30 Oct 2014

Fiji promises to ratify human rights treaties

8:37 am on 30 October 2014

Fiji's Minister of Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji is committed to ratifying several international human rights treaties.

Many of the countries speaking at a UN review of Fiji's human rights record in Geneva said Fiji should make it a priority to finally approve remaining treaties like the Convention Against Torture.

Several also called on Fiji to allow into the country independent experts like the Special Rapporteur on Torture.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum told the Human Rights Council gathering approval for ratifying the treaties is up to Fiji's new parliament.

"Fiji of course has come along way since the last cycle including extensive reforms that go beyond the requirements of international instruments making us compliant even without raitification. However we do recognise that ratification also helps develop new partnerships and international co-operation and we therefore remain committed to ratify these international instruments."

Fiji's Minister of Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum