A new Institute of Human Rights Research will be launched in Fiji tomorrow.
Artwork at the Fiji Women's Rights Movement's headquarters in Suva, Fiji Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
The Regional Representative from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Chitralekha Massey, said she hopes it will fill a gap in the Pacific.
Dr Massey said a safe space for challenging discussion is sorely needed.
"A place where you have a think tank for government, for security services, for regional organisations and everybody working in fields related to human rights.
"And at the same time we found that it is actually a big gap because there doesn't exist one; a safe space where people come together, will talk, challenge each other. And in that way ensure that we are keeping up with the emerging challenges."
Chitralekha Massey said the institute will provide education, dialogue, and debate for practitioners such as police and corrections, policy makers, and researchers from around the region.
Listen to a full interview with Chitralekha Massey
The institute is backed by the University of Fiji, the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Development Forum.