Functions of the Commission

Functions

The Commission is dedicated to educate the public about the nature and content of the Human Rights Decree 2009 (Decree No 11) and international human rights treaties ratified in Fiji, promotion and protection of human rights for the people of Fiji.  Listed below are some of the services that the Commission is committed to offering:

  • Resolutions of complaints of allegations of breaches of human rights or unfair practices;

  • Legal advice on human rights issues;

  • Reference to the Human Rights publications and data; and

  • The provision of awareness and knowledge on human rights for a wide range of audiences.

The Commission's "Complaints" division's functions are:

  • to receive complaints of allegations of breaches of human rights or unfair practices;

  • to classify these complaints;

  • to investigate these complaints;

  • to resolve these complaints by conciliation and to refer unresolved complaints to the Commission's "Legal" division for court action; and

  • to refer complaints to an appropriate agency if the complaint is not within the Commission's jurisdiction.

It is important to note that the Commission can only assist you in your complaints of allegations of breaches of human rights. It is to your advantage that you understand more about the area's on human rights that the Commission has jurisdiction.

 

The Commission's "Legal" division's functions are:

  • to refer legal cases to courts for decision (Human Rights Commission Decree  2009 (Decree No 11);

  • to analyse existing or proposed legislations with regard to relevant human rights law;

  • provide legal advice to Government, by way of policy advice on specific human rights matters; and

  • provide legal human rights training.

 

The Commission promotes human rights awareness and knowledge through its "Education/Promotions" division. The functions of this division include:

  • providing education and training on human rights to the people of Fiji;

  • promoting human rights awareness and knowledge through the use of publications, leaflets, poster competitions, essay competitions, radio broadcasts, video documentaries and the Commission's website;

  • working with the media to highlight human rights issues in Fiji; and

  • coordinating all forums convened by the Commission.