Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand

01/24/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 19:45

Human Rights Council: 48th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, The Republic of Fiji

Ministry Statements & Speeches: 24 January 2025

Delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative Nathan Glassey

Mr President,

We warmly welcome the delegation from the Republic of Fiji and acknowledge our close partnership.

We commend the Republic of Fiji on steps it has taken to strengthen media freedom, particularly the repealing of the Media Industry Development Act in April 2023.

We commend Fiji's leadership and domestic actions in the fight against climate change.

New Zealand recommends that the Republic of Fiji:

  1. Continue its efforts to address violence against women and children, including through education and awareness programmes;
  2. Amend the Public Order (Amendment) Act to remove restrictions around freedom of assembly, in accordance with international human rights standards.

We thank the delegation for their participation today and wish them a successful review.

Thank you, Mr President.