The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has commended Fiji on it’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which came into force earlier this month.

In a statement the Commission says that the accession of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights demonstrates Fiji’s sustained commitment towards strengthening legal safeguards in the interests of protecting and promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms and opening itself to international scrutiny given that Fiji is now a member of the Human Rights Council.

The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission adds that the covenants place a positive obligation on the State to not only protect individuals against violations committed by the State but also against acts committed by private persons or entities that would impair the enjoyment of covenant rights.

It says that the accession of these covenants will further strengthen the interpretation provision of the Bill of Rights of the Fijian Constitution through the application of international law in the interests of promoting values underpinning a democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom adding the accession of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights can be a much needed national discussion on justifiable limitations on civil and political rights in international law and how to interpret those rights.

The Commission also stated that the accession of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights will enable the realization of Fiji’s commitment to sustainable development goals.