FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
9 Jun, 2026
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is strongly calling for the immediate suspension of all joint Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and Fiji Police Force operations. This suspension must remain strictly in place until independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigations into the tragic deaths of Jone Vakarise and Sakiasi Radravu have been fully concluded, and their findings are made open to public scrutiny.
We are also deeply concerned about allegations of torture that have emerged through testimonies published in the media by individuals who were taken into state custody during these joint operations.
The Coalition calls on the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to exercise its mandate and investigate both deaths, as well as the circumstances surrounding the detention of the other individuals. Access must be given to the Commission to carry out this independent oversight.
“Within two months, two people have died while others have alleged torture. This is absolutely unacceptable. We do not see these as isolated procedural failures, but as symptoms of a structural erosion of the rule of law within these operations. The impunity must end,” said NGOCHR Chair Shamima Ali.
“As we have said from the start, investigations must be time-bound. It has been over 50 days since Jone Vakarise died in military custody. What is the update on this investigation, and what is causing this delay?” Ali added.
She adds statements of regret from the Police Commissioner, RFMF Commander, and the Prime Minister are meaningless unless time-bound, independent, and transparent investigations are carried out and followed up with concrete accountability and good governance systems that enable systemic change as soon as possible.
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.
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.
For more information email: 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.