The APF met with the Chair of the Fiji Human Rights Commission to discuss the institution’s priorities and introduce the APF’s services.

The APF has held talks with the Chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights Commission (FHRC), Pravesh Sharma, to discuss the institution’s priorities and introduce the APF’s areas of support for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

The virtual session, held on 28 April, was part of the APF Leadership Outreach Program, which aims to maintain institutional and personal relationships with NHRI leaders while travel between countries remains restricted.

The APF was represented by Kieren Fitzpatrick, APF Director, Pip Dargan, Principal Adviser, Capacity Assessments and International Engagement and Fasoha Aishath, Manager of Gender and Pacific Programmes.

During the session, Ms Aishath provided an overview of the capacity development work currently undertaken by the APF, including the provision of strategic planning support.

Other areas of discussion included the NHRI accreditation process, including the FHRC’s commitment to addressing recent recommendations by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions’ (GANHRI’s) Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA).

The FHRC is currently seeking membership of the APF, which will be considered at the next APF Annual General Meeting.

The APF looks forward to continuing to work with the FHRC to support the institution in strengthening its capacity to protect and promote human rights in Fiji.

Date: 30 April 2022