A/HRC/14/37 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 418. The United States of America invited Fiji to provide further clarification as to why the recommendations, particularly recommendation 17, that Fiji considered impractical had been were rejected. It urged Fiji to reconsider its rejection of the recommendation of the United States, to ensure that human rights are explicitly protected in domestic law, including the restoration of the 1997 Constitution and the immediate reinstatement of a transparent and independent judiciary. It looked forward to information on the progress made to ensure that human rights are protected in domestic law, with specific regard to the recommendation that Fiji take immediate steps towards holding democratic elections. It welcomed the acceptance of ending media censorship and the repeal of the 2009 public emergency regulation. It asked for feedback on the progress of the repeal. It reiterated support for the creation of an environment conducive to allowing civil society to develop. 419. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland encouraged Fiji to implement the recommendations promptly. It welcomed the fact that some stakeholders had been consulted for the preparation of the review and hoped to see continued engagement with civil society in the follow-up to the review. It was pleased that its recommendations had been accepted, particularly those requesting that the interim Government instigate an open national dialogue leading to credible elections; that the public emergency regulation and any policy restricting freedom of media or the rights of freedom of association or movement be lifted; and that the administration should allow visits by special procedures mandate holders. It reiterated the need to revoke the Fiji human rights decree in order that the National Human Rights Commission could be allowed to conduct investigations properly. 420. Algeria stated that the cooperation and friendship between Fiji and Algeria would be enhanced by their recent agreement to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Algeria appreciated Fiji’s acceptance of most of the recommendations, including four of the five recommendations formulated by the delegation of Algeria. Algeria acknowledged the challenges faced by Fiji and reiterated the importance of the restoration of the rule of law for the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. It also highlighted that enhanced efforts aimed at tackling poverty would be needed for ensuring better living conditions for the Fijian population. 421. Morocco recalled that the objectives of the universal period review included cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights and strengthening the capacities of States, and called upon the international community to demonstrate understanding during this period of political transition and to help Fiji carry out the necessary reforms. Morocco reiterated its appeal to States to respond to Fiji’s request for support to implement the road map for democracy and sustainable economic development. It stressed that the assistance of the international community, together with the efforts of the authorities and the people of Fiji, would make it possible to tackle the underlying causes of political instability. 422. Canada was concerned by the overthrowing of the democratically-elected Government in 2006. It deplored the abrogation of the Constitution and the subsequent decisions by the interim Government to dismiss the judiciary, as well as the lack of legitimacy of the presidential decree. It welcomed the intention to commence a national dialogue process to return to democracy and constitutional rule, recommending that it be broad-based with political parties and civil society. Canada welcomed the acceptance of Fiji to repeal the public emergency regulations, and encouraged the establishment of the conditions to allow for freedom of expression, assembly and democratic dialogue. It was concerned by the plan to introduce a media decree. GE.12-17781 111

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