NGOCHR statement on Speaker’s racially charged remarks

4 Oct, 2024

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) is once again deeply disturbed by the actions of the Speaker of the House of Parliament, who has acted beyond the constitutional scope of his duties during parliament sitting on 06 September 2024. His conduct, towards Member of Parliament Aliki Bia, who raised concerns of the descendants of blackbirder’s as they commemorate 160 years of arriving in Fiji, is deeply troubling and disappointing. The Speaker’s dismissive attitude toward these critical issues, coupled with his unwarranted racially charged remarks, have not only undermined the integrity of his role but also perpetuated the harmful rhetoric that threatens Fiji’s social cohesion. 

The Speakers role according to section 77(6) of the 2013 Constitution are as follows: 

77.— (6) The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or any other person presiding at any  

time, in the performance of the functions of the Speaker—  

(a) is independent and subject only to this Constitution and any other law; 

(b) serves to secure the honour and dignity of Parliament;  

(c) is responsible for ensuring— 

(i) the rights and privileges of all members; and  

(ii) public access to the proceedings of Parliament and its committees;  

(d) has authority to maintain order and decorum in Parliament, in  

accordance with its standing orders and parliamentary tradition; and  

(e) must act impartially, and without fear, favour or prejudice 

The NGOCHR is appalled by the comments made by the Speaker along with his dismissal of critical issues raised. That is an affront to our shared national values. Such racially charged rhetoric undermines the principles of equality and inclusion that Fiji has strived to build since gaining independence and feeds into the systematic exclusion of the Melanesian community. Unfortunately, these attitudes reflect the barriers faced by many ethnic minorities in Fiji when they seek to highlight the injustices they experience. Discrimination can exist even when communities are granted the right to vote or share constitutional rights, and it is evident that differential treatment persists. 

The Coalition calls on the Speaker to reflect on his conduct and the harmful impact of his words and actions. The NGOCHR urges all Members of Parliament to uphold greater accountability to one another and to the people they represent. We are deeply disappointed by the collective inaction of Parliament when the Speaker made his racially charged comment. Silence in the face of such divisive rhetoric is unacceptable, and our leaders must stand up against discrimination in all forms. Failing to act only perpetuates the exclusion of marginalized communities and weakens the foundations of democracy and justice in Fiji.  

Fiji deserves leaders who promote justice and unity – not division. Only through mutual respect and understanding can we hope to build a truly inclusive and cohesive society. 

Ends  

This is a statement by the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji about the Speaker of Parliament’s racially charged remarks.

About the NGOCHR

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is a coalition of civil society organisations that works towards a Fiji that respects and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms within the framework of the rule of law.

Members of the NGOCHR include the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM), Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF), femLINKPacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program (SEEP) and DIVA for Equality Fiji (DIVA). Pacific Network on Globalisation is an observer (PANG). FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali is the Chair of the NGOCHR.