A/HRC/28/8
fundamental freedoms and the low level of respect for internationally recognized labour
rights. It made recommendations.
91.
Uruguay encouraged Fiji to redouble its efforts regarding economic, social and
cultural rights, especially concerning commitments to education. It hoped that the death
penalty would be removed from the Military Code and urged Fiji to adopt measures
consolidating respect for human rights, including for press freedom. Uruguay made
recommendations.
92.
Vanuatu commended the recent elections and the return to democracy. It
congratulated Fiji on its reinstatement as a full Commonwealth member. It noted the
effective strategies devised to alleviate poverty and the fact that Fiji had signed CRPD and
the Optional Protocol thereto, and was considering extending an invitation to some special
procedures mandate holders. Vanuatu made recommendations.
93.
Mexico recognized the efforts made since the first UPR cycle, particularly the new
Constitution and the holding of elections. It commended Fiji for being one of the first
Pacific nations to adopt a national policy for older persons and for removing the death
penalty from the Criminal Code. Mexico made recommendations.
94.
Fiji noted that the Administration of Justice Decree had been repealed in 2013 and
that the repeal of any other decrees was the prerogative of Parliament.
95.
The decision had been taken to hold referendums on amendments to the Constitution
as they were a direct form of democracy which did not entail third party intervention. They
therefore represented an important and unprecedented consultative means of amending the
Constitution.
96.
Fiji expressed its willingness to cooperate with special procedures mandate holders
based on the areas of critical importance and provided that it had the resources to receive
such visits.
97.
Fiji reiterated that the human rights aspects of climate change, such as the
sovereignty issues faced by low-lying countries facing flooding, and the human rights of
peoples facing displacement as a result of climate change, must be addressed by the
Council. As a small island developing State at the forefront of the adverse impacts of
climate change, Fiji had adopted an integrated response to climate change and disaster risk
management, and a National Green Growth Framework which aimed for sustainable
development, economic growth and resilience to the anticipated adverse effects of climate
change.
98.
Fiji thanked the Vice-President of the Human Rights Council for the interactive
dialogue and stated that the extensive reforms conducted since the last cycle, which went
beyond the requirements of international instruments, showed the long way that Fiji had
come. Fiji trusted that its responses to the concerns raised had shown such progress, and
that the entire process and its constructive engagement would help provide tangible benefits
and a substantive positive impact on the lives of individual Fijians.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations**
99.
The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue and listed
below have been examined by and enjoy the support of Fiji:
**
The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.
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