A/HRC/14/8 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its seventh session from 8 to 19 February 2010. The review of Fiji was held at the 7th meeting, on 11 February 2010. The delegation of Fiji was headed by the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the European Union in Brussels, Peceli Vocea. At its 11th meeting, held on 15 February 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on Fiji. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Fiji: Angola, France and Slovenia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Fiji: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/FIJ/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/FIJ/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/FIJ/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Fiji through the troika. Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. Fiji emphasized the fact that, in assessing the human rights situation, it was vital to bear in mind that it is a country in political transition and governed under a new legal order. 6. Fiji noted that, in the preparation of the national report, two prominent nongovernmental organizations had refused to participate in the consultation process. While Fiji appreciated the efforts of non-governmental organizations and civil society to identify shortfalls, it would have been of great assistance if they could have also identified the capacity-building required as a matter of immediate priority. 7. Fiji indicated that the Government intended to hold democratic elections and to announce any plans that it had for the re-establishment of inclusive political dialogue. On 10 April 2009, in abrogating the 1997 Constitution and ushering in a new legal order for Fiji, the President of Fiji had directed the Government to hold a true democratic and parliamentary election by September 2014 at the latest. 8. Following that presidential directive, on 1 July 2009, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s Road Map for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009-2014. The Road Map is intended to lead to a new constitution and elections based on equality, equal suffrage, human rights, justice, transparency, modernity and true democratic ideals. 9. Fiji indicated that work on the new constitution would commence by September 2012. The consultations on the new constitution will involve all citizens as well as civil 3