President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere delivering a speech at the World of Work Summit in Geneva. [Source: Supplied]

Fiji is committed to advancing social justice at home and abroad.

These were the words of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while delivering a speech at the World of Work Summit during the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva yesterday.

Ratu Wiliame says this commitment is demonstrated through the ratification of all eight fundamental conventions of the ILO and the implementation of various policies and programs to protect and empower workers, especially those in vulnerable sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.

He highlighted that social justice is a fundamental value and goal of humanity. It means fair treatment of all people in a society, including respect for the rights of minorities and equitable distribution of resources among members of a community or a nation.

In line with the Fiji Government and Cabinet’s decision to ratify the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), President Katonivere stated that this summit provided an opportunity to inform the international community that Fiji has taken the critical step of supporting UNDRIP.

He adds that Fiji joins the international community in affirming the fullest expression of Indigenous peoples’ aspirations.

Fiji’s support for UNDRIP is a complement to its commitment to ILO Convention 169, which Fiji ratified in 1998.

Heads of state and government from several countries were present at the summit, such as Switzerland, South Africa, Malta, the Central African Republic, Bangladesh, Equatorial Guinea, and Tunisia. Also in attendance were high-level representatives from various international organizations, United Nations agencies, and employer and worker representatives.