A/HRC/28/8
72.
The Media Industry Development Authority had called for balanced, accurate and
evidence-based reporting, encouraging quality journalism that was ethical and followed
internationally recognized protocols of responsible journalism.
73.
The Media Industry Development Decree 2010 provided for an independent media
tribunal, presided over by a High Court judge, which adjudicated in cases of breaches of
media codes or matters relating to media disputes. Only one prosecution had taken place
under the Media Industry Development Authority, in relation to foreign ownership of a
media organization. There had been no prosecution of any media organization for breaches
of the Code of Ethics, or regarding media content.
74.
The Media Industry Development Authority had actively encouraged the
mainstream media, both print and broadcast, to report freely and critically on public opinion
and views, including those which were critical of the Government. The consistent call from
the Media Industry Development Authority for self-regulation and continuous education of
the media was consistent with the recent call from the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its 2014 report, “World trends in
freedom of expression and media development”, to strengthen national legislative
frameworks and the training of journalists in order to build capacity and improve media and
information literacy, and to support media independence by promoting professional
standards and self-regulation.
75.
Training for journalists had been conducted on the Media Code of Ethics, the Bill of
Rights and on reporting the elections. In addition, there were plans to work with the United
Nations Development Programme on training for the Fijian media on reporting
parliamentary debates. The Government welcomed the ILO proposal to provide training for
the Fijian media on labour rights. Those collaborative efforts between Fiji and the
international community signalled an encouraging, positive step towards constructive
engagement in improving the freedom of the press. Civil society organizations were invited
to enter into similar collaborative arrangements to further strengthen the media.
76.
Portugal welcomed the Constitution, emphasized the importance of Human Rights
Council special procedures and noted the participation of women in Parliament. It
encouraged Fiji to enhance the participation of women in political and public affairs. It
asked for information on measures to ensure gender equality in law and in practice.
Portugal made recommendations.
77.
The Republic of Korea noted the Constitution, the national elections and the lifting
of the Public Emergency Regulations. It expressed concern at alleged human rights abuses
perpetrated by the police and the military, gender-based violence and reports that decrees
could justify curbs of fundamental freedoms. It made recommendations.
78.
The Russian Federation welcomed the new Constitution of Fiji and took positive
note of the establishment of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. It
noted the implementation of the National Policy on Persons Living with Disabilities. The
Russian Federation made recommendations.
79.
Sierra Leone noted the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations, the national
elections and the new Constitution. It observed that the Bill of Rights contained no
provisions on women’s rights. It asked how children were protected from abuse at home,
which challenges hindered the promotion of socioeconomic rights, and what steps were
taken to mitigate the effects of climate change on socioeconomic rights. Sierra Leone made
recommendations.
80.
Singapore noted the successful elections, the strengthened legislative framework and
efforts to improve access to justice, including for underprivileged communities, through the
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