Participants at the World Human Rights Day march on Suva. 10 December 2024 Photo: Fiji Women's Crisis Centre
A Fijian women's and human rights campaigner says police officers in the country "simply don't understand what universal human rights mean".
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali made these comments on Tuesday, following a march in the capital Suva to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which began on 25 November.
The march, organised by the Fiji NGO Coalition for Human Rights (NGOCHR), aimed to highlight human rights issues both within Fiji and globally.
Ali said the march was important to raise awareness about various human rights violations, including violence against women, systemic impunity, and the ongoing struggle for decolonisation in regions like West Papua.
She said that while the march was necessary, authorities had imposed restrictions that significantly limited participation.
"We usually expect around 800 participants when we get the permit [from police]," she said.
Fiji Police vehicles (file photo) Photo: Fiji Police Force/Supplied
She said that the restrictions extended to carrying banners, with some participants being singled out for wearing political shirts in support of the people in Palestine, Kanaky (New Caledonia), and West Papua.
Ali said the organisers had "lawyers on the ground" who had to intervene, stating that the restrictions did not extend to infringing on people's rights to wear what they chose.
"These standards are why it's so important to push boundaries and march. We held the authorities accountable for their actions."
Diplomatic influence
The long-time political activist also expressed concerns about the influence of international diplomacy on the terms and conditions for the march.
She pointed to the Fiji government's support for Israel and its silence on the ongoing violence against Palestinians, which she viewed as part of a larger political agenda.
She added that there is a troubling prioritisation of financial and diplomatic interests, particularly with France and Indonesia, over human rights principles.
"Diplomacy plays a big role in Fiji's development, and it influences the terms surrounding events like this march," Ali said.
"Our government has not called for an end to the genocide in Palestine…and they align with Zionist ideology. This is part of a bigger diplomatic game, but we continue to push for our cause on our own terms."
Shamima Ali,the chief executive of the Fiji Women's Centre Centre. Suva 19 December 2022 Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Kelvin Anthony
She said the government's view does not align with the broader Fijian population, many of whom oppose their stance, and expressed concern over the global erosion of human rights.
"The world is becoming a more hostile place for everyone. Human rights violations are increasingly overlooked. Just look at the recent US election and the voices on social media-many of which promote ideas that contradict fundamental human rights."
"We're always fighting against it. So yes…it is important to bring visibility."
The march ended at Suva's Bowling Club with a rally featuring informational booths, a youth corner, and displays to spark broader conversation and engagement.