Fiji army wants to sign up to torture treaty

The military forces in Fiji have told a Fijian parliamentary committee they want to see Fiji ratify a major international treaty against torture.

The RFMF was among groups presenting submissions this morning on the ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture.

Sally Round reports.

“Fiji’s Citizens Constitutional Forum also made submissions and told the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee ratification is the next logical step for Fiji.

Its CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki says Fiji has seen welcome reforms recently to eradicate torture including the video-taping of police interviews and progress on the case of a man who died while in police custody.

Reverend Yabaki says a military representative told the committee the RFMF also wanted ratification and had in mind its standing as a member of the international peacekeeping forces.

But the point was made it would need more resources.”

Source: Radio New Zealand International