Fiji govt must step up efforts to end racism, says UN official

The United Nations human rights expert Mutuma Ruteere has called on the Fiji government to intensify its efforts to end racism and xenophobia.

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism has just ended his first fact-finding visit to Fiji.

Mr Ruteere said the elimination of racial and ethnic divisions in Fiji depended on the unequivocal commitment of the country's political leadership and willingness to denounce and reject those keen on organising politics along ethnic or racial lines.

"Hate speech and racial vilification, in the media, in the Parliament or on the internet, remain very strong," he said, calling for urgent efforts to eliminate institutionalised racism.

"Any measures to address racial and ethnic incitement on the internet must be designed and implemented in the respect of international human rights standards, especially regarding freedom of expression and opinion," he said.

Mr Ruteere, who spent six days in Fiji, said the opportunity to discuss issues to do with race and ethnicity were limited and he said all political party leaders needed to work together to move towards an inclusive society.

He also urged the authorities to adopt a National Action Plan and legislation which recognised racial or ethnic motives as aggravating circumstances for hate crimes.

But Mr Ruteere had praise for the government's policy of inclusiveness and reform of the educational system, including Hindi and iTaukei language teaching from a young age.

The Special Rapporteur acknowledged the efforts of all Fijians, particularly the work of the civil society, the media, academics and religious groups and faith-based organisations to ensure a reconciliation and constructive dialogue.

Mr Ruteere urged Fiji to strengthen its Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.

A report on the situation in Fiji will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council next year.