upholding fundamental principles of human rights

In the spirit of collaboration and cooperation with the common role of upholding fundamental principles of human rights, a meeting was held with Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and members of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Fiji.

The Human Rights Commission Fiji team led by Commissioner Chantelle Khan addressed specific areas of cooperation between the two organisations with the intent of building positive relationships as both institutions.

Ms Khan said when the Commission receives complaints against Police services, their intent is to ensure quick turnaround time in addressing issues through collaboration with frontline supervisors.

The FHRADC said that as complaints are assessed on a case by case basis, the way forward is to improve communication between both organisations for the sake of transparency and accountability.

The Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu acknowledged the shortfalls in areas of service delivery resulting in complaints against police, while at the same time stressed that the organisation should not be painted with the same brush in that all officers fail to uphold the principles of human rights in the execution of their duties.

Commissioner Tudravu assured the FHRADC that the organisation takes all reports against its officers seriously, and that the organisation has robust transparent mechanisms in dealing with complaints against officers who abuse their authority. 

He also urged the FHRADC team to understand the challenges and constraints faced by the organisation and sought their assistance in enhancing educational awareness to police and the public about rights and freedoms.

Both parties ended the meeting agreeing to establish communication networks with senior managers to quickly address complaints of violations of human rights received by the Commission.