.gif)
While the Government would like to assist the media industry in every way conceivable, its resources however are not unlimited, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the European Union Peceli Vocea.
He made the comment while submitting Fiji’s report to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
“It therefore needs assistance to ensure that the media in Fiji provides the level of journalism and media coverage that encourages national unity and harmony, and which is conducive to the development of real and sustainable
democracy in Fiji,” Voce said.
He said areas of possible assistance could include the provision of funds for the effective operation of the media council executive body as per Government’s submission and the findings of the media review team and the provision of a permanent office and staff for the smooth administration of the media council’s affairs.
Other areas could be the establishment of an association of journalists to protect and promote their interests; upgrading of the salaries of journalists to a level commensurate with the kind of responsible and balanced journalism required of them; and increased training to improve the capacity of journalists.
Highlights of Fiji’s report include:
• Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009 -2014, aimed at drawing a new Constitution and leading to democratic elections by September 2014;
• The Public Emergency Regulation places limits on the right to freedom of speech, expression, and press;
• Criminalization of the act of Trafficking in Persons;
• Efforts to eliminate abuse against children; and
• Establishment of the Fiji Human Rights Commission but faced difficulties in staffing it due to travel sanctions and other restrictions imposed by some of Fiji’s neighbouring countries.
