Local EU Statement on Fiji's accession

The European Union Delegation for the Pacific issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Fiji.

The EU welcomes Fiji's accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which entered into force on 16 November.

With this accession, Fiji recognises, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ideal of free human beings enjoying civil and political freedom and freedom from fear that can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy their civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights.

This is an important step towards promoting respect for, and observance of, human rights and freedoms, particularly in view of Fiji's election as a member to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as of 1 January 2019. The EU looks forward to the Fijian Government taking forward the implementation of its commitments under the Covenants and to Fiji's important contribution to the UNHRC.

This year the world celebrates the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The promotion and protection of human rights is a core and founding value of the EU and a central pillar of the UN system. The EU will continue to consistently promote human rights globally and work closely with its partners to these ends.

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