Former Fiji PM honoured by international award

Transcript

MAHENDRA CHAUDHRY: There was a lot of discrimination against the Indian community, particularly after the coups of 1987 and subsequently you know when I was Prime Minister in 2000, the coup in 2000. And it was a struggle for our Fiji Indian was discriminated against in all aspects of life. They had problems with land leases the farmers. Our children had to obtain higher marks  for scholarship than other races. It was a kind of institutionalised discrimination, discrimination sponsored by the State. And this had to be fought. And eventually you know we succeeded in 1997, through the 1997 constitution we got some semblance of parity in this regard. So it's about my contribution in our struggle for equality.

JENNY MEYER: And how do you feel receiving the award?

MC: Hah, I was surprised, I had no idea that I was being considered for this award. It was a pleasant surprise for me, my family and my friends and for the Party. And I appreciate the recognition by the Krishna Menon Institute of my work. And of course there are many people behind this, it's not just me. Because this was a struggle which we fought together. Of course I was leading it but I would like to acknowledge all those who contributed to this. And I think they of course share this award with me.

JM: And I guess your involvement in the community and your participation in human rights continues in the lead up to the elections there in Fiji, what are your thoughts as you look towards the future there, particularly this being an election year?

MC: Well you're quite right that human rights is a problem here. And we are again locked in that struggle. Whilst we had the '97 Constitution which as I said restored the rights that were taken away after the coups. But now we are in a state of dictatorship disguised as democracy. Because the constitution right now, the 2013 constitution, which was imposed on the people of Fiji mind you. It was imposed on the people by decree, we didn't have a parliament then. And this constitution whilst it has a bill of rights provision but all those rights are effectively derogated under the provisions of the constitution itself which allows for derogation. And there are decrees which were promulgated during the military rule in Fiji from 2006 to 2014 many of these decrees actually violated human rights conventions and covenants. And they continue in force and they over ride the constitutional provisions of the bill of rights. And these relate to the rights of the unions you know for instance the right to collective bargaining and to freedom of association and assembly. And we have also a problem with the media freedom. The media is not free in Fiji. So there are these restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms of the individual. So the fight goes on.