Reflections by Fijian Activist Pita Waqavonovono about the NGO Coalition on Human Rights
5 Feb, 2025
On 3rd February 2025, the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji released a public statement questioning the process of appointing Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners.
They were concerned that the Government had chosen to endorse/appoint the European Union’s nomination, an expatriate with little to no lived experience in Fiji to not only be part of the Commission but lead as its Chair.
The NGOCHR said this practice was neo-colonial and compromised the integrity of the process.
It added that decolonization should be a key component of the process, not further perpetuating colonialism.
Since then, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has made public responses to two media organisations about the concerns raised by the NGOCHR.
When asked by fijivillage, Mr. Rabuka said “Who are they?”
To the taxpayer-funded FBC News, Mr Rabuka said the comments by the NGOCHR were “a feeble attempt to be relevant.”
We are publishing here reflections/response by Fijian Activist Pita Waqavonovono. This was originally a public post on facebook by Mr. Waqavonovono.
Starts
I guess that is the PM’s opinion, and he is entitled to it. But can I just say here, that when Fiji was faced with the 2000 and 2006 Coup, the NGO Coalition on Human Rights fought for our Democracy, marched for our rights, and lobbied for a return to Parliamentary and Constitutional Democracy. A role they have been playing since 1998.
When the 2013 Constitution was illegally forced upon us, the same NGO Coalition spoke out, and throughout the years has continued to defend Constitutionalism and Democracy in Fiji.
When Rabuka and other political leaders were detained by the regime in 2016, I wonder if Rabuka saw the members of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights standing with us outside the CPS Police Station demanding the release of Rabuka and our political and union leaders.
In 2021, when the Fiji Government again arrested the Opposition Leader Hon. Gavoka, 6 members of parliament and three other high-profile politicians the NGO Coalition stood outside the Police Station with us, demanding the release of our members of parliament and political leaders.
When I was detained on numerous occasions, members of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights were outside the RFMF QEB Barracks demanding my release.
When I was tortured and barred from leaving the country, expelled from Suva and sent to Levuka the NGO Coalition for Human Rights reached out to me and together we worked to highlight the plight of families and victims of torture. Our stories and reports were carried to the highest international forums, not by the political leaders, but by members of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights, the diplomatic corps here in Fiji and regional human rights organizations.
I also know that the NGO Coalition of Human Rights have had members arrested, tortured, and like me, targeted for their opinions on Democracy in Fiji.
So please understand, that in the area of the TRC, the NGO Coalition of Human Rights is actually very relevant and has the expertise and resources to assist. They have the grassroots experience and are willing to partner with the government. They are an asset and a voice of accountability and reason.
Remember, we were all in the same Fight! And we are still on the same journey! Lest ye forget …..
My plea to the PM and the NGO Coalition on Human Rights, lock arms and let’s work together [as always]. This is a time for mature, measured and compassionate conversations fitted with the lens of mercy and a focus on truth and justice for the victims of Torture focused on behaviour change and building a Security Force that will never be manipulated again to carry out another coup and turn its guns onto the Fijian People.
I’m looking forward to seeing the work of the TRC. Although I have my concerns and questions, I’m willing to trust the process, for Fiji.
God bless.
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