Permanent Representative of Fiji to the UN Nazhat Shameem [middle] during the High-Level Regional Dialogue on National Mechanisms for Human Rights Implementation in Nadi [Source: Fijian Government]

Human right issues are not only a problem in the Pacific but the entire globe.

This was highlighted by Permanent Representative of Fiji to the UN Nazhat Shameem during the High-Level Regional Dialogue on National Mechanisms for Human Rights Implementation in Nadi today.

Shameem says Pacific Island countries will need more support in implementing human rights.

“The international human rights mechanism such as the universal periodic review, the special procedures and treaty bodies regularly assist the degree to which states are fulfilling their human rights obligations and commitments.”

The High-Level Regional Dialogue on National Mechanisms for Human Rights Implementation in Nadi

Shameem says there is also no point in countries have a ratified conversation in Geneva on what human rights mean if those discussions and rights have no mean to Fiji and the Pacific.

She says civil society groups, parliamentarians and the private sector need to continue playing a key role in advocating on human rights.

She adds that the next two days will be an opportunity for participants from different countries to learn from one another about the challenges in human rights advocacy and implementation.