The European Union will focus on addressing human rights issues in the country this month as its theme for the European year for Development.

EU’s Head of Delegation to the Pacific Andrew Jacobs says this is a good opportunity to highlight this issue as it coincides with the ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign that’s currently underway.

Jacobs adds human rights will remain as one of their top priorities.

‘’Yes, human rights. We definitely have a big focus on support for NGO’s, for civil society organizations. We’re just about to sign 6 new grant agreements with a range of civil society organizations or NGOs in Fiji most of which really aim at strengthening access to human rights, helping to make people’s lives better is certainly it’s a big area of focus for us. People are more aware of human rights. I think the authorities are doing a lot to try to raise awareness of the different issues and I think since Fiji returned to parliamentary democracy it’s important to continue to work for a very healthy framework in which people can enjoy full human rights’’.

Jacobs says they will continue to work with various organizations in the country to advocate on human rights and ensure cooperation is strengthened.

He adds 2015 has been a successful year in terms of advocating on the European year for development.