Rights body backs religious freedom after event permit U-Turn

People should be allowed to freely exercise their rights to freedom of religion, conscience and belief, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) said. Its commissioner Alefina Vuki made the statement today following a complaint about the cancellation of a permit for a Hindu spiritual gathering scheduled for Saturday at the FMF Gymnasium, Laucala Bay, Suva. The permit for a three-hour Ramayan and Hanuman Chalisa recital was initially granted on July 31 by the Fiji Police Force, but was cancelled on August 6 without any reasons given to the organisers.

“The commission reiterates that Fiji is a secular State, and every person has the right, individually or in community with others, in private or in public, to manifest and practice their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching,” Ms Vuki said, citing Section 22(2) of the 2013 Constitution.

She said these fundamental rights were guaranteed under Fiji’s Constitution and international conventions that Fiji has signed. However, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, on Friday, reviewed the decision and informed organisers they could proceed with the event.

“The organisers have been informed to proceed with the event,” Mr Tudravu said.

He said while the permit application was not necessary as the gathering would not be held in a public place, the organisers’ willingness to apply showed good cooperation with law enforcement under the Public Order Act.

Due to the anticipated crowd size, police have sought the organisers’ co-operation to ensure safety and security of attendees and prevent any breach of peace or public order. The Fiji Police Force apologised for any inconvenience caused by the initial cancellation.

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