Fiji has ratified all major global human rights treaties, including ratification of the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

United Nations Special Rapporteur, David Boyd says apart from battling the impacts of climate change, Fiji has an article in its constitution which allows people the right to clean environment.

“Article 40 which says that every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment. They also have the right to have the natural world protected for the benefit of future generations.”

Boyd says Fiji previously ratified treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on Rights of Child and the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities that call upon the Government to ensure protection for these vulnerable populations.

He is also urging the government to raise public awareness about the new rights under the 2013 Constitution, especially the right to clean and healthy environment.