The Fiji Human Rights Commission staff recently underwent intensive training with a team from HURIDOCS, a leading human rights technology non-government organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland.
The collaboration focussed on enhancing Fiji's human rights database, with particular emphasis on strengthening the complaints management system.
This initiative, generously supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) through its PROJECT Governance programme. The goal is to equip the Fiji Human Rights Commission with cutting-edge tools and techniques to manage and address human rights concerns within the country effectively.
Mrs Loukinikini Vili Lewaravu, Director of Human Rights, Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, expressed her enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, "This training opportunity is invaluable for our staff. It will not only enhance our capacity to document and analyse human rights issues but also enable us to provide more efficient and effective support to individuals seeking redress for violations."
“We needed a good, robust, and user-friendly system that would store data, analyse, and support our policy development. This system makes all that a click away. Having data is crucial as it supports evidence,” Mrs Lewaravu said.
She continues: “It is beneficial for the institution and the external partners as it will also better help them to strengthen their policies. This system will also enable us to have easy access from anywhere we are. There will be transparency and accountability within the commission with the help of this system.”
The training programme covered a wide range of topics, including data management best practices, advanced complaint-handling techniques, and utilising technology to streamline human rights monitoring and reporting processes.
Ms Kini further shared that the HURIDOCS team had worked closely with various sections of FHRADC, gathering information to develop a database system tailored to their specific requirements over recent months. This included the development of an online form to augment operational efficiency and customer service.
Mr Parvesh Sharma, one of the Human Rights Commissioners in Fiji who participated in the training, shared that the HURIDOCs training benefited them as it offered an electronic database where they could upload all the complaints they had received previously.
He emphasised that it is particularly important as all complaints will be electronically recorded, making their work much more manageable.
“This system allows the entire team access, which assists them in reporting and data collection.
Ms Sarita, the Media Monitoring Officer, said the database would greatly assist them and simplify their work.
She explained that the hands-on training had enabled her to learn how to utilise the platform effectively. She further stated that she can now easily monitor and utilise the platform to analyse the information needed for monthly and annual reports.
Ms Natasha Todi, Trainer from HURIDOCS, said the importance of such collaborations and added, "We believe that empowering local human rights organisations with the necessary tools and skills is crucial for fostering sustainable change and ensuring the protection of human rights worldwide."
This partnership underscores the commitment of all involved parties to advancing human rights in Fiji and beyond. By strengthening the capacity of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, this initiative aims to contribute to a more just and equitable society for all Fijians.
USAID Deputy Mission Director, Mr Michael Glees, said, “The initial discussions for this started about a year ago, and I am glad to see it come to fruition and excited to see how it works out.”
“We are proud of the partnership that we are able to offer to the Fiji Government for this very important effort and that a year later, it has come to life as a tangible result,” he stated.
Mr Glees added, "We are also hoping that other Pacific Island countries see this effort and the impact it will have on their work and opt to adopt it too".
