nari Sabha, Suva ties and among citizens. People, although branch. The workshop followed the same very active, helpful and sociable, rarely or - “Very interesting and informative work- format as the one conducted for the squat- never speak out on bad governance or hu- shop. Shared our views, learnt some more ter communities. man rights issues. about human rights and good governance.”

Tutaka Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008 3 Paper examined opposition and media’s role in holding the Fiji government accountable A presentation on the “Opposition and when a Government of Na- Media’s role in holding Fiji’s Government tional Unity (GNU) was in Accountable” was made by CCF’s Com- place. This government com- munications and Advocacy Officer, Mosmi prised of the SDL and FLP Bhim, at the Pacific Islands Political Stud- parties plus two independents, ies Association (PIPSA) Conference. leaving in theory, only a two The Conference was held from 7-8 Decem- member UPP Opposition. ber 2007 at the University of the South The presentation examined Pacific’s (USP) Emalus Campus in Port those questions asked by Op- Vila, Vanuatu. position Members of Parlia- The presentation examined the Fiji Parlia- ment (MPs) that did not re- ment’s Hansard Records from May to ceive answers from Ministers. August 2005, when there was an SDL It analysed why these ques- tions were not answered. (Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua) Mosmi Bhim making the presentation at the PIPSA and CAMV (Conservative Alliance conference at Port Vila, Vanuatu. It further examined whether Matanitu Vanua) party coalition govern- there was any media coverage ment, with the FLP (Fiji Labour Party) in Party). of these events. The presentation contin- Opposition with the UPP (United People’s The findings were compared to the ued to outline what events in Parliament Party) and the NLUP (New Labour Unity Hansard Records from June to August 2006 did get covered by the media. Alternative vote fails to encourage moderate politics A presentation on “Making Votes Count Comparing elections after two or three elections and accepted – Electoral Reform” was made by CCF’s Both the 1999 and the 2001 elections were that the cross-voting seats were largely Chief Executive Officer, Rev Akuila historic in their own ways. The 1999 elec- behaving like their communal counterparts, Yabaki, at the (Fiji) Attorney General’s tion was the first under Fiji’s new consti- we might have redrawn the electoral archi- Conference, held from 30 November to 1 tution. The 2001 election was the first fol- tecture earlier. December 2007. lowing one of the most traumatic periods Elections need to be evaluated against a set Rev Yabaki was part of a panel of three in recent history. Both were profound tran- of standards, as well as for their aspirations. people - including electoral expert Father sition points: the 1999 elections from a long For a multiracial, multiethnic country like David Arms and Head of the Division of period of racial exclusion and dominance Fiji, where the issue of race can be made to Sociology and Social Work at the Univer- to a more open and democratic order; and assume an overriding significance, the sity of the South Pacific Dr Steven Ratuva. the 2001 election taking the country from a question of electoral legitimacy is even The Conference was held at the Fijian Re- period of governance by an unelected ad- more pressing. Elections must produce le- sort, Yanuca, Fiji. ministration to that of an elected one. gitimate governments, but more than that, they must be seen to do so. Below are excerpts from his presentation. In hindsight, perhaps since independence in 1970, we have taken too many things for We have accepted that for as long as the “Fiji will be at the crossroads again, when granted about the electoral system and its race card is used divisively in our commu- it will have its fourth election in 2009, in a ability to contribute to the goals of nities, Fiji will need to have other enabling span of ten years, since the first election multiculturalism, national unity and based mechanisms to ensure that government is under the 1997 Constitution was contested on that, sustainable development. representative of a large cross section of all in 1999. The 1997 Constitution, through the communities. This might not be possible Alternative Vote, Open and Communal The 1977, 1982 and 1987 elections came down to communal competitions between if we rely upon elections alone. Thus we Seats, and the multi-party cabinet concept, have included discussion of the formation had been envisaged to encourage modera- the two major communal blocks and a com- petition for the five or six marginal cross- and operation of multiparty government in tion and accommodation, resulting in a this workshop. more representative and hence multi-eth- voting seats at the time. Some type of nic cabinet. façade of electoral democracy seemed to be Therefore, even the introduction of the taking place, but in reality a communal 1997 Constitution and Multi-party system This sadly, has not happened. To the con- competition was taking place. has failed to produce accommodation and trary, the racial groups have become more moderation in Fiji’s politics. There is gen- polarised and political parties have played Between 1968 and 1971, our leaders negoti- ated the framework within which elections erally a feeling that although better than the race card to the maximum. The fact that before, women continue to be excluded we have had two coups in the past ten years were to be carried out in independent Fiji. …We preached the virtues of from decision-making and electoral repre- – despite having the 1997 Constitution and sentation processes. multi-party provisions, clearly shows that multiculturalism in Fiji based on appear- things have not worked out in the manner ances of cross-ethnic political exchanges via Recommendations of the spirit of the 1997 Constitution. the cross-voting seats. We could speculate 1. For voters, it is important for them to that, had we taken a step back to reflect (continued on page 5)

4 Tutaka Volume 1, Issue 2, January 2008 Liberation of Palestine possible in our lifetime - Written by Rev Akuila estinians who are treated as Yabaki the guilty party rather than Israel. The liberation of Palestine is a major international achieve- After the Palestine mission, ment which should now be a Conference was held in possible in our life time, due Amman that addressed the to the widespread and univer- theme, “Breaking the Yoke of sal emphasis now given to Empire and Occupation: Peo- human rights discourse. ple of Faith with Palestine in Struggle”. This was a discovery at an Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage A five-page conference dec- and Solidarity Mission to laration calls for key focused Palestine/Israel which I actions to strengthen a coun- joined for 10 days in Novem- ter-imperial faith in solidar- ber 2007. ity action with Palestine and all those who suffer under the The demise of apartheid in (US-Israel) empire. For the South Africa was the out- US empire, the vital focus is come of humanitarian con- Rev. Yabaki (above) visits the shrine of Yasser Arafat in Palestine. the Middle East and occupied sideration informed by human rights. Af- Palestine is at the centre of this imperial ter the demise of South African apartheid, portant, and project and dreams of conquest. Israel is the only apartheid state still in ex- - A high level of international media cov- istence through acts of parliament. erage is needed to coordinate the two. Israel’s major influence in the White House is blamed as the reason behind the free hand During a visit to Palestine in November Robert Wildman who works at the Board given to Israel in dishing out atrocities to 2007, we met with Jack Halper, a Jew and of Global Ministries of the Methodist Palestinians. major activist against apartheid, who sug- Church USA - and one of the leaders of gested that the battle against Israeli apart- this last visit, had led several visits before Disinvestment in Israel is actively advo- heid needed to come from abroad and not to Israel/Palestine. cated amongst US corporations. Boycott from within Israel. Shortly before the border crossing from of Israel goods is advised. If we join the boycott, we will be showing our solidarity There is a lack of media coverage to assist Amman in Jordan and the coach ride cross with Palestinians who refuse to carry ID in moblizing Palestine resistance. over via the famous Allenby Bridge into Palestine, Wildman had warned us about cards at 16 years age and over. In relation to what can be done interna- the need for patience and perseverance. We Members of the International mission to tionally, a three point strategy is impor- were to expect frustrations during long Palestine have already taken initiatives to tant: hours of waiting at various check points. give reports of their visits to their own con- - Palestinians need to keep protesting Ironically, perseverance and patience are stituencies, organize forums and write - Israel resistance from individuals is im- characteristics of the many oppressed Pal- about their experiences. Alternative vote fails to encourage moderate politics (continued from page 4) 3. A possible way to deal with this would Fijians to hold different views, as should understand the whole process of govern- be if racial elements were removed from be the case in a democracy. There needs to ance and why and how voting fits within the electoral system. All parties would then be more education on the true spirit of de- the state. They need to understand why be obliged to cater for the needs, aspira- mocracy, which caters for the respect of their rights are important. Once people un- tions and well-beings of all members of the everyone’s rights, needs and identities. derstand their civil and political rights, they country. 5. Electoral reform – after the Elections can then understand how and why they Where a party is promoting policies that Watch workshop in 2006, CCF made a rec- should demand resources and development can racially discriminate against other eth- ommendation that Fiji should adopt an elec- for their communities. More education on nic groups, they should be disqualified from toral system that is geared towards Propor- governance, citizenship, human rights and contesting the elections. This would be in tional representation. This could be the democratic processes are necessary for line with the CERD obligations for Fiji. only way forward for Fiji, if it wants to these results to occur. 4. The election system has been unkind to break out of a cycle of non-representation 2. If the true spirit of democracy is to be those reformed politicians who have pub- for certain ethnic groups in cabinet, which respected, then political parties’ manifes- licly acknowledged wrongs. Those support- has been a problem since independence. tos and policies should be geared for the ing ethnic nationalist policies upon embrac- The elected leaders of Fiji have shown a development of the whole nation. In Fiji’s ing multiracialism have been treated un- general unwillingness to give appropriate case, the fact that political parties only ca- kindly at the polls by their people. Exam- number of seats in cabinet, to reflect Fiji’s ter for particular ethnic groups means that ples are Sitiveni Rabuka, Ratu Meli different ethnic communities. when they come into power, they do not Vesikula and Ratu Epeli Ganilau. Therefore, a solution may be a proportional have a national focus and thus propagate Fijian society is not providing space for representation system, especially in light racial divisiveness and prejudice. (continued on page 8)

Tutaka Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008 5 CERD submission on racial discrimination (continued from page 1) nority groups in Fiji, such as descendents inside the temples and mosques. This how- • government’s failure to provide a national of Solomon Islanders, Rabi, Kioa, Chinese, ever fails to adequately explain the graffiti identity that unites the indigenous and Europeans and Part-Europeans and others. and desecration of holy books in these non- non-indigenous peoples of Fiji; and lastly, These were the so called Qoliqoli and In- Christian places of worship. digenous Tribunal bills. These bills would • religious intolerance which is seen as a The (GCC) be- have placed greater restrictions on non-in- manifestation of racism in Fiji. The most ing an indigenous Fijian institution, does digenous people over the ownership and disturbing feature of racism in Fiji is the not cater for interests of other ethnic the use of lands and the sea in Fiji. There communal voting system inherited from groups. Similarly, all members of the Na- was a lot of opposition to these bills from the Colonial Government. tive Lands Trust Board (NLTB) are indig- civil society, opposition parliamentarians, enous Fijians. This dichotomy in leader- Below are excerpts from the executive sum- the private sector, as well as the Republic ship has direct implications as these insti- mary of the NGOs submission. of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). The tutions are responsible for the administra- The NGOs submission responds to the Qoliqoli Bill was one of the stated reasons tion of over 90 per cent of all lands in Fiji. concluding remarks of the 2003 CERD given by the RFMF for their overthrow of There is no representation of the majority Committee where land and squatter prob- the Qarase Government on December 5, of Indo-Fijian tenants who have faced lems, suicide & attempted suicides, affirma- 2006. The current State party with Com- mass-scaled evictions over the past decade. tive action plans, reconciliation tolerance modore Bainimarama as Interim Prime The GCC nominates the President and 14 and unity bill, acts of sacrilege, racially- Minister has in effect nullified the contro- of the 32 Senators, as a guarantee of assur- biased Native Land Trust Board appoint- versial Qoliqoli and indigenous tribunal ance of majority indigenous representation ments and communal voting system were bills that would have created further ten- in the Upper House. Citizens of all other identified as major issues. sions in already strained race relations. ethnic groups, with no representation in (1) Land & Squatter problems (2) Suicide & attempted suicides, affirma- the GCC, are therefore excluded from the Race has been a critical factor in the Gov- tive action plans, reconciliation tolerance Presidential nomination process, which ernment policy on land ownership and land & unity bills, acts of sacrilege, racially- ideally should be inclusive of all citizens. use in Fiji. The colonial government since biased NLTB appointments and commu- nal voting The most disturbing feature of racism in its formation in 1874 had ensured that land Fiji is the communal voting system inher- remains in indigenous ownership. As a re- Similar to previous governments since in- ited from the Colonial Government. The sult, over 90 per cent of all lands in Fiji are dependence, the Qarase-led Government communal voting is the root cause and sym- owned communally by the indigenous peo- did not take any positive action to promote bol of the continuing political instability ple. Additionally, to protect the indigenous a national identity that could have conceiv- in Fiji, as the division of seats along racial culture and traditions, the Colonial Gov- ably united all races. It commenced its term lines perpetuates a similar racist party sys- ernment restricted the use of the indigenes in 2001 with 29 affirmative action plans tem. In the administration of the 2006 na- on European-owned plantations. The en- under the Blueprint document (justified tional elections, most of the polling stations suing labour shortage on sugar cane and through the Social Justice Chapter of the were supervised by civil servants who are coconut plantations was resolved with the 1997 Constitution), exclusively designed to predominantly indigenous Fijians, thus introduction of indentured labourers benefit indigenous people. It further justi- raising the question of systemic ethnic bias. (girmityas) from India. Most Indo-Fijian fied these programs by the argument that ‘Hate speeches’ harbouring racist com- farmers (descendents of girmityas) remain majority of disadvantaged people lived in ments were frequently aired under Parlia- tenants of indigenous landowners. rural areas, most of whom were indigenous people. The reality of the situation how- mentary Privilege and more recently ap- The tenancy agreements between the Indo- peared as blogspots on the Internet. The Fijians and the indigenous landowners are ever, is that some of the poorest and most needy people in the rural and urban areas Qarase Government had condoned the brokered by the Native Landlord Trust ‘hate speeches’ in the Parliament. The Board (NLTB), an institution created by are Indo-Fijians and other minority ethnic groups. In short, the affirmative action pro- media, by reproducing racist material, has the Colonial Government in 1940. Some become a party to the perpetuation of rac- twenty years later (1966), security of ten- grams of the State party were race - rather than needs - based. The 10-yearly national ism in Fiji. The State has been aware of ure was provided under Agricultural Land- the high suicide and attempted suicide rate lord and Tenants Act (ALTA). Under population census due to be undertaken in 2006, was postponed by the then govern- amongst Indo-Fijians; these sharply in- ALTA, thirty year leases were granted to creased in the first three years after the Indo Fijians on indigenous owned land. ment, which means programmes were not based on current statistical realities. 2000 coup. This has been attributed to feel- Most of these leases are now expiring with ings of helplessness and hopelessness felt thousands of Indo Fijians facing evictions In 2005, the Qarase-led Government intro- by members of the Indo-Fijian community. as a consequence non renewals. Between duced the Promotion of the Reconciliation, The consequences of racial discrimination the period 1997 to 2028, over 13,100 ALTA Tolerance and Unity bill, which if enacted, in Fiji are: marginalisation from the main- leases will expire. The State party under would have had powers to grant amnesty stream decision-making processes, resource an indigenous Prime Minister (Lasenia to perpetrators of the 2000 coup. The Bill’s dispossession and poverty, increased vio- Qarase) had been preoccupied through sole purpose appeared to be to compensate lence such as home invasions and sacrilege. Talanoa (discussion) sessions in dealing and free coup perpetrators, with negligible These consequences are manifested in mi- with increases in land rents and in trying attention given to the sufferings and losses gration, suicides and attempted suicides, to revert the small amount of Freehold and of the main victims of the coup, majority Crown land, back to native titles. of whom are Indo-Fijians. increased violence within families and com- munities, gender-based violence – includ- Additionally, the State party (Qarase-led The race-based attacks on non-Christian ing violence against women and the girl Government) was embarking on new land places of worship has continued unabated child, – child abuse, and resentment, dis- bills that would have had a devastating ef- despite claims by the State that such at- trust, and cynicism within the marginalised fect on Indo-Fijians and other ethnic mi- tacks were for monies and jewellery kept groups in society, including Indo-Fijians.

6 Tutaka Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008 Human rights is in our hands - Story and pictures by Marie-Pierre March Hazera. partici- pants On 10 December 2007, CCF marked the assemb- International Human Rights Day by a led at march through Fiji’s capital, Suva. the Sukuna Several non-government organizations in- Park cluding Women’s Action for Change podium (WAC), Ecumenical Centre for Research with Education and Advocacy (ECREA), and their Fiji Womens’ Rights Movement (FWRM) banners, joined the march, which began at the Flea including NGOs: Market and ended at Sukuna Park, Suva. CCF, Through banners and slogans, the public WAC, were reminded that human rights also in- ECREA, cludes women’s rights, children’s rights and FWRM and the rights of all minorities, and that all peo- members ple have a human right to a live in dignity. of the A large number of young people joined the public. march, which documented a genuine inter- est and concern about human rights human rights, particularly in the current will be subject to broad public consultation; amongst the younger generation. political context of Fiji. - The way forward will be a non-racist one Several speakers, including Prof. Vijay There was also spontaneous participation by people from the street who made an input into the discussion. Rev Yabaki reiterated in English and in Fijian, CCF’s stance on human rights and CCF’s future participation in the creation of the Peo- ple’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress (PCCPP). He said that CCF acknowledged the il- legality of the current gov- CCF Director Prof Vijay Naidu (left) speaks at the march. ernment, but at the same Looking on is Zoe Maharaj-Moore (middle) and Rev Akuila Young girls march for human rights. time saw the PCCPP as a Yabaki. unique chance for civil society to partici- Naidu (CCF Director), Reverend Akuila pate in a process that can eradicate the coup that would validate the position of all com- Yabaki (CCF Chief Executive Officer), culture by addressing the root causes of munities in Fiji. Noelene Nabulivou (WAC Coordinator) conflicts in Fiji. Rev Yabaki encouraged the participants to and two members of the public, Sera and continue with advocacy on human rights Waisake Bilitaki, took turns on the podium Among reasons why CCF will participate and help to educate each other on human at Sukuna Park to re-affirm how critical it in the Charter process, Rev Yabaki said: rights, as the promotion of a culture of is for each one to uphold and claim his/her - This process is a genuinely inclusive proc- human rights would provide a foundation ess, that will for building a more just and peaceful world. include the participation On 10 December 1948, the General Assem- of victims of bly of the United Nations adopted the the coup to Universal Declaration on Human Rights, participate, which declared that the “recognition of the for example inherent dignity and of the inalienable the SDL rights of all members of the human family party; is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” The Universal Decla- - The Con- ration of Human Rights has become a uni- stitution will versal standard for defending and promot- be upheld; ing human rights. Fiji is so far the only - The agenda country of the Pacific with a Human Rights for change Commission. Human Rights Day is cel- ebrated around the globe on 10 December. Noelene Nabulivou from WAC, speaks on human rights.

Tutaka Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008 7 USP academic brings 1987 ordeal to closure Singh was ab- October 24, 1990, when Dr Singh was bun- ducted from dled into a vehicle by soldiers from Rewa along a Suva Street and taken to the forests of Colo-i- street while on Suva where he was beaten. his way to It also looks at aspects of his academic and work and sub- personal life and touches on his efforts to sequently en- get compensation, culminating in a recent dured a har- $250,000 award by the High Court in Suva rowing 12 last month. hours of tor- ture at the “I have always wanted to express my views hands of sol- on the experiences I went through and diers. hopefully some of the views will carry,’’ said Dr Singh. The Univer- sity of the He said the book was a form of closure on South Pacific the matter although the High Court judge- academic yes- ment was currently under appeal. terday Chief guest at the launch, Fiji Women’s launched a Crisis Centre coordinator, Shamima Ali, Ms Shameema Ali (left) and Dr Anirudh Singh view a copy of the book. said the book was something activists (Photo source: Online) book on that ordeal. around the country could relate to, particu- larly in light of recent political events. Dr (Source: Fiji Times Online, 25/10/2007) Making It Right, a 128-page volume, delves Singh is a member of the CCF Steering Seventeen years ago, Doctor Anirudh in detail into the events that occurred on Committee. Two new policy dialogue papers on squatters in Fiji The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) published two policy dialogue pa- pers on squatters in Fiji last year. The first paper titled ‘Squatters in Fiji: The need for an attitudinal change’ was writ- ten by Father Kevin J. Barr of ECREA. The second paper titled ‘Poverty in Para- dise: No Way to Live’ were stories by ECREA staff working with people in squatter communities. The printing of the publications was funded by the European Union. Both the books can be purchased for FJ$2.60 from the CCF Office or from the USP Book Centre. Call (679) 3308379 for further information.

Alternative vote fails to encourage moderate politics (continued from page 5) find this middle ground. South Africa was explored their differences from a strength- of the diminishing number of population able to avoid bloodshed and is moving to- based position and realised that segregation of other ethnic groups, since the 1987, 2000 wards better times after adopting the mid- was paralysing every single sector of the and 2006 coups. dle way through the Truth and Reconcili- country. The Commission created the first 6. Fiji needs to find a middle way to re- ation Commission. integrated school and started inter-commu- solve the problems resulting from the four Northern Ireland took the middle way nity projects. coups. Clearly, a review of the constitu- through dialogue between the two extreme Closer to home, Bougainville, after the loss tion or a review of the electoral process has sides, the Protestants and Catholics, who of thousands of lives, now has a peace set- not made this possible. In the aftermath of had formed two opposing blocks in the tlement and an autonomous government. the 2000 and now the 2006 coup, dialogue population. A Community Relations Com- Fiji needs to go the middle way. This mid- has not been held to find a middle ground mission was formed by civil society repre- dle way can be derived through the Char- to take the country forward. CCF believes sentatives, presenting a model on what ter process. that the Charter process will enable us to Northern Ireland could look like. They

8 Tutaka Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2008