European University Institute Library

Fiji, the challenges and opportunities of diversity, by Vijay Naidu (with the support of Annawaite Matadradra, Maria Sahib and Josaia Osborne)

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 34-35)

successive entry

bimonthly

Fiji

bibliography

1089863966

regular

by Vijay Naidu (with the support of Annawaite Matadradra, Maria Sahib and Josaia Osborne)

Report / Minority Rights Group International, 2013

the challenges and opportunities of diversity

Fiji has experienced four military coups and a military mutiny since 1987, mainly as a result of tension between the majority indigenous Fijian population and an economically powerful Indian minority. Smaller minorities, including Banabans, Rotumans, Chinese, Melanesians and other Pacific islanders are largely politically invisible, and socially and economically excluded. In January 2013, Fiji's government rejected a draft constitution drawn up by an independent commission, and submitted it to be re-written by the Attorney-General's office. This intervention threatens to significantly undermine the people's confidence in the process, the final document and a democratic future for Fiji. Against the backdrop of these upheavals, this report provides insight into the underlying causes and consequences of ethnic tensions in Fiji, based on evidence drawn from extensive interviews across the diversity of Fiji's ethnic groups. This report urges the government, civil society and religious and ethnic community leaders to promote understanding, tolerance and dialogue between groups. It also provides specific recommendations on tackling ethnic discrimination and exclusion

Introduction -- Part 1 : Background. Ethnic groups in Fiji -- Historical and contemporary factors in inter-ethnic relations and discrimination -- The Qarase era and contemporary Fiji -- Part 2 : Findings of the interview survey among ethnic groups. Current inter-ethnic relations -- Issues that contribute to inter-ethnic tensions and conflict -- Participation in decision-making -- Women's participation in decision-making -- Impact of the 2006 coup on inter-ethnic relations -- Discrimination -- Relations between religious groups and between government and religious groups -- Human rights issues -- Government policies -- Conclusion and recommendations