PRESS
RELEASE
International
Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Citizens
Constitutional Forum (CCF) calls on the people of Fiji to promote a
culture of peace, tolerance and coexistence among ethnic groups as it
marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination on March 21. Racial intolerance continues to divide
our nation and has been one of the main causes of the social and
political conflict that has disrupted Fiji. In this instrumental year
of elections, let our nation be reconciled and move forward to a
united Fiji.
We
have taken some positive steps toward this in recent times. For the
first time in Fiji’s history we have removed race-based voting. We
have removed reservations to the International Convention on the
Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination and are now fully
accountable to our international obligations under this Convention.
We have introduced a Bill of Rights which enshrines the right to
equality and freedom from discrimination. We are able to celebrate a
common and equal citizenry, a secular state and proportional
representation. However, we do still have an important challenge
ahead of us. In moving forward, it is essential that these rights are
protected and promoted, without limitation. It is crucial that the
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission be strengthened and
have capacity to function independently and with integrity, as well
as review concerns arising from existing or proposed laws and actions
which may operate with prejudice.
The
disestablishment of ethnic based institutions was a step in the right
direction, but the greater feat will be to challenge forces of hate,
ignorance and fear in the deeply seeded beliefs of many Fijian
people. Each one of us has a role to play in breaking down racial
prejudice. CCF calls on the political, religious and civil society
leaders of Fiji to support reconciliation amongst communities and
condemn racial discrimination and intolerance.
This
year, the world commemorates this Day for the first time following
the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela. This Day
was established to pay tribute to the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, in
which 69 people were killed and many injured as police opened fire on
a peaceful protest against apartheid. The Sharpeville tragedy is a
stark reminder of the dangers of racial prejudice and on this Day, we
honour those that have been victims of racial hatred and take
inspiration from President Mandela to overcome the injustice of
racial intolerance.
It
is the responsibility of political leaders to promote a diverse and
unified nation, for religious leaders to strengthen messages of
forgiveness and reconciliation, for civil society leaders to advocate
for racial tolerance and awareness, and last but not least, for each
Fijian to embrace and celebrate multiculturalism. Today, let us
recognise the threat of racial discrimination in Fiji, defend the
rich diversity in our society, and celebrate Fiji as a united nation.
Thank you, Vinaka and Dhanyabaad,In solidarity(signed) CEO Rev. Akuila YabakiOn behalf of Citizens Constitutional Forum
2 comments:
There are too few national programs addressing race relations.
A concerted effort, starting from schools is needed.
Arts and culture can play big role but not being utilised as much as they should.
This government did well at school level to make learning of conversational hindi/Fijian compulsory.
But no half hearted efforts please.
Radio Fiji under Riaz Khaiyum has introduced some excellent initiatives.
This includes Fijian reading news in hindi and vice-versa, and i love my Fiji campaign, plus some others.
Small but very important initiatives.
FBC puts other media and media people to shame.
FBC is nothing but a junta propagandist radio. They will be held responsible for the damage they have done to freedom and justice, along with the treasonous criminal khaiyum. As for the fool yabaki, he lost all credibility when he supported the human rights abusing regime. Another casualty of the illegal regime he foolishly supported.
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