10 Jun 2005

Fiji NGO presses for tighter gun control policies

10:19 am on 10 June 2005

The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre is hoping today's Peace, Justice & Security through Disarmament workshop in Suva will promote action for tighter gun control policies and legislation in Fiji.

The workshop is being held to mark the Global Week of Action on Small Arms and Gun Control.

The PCRC's Ema Tagicakibau says the workshop comes at a time when the country grapples with critical issues that threaten its communities.

One of the focuses of discussion will be the potential threat of Fiji's proposed Reconciliation Bill.

"Here in Fiji in terms of the proposed Reconciliation Bill and the current stand-off between the government and ther military. It brings out a lot of issues that have to do with armament. That whoever has the power of the gun has held this country to ransom. Since 1987 when the first coup happened, it's generated a lot of insecurity and apprehension and concerns among the communities."