WUNRN
January 18, 2012
Fiji
Women's Rights Movement - Caution for Full Rights on
Removal of Public Emergency Regulations
The
Fiji Women’s Rights Movement remains cautious, following the removal of the
Public Emergency Regulations and the issuing of the Public Order Amendment
Decree on January 7 2012.
“FWRM
believes the only change that the decree brings in – is the granting of wider
unfettered powers to the police and the military. This could be dangerous
in this current political context because it allows for the potential abuse of
power”, said FWRM Executive Director Virisila Buadromo. “What’s even more
disconcerting is that like all other decrees of the regime, it also prohibits
the general public from challenging any actions of the police commissioner, the
Minister or any public official.”
“So
while we may no longer be governed under emergency laws, the effect that the
imposition of the Public Order Amendment Decree is still the same – freedom of
speech, expression, movement, and association continues to be under threat as
well as the right to a fair trial.”
Among
other provisions, the decree states that an individual’s movement can be
limited and curtailed if the police commissioner is satisfied that any person
or persons is undermining or sabotaging public order and safety including the
economic and financial integrity of the country.
“Freedom
of movement is a basic human right and denial of it results in the violation of
other rights such as right to work, liberty, education, to family, freedom of
expression and does not encourage political participation”, said Buadromo.
“The
State has announced that the removal of the PER is to enable the public to be
able to meaningfully participate in the constitutional and electoral processes.
We hope that this will be the spirit by which the law is interpreted and
enforced by the State.”
“FWRM
wishes to participate in legitimate constitutional and electoral processes.
Legitimacy can only be achieved through the State’s protection of our basic
human rights and our right as human beings to assert these rights. As long as
there is limitation to these rights, the likelihood of meaningful public consultation
is slim.”
While
the police have briefed FWRM and other non-governmental organisations regarding
events and meetings that do not require a permit and the permit application
process, the Movement hopes that this will be implemented without prejudice and
that the police ensure the protection of freedom of expression and opinion, and
association for everyone especially for girls and women.
“On
previous occasions we have been told that we do not require a permit, only to
be shut-down later. It has been quite challenging for us for the last three
years in facilitating dialogue with the women in the communities due to these
restrictions and the fear of intimidation,” said Buadromo.
The
decree should promote wider protection and promotion of human rights given that
freedom of expression and opinion and association plays a critical role in
democracy and public participation in political life
For information or queries please contact
FWRM on 331 2711 / 8677330 or email info@fwrm.org.fj
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