NGO coalition ‘deeply disappointed’ over GCC constitutional proposals

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) says it is “deeply disappointed” by proposals attributed to the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), warning they could undermine equality and democratic principles.

In a statement this morning, the coalition raised serious concerns about submissions reportedly made to the Constitution Review Commission.

The group said the proposals including reserving the term “Fijian” exclusively for iTaukei, granting the GCC authority to appoint the President and Vice-President, and removing protections related to gender and sexual orientation risk rolling back key constitutional safeguards.

 While the rights of iTaukei people – including land, culture, and traditional governance – must be fully respected and protected, these rights must coexist with a shared civic identity that affirms equality for all, the NGO coalition said.

The coalition also raised alarm over a proposal to repeal Fiji’s status as a secular State, describing it as a critical safeguard in a diverse, multi-faith society.

It warned that removing this protection could lead to exclusion, discrimination and the politicisation of religion, and would contradict Fiji’s international obligations.

"The proposal to vest the authority to appoint the President and Vice-President in the Great Council of Chiefs raises serious constitutional concerns. Public offices of such significance must be filled through processes that are transparent, accountable, and reflective of democratic principles. Any reform must strengthen institutional legitimacy, not concentrate authority in ways that risk weakening checks and balances," the NGO coalition added."

The NGOCHR said recognising all citizens as “Fijians” remained central to national unity, while stressing that the rights of iTaukei people must continue to be respected.

It also expressed concern over proposals to amend protections for children, warning that allowing punishment at the discretion of parents and teachers would weaken safeguards.

"The Coalition expresses strong opposition to any amendment to Section 41 on the Rights of the Child that would permit punishment at the discretion of parents and teachers. Children have an inherent right to dignity and protection from all forms of violence. Fiji’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are clear: children must be protected in all settings. Any weakening of these protections would be a serious step backward and could expose children to harm under the guise of discipline."

The coalition said constitutional reform must be inclusive, transparent and grounded in equality, dignity and justice.

“We must be clear that it is not for institutions to dictate what the Constitution must contain,” NGOCHR chair Shamima Ali said.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of Fiji, and its future must be shaped by them through a genuinely participatory process.”

The coalition has called on the public to take part in the constitutional review process and said it would make a formal submission in the coming days.