Book Launch: “Constitution – Making and Reform"

24th January, 2012

In opening doors for a fresh approach towards the constitutional reform processes, the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum with the help of the School of Government, Diplomacy and International Affairs, University of the South Pacific, is proud to work with INTERPEACE to jointly launch the handbook “Constitution–Making and Reform; Options for the Process.”

Four respected experts from the constitution-making domain, Michele Brandt, (Director of INTERPEACE’S ‘Constitution-making for Peace’ initiative), Professor Yash Ghai, Jill Cottrell, and Anthony Regan, have landed a significant study for constitution-makers around the world, in this book. Drawing from more than a hundred constitution experiences including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, this book stands as a relevant guide for us as we prepare to go into constitution consultation.

This handbook which is published by INTERPEACE provides practical guidance on how to design transparent, nationally led and owned processes that are also participatory and inclusive. “It is not through sheer coincidence that this launch comes at a time when those genuinely seeking a legitimate path towards constitutional democracy in Fiji are eager to seek solutions. Through this book launch, CCF hopes to generate constructive Discussion, Debate and Dialogue and find ways to reach consensus on the path towards sustainable Constitutional Democracy,” stresses CCF CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki.

INTERPEACE is an independent, international peace-building organization and strategic partner of the United Nations. With this approach it contributes to building lasting peace through inclusive and nationally led processes of change. Two of the four co-authors Professor Yash Ghai and Jill Cottrell will be present at the event and a review of the handbook will be presented by Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi who will also officially launch the book.

“CCF as an organization has been exploring global models and seeking expert advice on scenarios to take Fiji towards elections in 2014 and beyond. Global models, historical analysis and scenarios of how countries formulated constitutions need to be thoroughly explored, adds Reverend Akuila Yabaki.

“The handbook has been described as an invaluable addition to the ‘tool box’ available at the disposal of national and international organizations as well as governments involved in post-conflict constitution making.”

The book launch will be held at 6.00pm tomorrow (Wednesday 25th) January in the Banyan Room, Holiday Inn Suva.

We invite you to send a reporter/photographer to cover the launch. The co-authors will also be available for interviews after the formalities.

Reverend Akuila Yabaki
CEO - CCF

The CCF is a non-government organization that educates and advocates for good governance, human rights and multiculturalism in Fiji. We are not aligned with any political party. The CCF is a non-government organization that educates and advocates for good governance, human rights and multiculturalism in Fiji. We are not aligned with any political party.

ENDS