7 Aug 2014

Amnesty says Bainimarama's NZ visit a protest opportunity

10:13 am on 7 August 2014

Amnesty International says the Fiji Prime Minister's visit to New Zealand this weekend is an opportunity for people to protest over human rights abuse in Fiji.

The human rights watchdog hopes to present its latest report on Fiji's human rights situation to Frank Bainimarama who arrives on Friday.

He is in New Zealand to drum up support for his election campaign, before next month's polls.

Amnesty New Zealand's Chief Executive, Grant Bayldon, says the report documents violations, and calls on all election candidates and parties to respect and protect human rights if they get in to power.

"What's really important and interesting about his visit to New Zealand is that it's the opportunity for people to speak out and to protest peacefully that doesn't exist in Fiji. It's the opportunity for people to make their views known here in New Zealand and we hope they'll do that."

Mr Bayldon says Amnesty has asked to meet Rear Admiral Bainimarama while he is in New Zealand.