Fiji - Fiji Government Should Respect Rule of Law by Ending Emergency, Restoring Constitution and Judges, and Holding Timely Elections

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemns the purported abrogation of the constitution in Fiji and the summary dismissal of the entire judiciary under the pretext of establishing a "New Legal Order."

Fiji - Attacks on Justice 2005 - Fiji

The aftermath of the May 2000 coup continues to affect political life in Fiji. Following elections in 2001, a dispute over the composition of the Cabinet under the constitution's power-sharing rules, which was submitted to the High Court, remains unresolved. Within the High Court, a major crisis has been raging between judges, mainly as a consequence of the Chief Justice's involvement in advising the illegal military government following the 2000 coup. Access to justice is a problem, with Fijians experiencing long delays, especially in Lautoka. The death penalty was abolished in 2002.

Fiji - ICJ calls on Fiji military to immediately restore rule of law and respect human rights

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today called on the Fiji military, led by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, to immediately restore respect for the rule of law and Fiji's Constitution by returning power to the legitimately elected civilian Government. The ICJ also called on the Fiji military to abide by international human rights standards and international law.

Fiji - ICJ urges Fijian Parliament to ensure Unity Bill complies with international law

The ICJ today presented to the Parliament of Fiji a legal submission on the proposed Promotion of Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill 2005.

Fiji - Attacks on Justice 2002 - Fiji

Until the 19 May 2000 uprising, the country was governed by a democratically elected government and the judiciary was independent. Following the uprising, on 29 May 2000 the Fiji military attempted to abolish the 1997 Constitution and began ruling by decree and through a hand-picked "interim civilian government". Fiji judges were involved in drafting military decrees immediately after the military take-over, including a decree to fundamentally alter Fiji's judicial structure. The Court of Appeal in its landmark decision on 1 March 2001 ruled that the 1997 Constitution guaranteeing equality between ethnic Fijians and Fijians of Indian descent was still in force and that the pre-coup government should be re-called.

Fiji - ICJ Condemns Military Takeover in Fiji

Today, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) voiced its grave concern over the unconstitutional overthrow of the Government of Fiji by the armed forces, under the leadership of Commodore Frank Bainamarama.

Fiji - ICJ Message to Fiji Governor-General

The International Commission of Jurists has sent today the following message to the Governor-General of Fiji, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau: