Ashwin Raj yesterday launched the ‘Human Rights Wall’ at Totogo Police Station in Suva.

The director for Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission said the wall outlined our human rights.

Mr Raj said: “Creating a human rights wall will go a long way in strengthening the human rights landscape in Fiji by creating awareness and educating the public about the rights.”

Given the concern that the members of the public had raised issues about Police brutality, the human rights wall would empower people, he said.

“The provision of the human rights wall is to ensure that our citizens are empowered, they are informed of their constitutional rights.  It’s also about enduring accountability and transparency between the Police and the public,” said Mr Raj.

Mr Raj said that it was very important that every individual knew their constitutional rights, whether it be the public or the Police.

“This is not simply about empowering the public but this is also about empowering the Police as well. This goes a long way in protecting the Police in terms of the work they do.

“These are legally enforced rights, we don’t want it to be simply just words but this needs to be materialised and that’s why it is very important. We will have the human rights wall in every Police station in the country.

“This is important in stepping to the right direction, and that the public feels empowered. The message that we send out is clear and consistent, there’s no misinterpretation of the constitutional provisions,” Mr Raj said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Isikeli Ligairi said: “I assure you that come next year all the Police stations and Police officers will be equipped with the right knowledge to be able to quote to the members of the society, the rights which is enshrined in section 13 of the Constitution.

“This will also ensure the protection of the people’s rights in Police stations and when in custody,” he said.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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