Submission made to set up independent commission against torture

A submission has been made to the Parliamentary Standing Committee to set up an independent commission which can receive complaints from individuals on torture.

While making the presentation on behalf of the Fiji Native and Tribal Congress, Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula stated that they highly recommend that Fiji ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture and other cruel inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.

Nawaikula first highlighted to the committee that FICAC can be an institution where people can take their complaints for the matter to be investigated.

He said for this to happen, FICAC’s jurisdiction will have to be expanded.

Parliamentary Standing Committee member, Neil Sharma then questioned whether FICAC will be the right institution for this exercise.

Nawakikula said that they have a feeling that FICAC is still linked to government and they would want a new Commission.

Nawaikula said they are making the presentation as he claims that a number of people have been assaulted over the past years.

He said the Fiji Native and Tribal Congress is established to campaign for the recognition of native Fijians indigenous rights.