NGO Coalition on Human Rights STATEMENT

20 Apr, 2026

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) calls for an independent and transparent investigation
into the death of Mr. Jone Vakarisi while in the custody of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), and
by ongoing reports that other individuals were detained without access to their families.

The Coalition calls on the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to exercise its mandate
and investigate both the death of Mr. Vakarisi and the circumstances surrounding the detention of the
other individuals. Mr. Vakarisi was alive when he was taken into custody by the RFMF. His death while in
custody warrants the highest level of scrutiny, accountability, and urgency. At the same time, families of
other detained men are being forced to publicly beg for access to their husbands, pleading to see them,
to confirm that they are alive and safe. This is unacceptable, inhumane, and a direct violation of basic
human rights.

NGOCHR reminds the State that the right to life is fundamental, and that the prohibition of torture and
cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment is absolute. These protections are enshrined in the Constitution
of the Republic of Fiji, including Section 8 (right to life), Section 11 (freedom from torture and cruel,
inhuman, degrading or disproportionately severe treatment), and Section 13 (rights of arrested and
detained persons). These rights are also reflected in international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Fiji has
also ratified and is a Core State to the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and
Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). Under UNCAT, there can be no circumstances whatsoever
to justify any form of torture.

We strongly call for the Police to take the lead in these joint operations and for the RFMF to only assist
when necessary. All civilians must be questioned in Police custody, not in military custody at any RFMF
camp or facility.

NGOCHR further emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to established custodial safeguards,
including the First Hour Procedure. This includes informing detainees of the reasons for their arrest, their
right to remain silent, and allowing access to their right to legal counsel, and facilitating timely
communication with family members. These safeguards are essential to preventing abuse and ensuring
due process.

“These incidents point to a deeply troubling pattern that risks normalising the use of military power outside clear legal boundaries, particularly in matters involving civilians. Fiji has a Constitution that is very clear about the limits of state power and the protections afforded to every person. Those limits must be
respected at all times. UNCAT, which Fiji has ratified, does not allow for any justification of torture or
abuse, in any circumstances, including public emergency or political instability. National security cannot
be used as a cover for abuse or the erosion of fundamental freedoms. If anything, moments like this
demand greater transparency, not less,” said NGOCHR Chair Shamima Ali.

The Coalition stresses that Fiji has a history that reminds us of what happens when the RFMF operates
without due process and oversight. We cannot and must not return to that path. We are in an extraordinary moment as a country – facing a national fuel crisis, deepening cost-of-living
pressures, and now serious concerns raised about the national security landscape. In times like these, the
public needs leadership that is not only decisive but also transparent and reassuring. We need leadership
grounded firmly in the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.

For more information: contact fwcc.shamima@gmail.com

Ends

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre currently serves as the secretariat of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights
(NGOCHR), with Coordinator Shamima Ali as Chair. Members of the NGOCHR include the Fiji Women’s
Crisis Centre (FWCC), Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF),
femLINKPacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program (SEEP), Diverse Voices and Action for
Equality Fiji (DIVA), and Pacific Network on Globalization (PANG), which is an observer