Fiji: why the global community should care

It is therefore disappointing to see the interim government and Dr Shameem, reject the IBAHRI’s report - and in such brutal fashion. Labelling it “biased”, “lacking in evidence” and “venomous”, they have sought to reject, once again, international criticism of the interim regime’s actions.

Similar words were used about the US State Department’s report, and Amnesty International’s 2008 report on Fiji.

Commodore Bainimarama has rejected the Commonwealth’s threat of suspension, and is arguing, to anyone who will listen, that Fiji will stand on its own and ignore all international pressures.

Dr Shameem has sought to represent apolitical, international monitoring efforts as “colonialist”, in an apparent attempt to suggest Fiji has wisely ignored biased and self-serving criticism from countries who would wish to control Fiji’s sovereignty.

So, why should we care? If the interim regime is so adamant that it’s none of our business, why should any organisation or government go to the effort of monitoring the situation and maintaining pressure?

A common argument concerns security. Naturally, governments in the region are concerned about security and stability and a military coup in one country rarely has a positive impact on security more generally in the region. However, the need for international concern pushing for the interim regime to restore democracy and the rule of law is much greater than that. Fiji exists in an international community. Gone are the days of “splendid isolation” for any country wishing to be well respected and supported on the international stage.

The fact that the interim regime goes so far in asserting its rejection of international criticism so vociferously suggests that it does, in fact, care about the views of other countries and global organisations. This in turn reinforces the importance of maintaining international pressure.

It is crucial therefore, that all supporters of the rule of law, fair trials and a strong justice system continue to maintain pressure on the interim regime to restore democracy and legitimacy to Fiji, which we hope will lead to the return of a robust rule of law in the islands. Without such pressure, the deterioration will only continue, bringing with it more human rights abuses and the continued loss of justice.