6 March 2013

NZ Govt must put pressure on Fiji over torture

The New Zealand Government needs to put pressure on Fiji to launch a truly independent inquiry regarding the torture of civilians by Fijian officials, the Green Party said today.

A video released online shows two Fijian men being repeatedly beaten with poles. Amnesty International considers this beating video is just one of several cases of abuse involving Fijian officials it is aware of.

”The New Zealand Government needs to take a stand for human rights across the Pacific and call on the Fijian Government to ensure an independent investigation is carried out in this case, said Green Party human rights spokesperson Jan Logie.

“If necessary this investigation needs international input to make certain the inquiry is truly independent.

“Our Government also has a duty to use its influence in international forums such as the United Nations and the South Pacific Forum to put pressure on Fiji to clean up its act.

“It is shameful that the United Nations is still using Fijian peacekeepers while human rights abuses are carried out by the Fijian military and Police in Fiji,” Ms Logie said.

“The Government should condemn the brutality seen in this video and make a strong and clear statement that torture is completely unacceptable.

“It is our duty as a good neighbour to ask for an explanation and assurances that everyone is safe,” said Ms Logie.

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