Commission trains advocates to assist in rights awareness
The Human Rights and AntiDiscrimination Commission was part of a four-day workshop which was aimed at training community advocates for human rights and access to justice.
The workshop in Nadi last week was under Fiji Access to Justice Project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
More than 25 community advocates, who are members of youth groups, faith-based groups, CSOs and NGOs had an opportunity to refresh their knowledge on human rights principles, human rightsbased approach, Fiji’s social and legal services, gender equality, and other important topics.
The service providers from government agencies, institutions and civil society organisations also participated in the workshop. The first phase of community advocates training was held in 2017. The project supports access to justice for impoverished and vulnerable groups through empowering people to access legal rights and services through the relevant key justice institutions.
It also strengthen those key justice institutions by improving their service delivery.
Network
The project is engaging a network of community advocates to extend rights knowledge to those in the most remote communities and establish a network of frontlines for public legal rights education and outreach work. Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission director, Ashwin Raj, said, “I emphasise the importance of respect for, protection and promotion of human rights in Fiji.
“To refresh the understanding of the community advocates so that they can talk about human rights with confidence to members of the community in a way that they will fully understand and embrace it.” The community advocates were informed about the role of the commission and how members of the public could access the services of the commission.
Mr Raj also briefed them on the nature of complaints received and investigated by the commission. The participants were encouraged to seek the assistance of the commission’s education and advocacy team with their outreach initiatives.
The EU Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific, Sujiro Seam said, “Respecting human rights is an essential element of democracy, which is one of the key values the EU supports.
We recognise and promote the important role played by civil society organisations and these community advocates in raising the awareness of people about human rights and strengthening a culture of rights and freedoms at the community level.”
Feedbacks
Consultations that have been undertaken by the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission combined with feedback from other legal outreach initiatives and non-governmental organisations’ inputs, clearly demonstrated the need to raise awareness and provide basic services, such as referrals and fundamental human rights education to communities across Fiji.
Legal Aid Commission acting director Shahin Ali said, “The Legal Aid Commission provides a variety of legal services in relation to civil, criminal and family laws to all Fijians, particularly to those who are unable to exercise their right to access justice for economic reasons.
“It is my pleasure to provide these community advocates with information about the legal aid services provided by the Legal Aid Commission and strengthen the role they play in communities.”