The Fijian Prime Minister, Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama officially opened the high-level Seminar on the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention Against Torture in the Pacific –– the “Un-Cat,” as it is called –– and is also proud that Fiji is hosting this auspicious event at the Natadola Intercontinental Resort. UNCAT core is to support States in their efforts to curb and prevent torture and other ill-treatment.
Fiji, Vanuatu, and Nauru were the only Pacific Island countries in the region that joined to ratify UNCAT in 2016 and Marshall Islands has just joined the region last year.
“The law here is clear –– the Fijian Constitution explicitly prohibits torture in its Bill of Rights, proclaiming that “every person has the right to freedom from torture of any kind, whether physical, mental or emotional, and from cruel, inhumane, degrading or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment”. It goes on to state that “every person has the right to security of the person, which includes the right to be free from any form of violence from any source, at home, school, work or in any other place”.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of a violence free and secure environment for every Fijian.
