Human rights training ensured soldiers had the knowledge to do the right thing under pressure, said Republic of Fiji Military Forces Gender Focal Officer Major Deborah Tove.

“Training makes them knowledgeable in that area; with knowledge, they will understand that all humans should be treated fairly and humanely,” Major Tove said.

Major Tove was speaking on Monday during an interview with the Fiji Sun as one of the 50 military participants during the Gender Violence against Women and Human Rights workshop at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, Deuba.

She said the Constitution of Fiji assured people of their human rights. It also authorised the military’s role in ensuring the at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians was priority.

“With the ever present possibility of handling ‘violators’, it is important to integrate Human Rights into the RFMF training,” Major Tove said.

“This will ensure that soldiers do not infringe or violate other people’s human rights in the course of their duties.”

Violence against Women, human rights vital: Marau

Gender issues, violence against women and human rights are important topics in the Republic of Fiji Military Force.

This remark was made by the RFMF Training Development Officer, Warrant Officer Class 1 Isireli Marau, during the workshop.

In an interview, WO Marau said the military would like to gain more knowledge because it was associated with their role as a peacekeeper in United Nations operations.

“Majority of us here, some are officers and some are managers and we are here so we can acquire more knowledge as possible so that we can disseminate it,” said WO Marau.

“Some of our co-workers out there in the RFMF, we can help and teach them as well.

“We will implement the knowledge we gain here during the workshop not only in the workplace but also in the peacekeeping field also.

“Things to do with human rights violation, sexual exploitation are zero tolerance in the United Nations peacekeeping field.

“That is the only information that we know but we want to get everything so that we are in a better position to pass out the information and know what is happening and what is required in terms of who we associate with.

“There should be an increase in women in the RFMF because there are certain fields which really suit the women because they are more competent and competitive to men in some of the fields as well.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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