Human rights body eyes North office

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) plans to open a branch in the Northern Division by the end of this year.

People in the North have until now accessed the commission through phone, email, and its Facebook page.

FHRADC director Loukinikini Vili Lewaravu confirmed during a visit to Labasa today that an office space had been identified, and the commission was considering deploying two staff members to oversee operations and services.

“This is a commitment by the Commission to ensure that the human rights of people are protected and promoted, especially those in remote areas,” Ms Lewaravu said.

“It will cost quite a lot, but we will start small depending on the budget we receive.

“That budget also reflects the Government’s commitment to upholding the human rights of everyone.”

She said as the Government continued to support the commission’s expansion, it aimed to extend services further to other remote areas.

The commission opened a branch office in Lautoka in 2024 and now plans to establish one in Labasa.

“This is good news for people in the North, as they will be able to reach us face to face once the office begins operations,” she said.