Sa Yala Eke!!
February 19, 2010 by solivakasamablogLot 9 Kuruva Place
Caubati Suva,
Fiji.
February 18, 2010.
Dear interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, We the Nadaku family, write to share our concerns regarding developments in Fiji since the December 5, 2006 military coup. We urge you to ensure the swift transition to an elected government, and call on you and your officials to immediately and publicly make a commitment that fundamental human rights will be respected.
We are particularly concerned that the longer the Interim Government delays the elections, the more we the people will suffer. To deny us the right to elections is contrary to Article 21 of the UDHR which states; ". Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. . Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections, which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures." You are reminded that Fiji is a signatory to the Declaration.
We also note with concern the latest statement by Brigadier Driti who is quoted as saying that any act of civil disobedience by the people of Fiji will be dealt with "severely". These types of statements only create fear and do not promote a healthy relationship between the government of the day and its people.
We as a family unit are of the view that it is our right as citizens of Fiji to demand for elections this year, and for a swift return to parliamentary democracy. We therefore urge your IG to make a commitment for elections to be held towards the end of the year, 2010. We also urge the government of Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, The United Kingdom, Japan, The E.U, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Forum Secretariat and other relevant NGO's and organizations to continue to pursue the process towards elections this year.
It is our humble opinion that this great nation of ours cannot, must not, continue on the path it is taking today. To do so would only prolong the pain and suffering of our people who cannot stand up to voice their opinion due the Public Emergency Regulations, and the censorship of the media. Copies of this letter have been sent to the three paramount chiefs of the Kubuna, Tovata and Burebasaga Confederacies, the Methodist Church, Foreign Embassies in Fiji, NGO's and human rights groups, democracy advocates worldwide, and Fijian Political Parties for their information. We pray that you will do what is right and just for the people of Fiji, based on the four fundamental principles of democracy, government by the people, active participation of the people, protection of human rights and above all, the rule of law.
Sincerely,
Vilisi Nadaku, On behalf of the Nadaku Family. Phone: 679/3608406/ Mobile: 679/9653023 c.c. Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu
Ro Adi Teimumu Kepa
US Embassy Australia High Com
New Zealand High
Com Japan Embassy
European Union
United Nations
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre
President Methodist Church In Fiji
Mick Beddoes,
UPP Mahen Chaudhary,
FLP Raman Singh, NFP
Laisenia Qarase, SDL
Forum Secretariat
Citizens Constitutional Forum
Media(Fiji Times,
Fiji Sun,
Daily Post,
ABC Australia,
RNI) Democracy and Humans Rights Groups
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement For a beter Fiji(www.solivakasama.org)
