The International Commission of Jurists, the ICJ, has urged the Fiji parliament to ensure that provisions for amnesty in the government's Reconciliation and Unity Bill do not violate Fiji's international obligations.
Radio Fiji reports that the Commission has reminded the government that Fiji has an obligation to investigate the facts, to prosecute those responsible for violations or crimes, and to punish them appropriately.
The Commission has also called on the Fiji parliament to ensure that victims of human rights violations are guaranteed reparations and that they have access to justice and assistance from the state.
The Commission recommends that the Bill specifically define victims as not only those directly affected but also indirect victims - those who have suffered physical, material or mental harm.
