Parliamentary Standing Committee wants report of all alleged torture complaints

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has called on the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to present a report containing a list of all the alleged torture complaints which the commission has received since its establishment.

The recommendation was put forward by committee member, Tupou Draunidalo who said the commission should produce the report.

The Commission has agreed to present a report to the committee.

However in its submission to the committee this morning, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission highlighted that they are facing staffing issues.

The Commission’s Officer‑In‑Charge, Rajinesh Mishra said they only have 48 percent of the required staff, most of which have administration responsibilities.

He said they have no commissioners, directors or lawyers.

The Commission’s Manager Complaints and Resolutions, Swasti Chand said there is also a need for inter-governmental agencies to communicate more.

The committee has also welcomed the ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture to complement the bill of rights provisions in the constitution.