Police brutality tops Northern human rights complaints

Allegations of police brutality are the most common complaints received from Fiji's Northern Division, says Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) Commissioner Chantelle Khan.

Ms Khan said the commission could refer complaints to relevant agencies for assistance or escalate matters to the courts where human rights violations were identified.

She encouraged members of the public to use the commission's services if they believed their complaints had not been addressed adequately by government agencies or ministries.

"If you have reported a matter to Police, including allegations of police brutality, rights violations, or situations where you feel state authorities have not responded appropriately, you can also lodge a complaint with us," she said after the opening of the commission's office in Labasa yesterday.

Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) commissioner Chantelle Khan.

Photo: Shratika Naidu

Ms Khan said many Fijians still had a long way to go in understanding human rights, particularly regarding corporal punishment and children's rights.

"When we talk about child rights, there is often resistance because some people believe it means children are being allowed to be disobedient.

"However, child rights are about a child's right to education, a safe home and protection.

"It is about understanding the depth and meaning of rights, not simply saying a child has the right to do whatever they want."

Ms Khan said working with communities, the vanua and churches was vital to strengthening awareness of human rights.