May 26, 2005
Suva, Fiji Islands

Two petitions addressed to Prime Minister Qarase and President Iloilo in response to the Fiji Government's introduction of the Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill received rousing support at today's Women's Peace Vigil in Suva, a revival of the 'Blue Ribbon Peace Vigil' coordinated by the National Council of Women Fiji during the May 2000 crisis in Fiji.

A member of the group of concerned mothers who have initiated the petition, Ravesi Johnston called for solidarity in countering efforts to fast track the introduction of the Bill and called for solidarity amongst all citizens of Fiji to voice their collective concerns to the Bill by adding their signature to the petition. The vigil also reiterated the need to remind ourselves, as parents that we faced a critical juncture in the political history of Fiji, and there was a need for a greater efforts to ensure that the Fiji of the future is one which we can proudly handover to our children, and their children, and not one that blurs the boundaries between good and bad. We cannot ourselves to be bullied (even by government) said one participant.

Women from a range of NGOs contributed messages of peace and unity, in a peaceful response to their concerns over moves to introduce the Bill with widespread . They included the Ayra Mahila Mandal, Sanatan Nari Sabha, Rotuma Women's Association, Catholic Women's League, Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, YWCA, Virtues Fiji Project, Bahaii Community, National Council of Women Fiji, femLINKpacific, Interfaith Search Fiji and the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy.

The peace vigil will continue as a monthly initiative, in response to the range of post conflict reconstruction challenges that require a collective and unified response from people from all walks of life, and faiths:

"This is an inclusive not exclusive process," said femLINKpacific Coordinator, Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, " and is an important space for women, in particular, to come together to articulate our concerns and to revive this women?s peace space as we face the many challenges ahead in our path to a peaceful and prosperous Fiji."

"Peace is not about being passive," added the Coordinator of the Women's Action for Change, Noelene Nabulivou who also welcomed that revival of the Peace Vigil process and reminded that gathering that as outlined in the petition "there are a number of reasons why we don't agreee with the (contents of the ) bill, not with the process of reconciliation."

Speaking on behalf of The Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy at the Peace Vigil, the Coordinator of the Gender and Peace programme Koila Costello Olsson highlighted their organisation's concerns about various aspects of the draft Bill. According to ECREA, forgiveness and reconciliation are two terms that have been used loosely here. The draft Bill does not define these two terms. It appears that the draft Bill promotes cheap or superficial reconciliation - building relations without addressing issues of truth, justice and power imbalances. Cheap or superficial reconciliation is never true or lasting. It will make no
sense to grant amnesty to perpetrators until they have carried out a process of public confession and repentance: "

We believe that reconciliation and unity efforts that maintain the status quo, and do not really effect personal, social and political transformation and healing, is a concern that needs to be raised. Half-hearted reconciliation attempts are not reconciliation at all. In this respect, the words of the Prophet Jeremiah (6:14) are apt: "They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." Our concern is that the draft Bill, if not thoroughly revised, may become a half-hearted reconciliation attempt."

Meanwhile, at a meeting convened by the NGO Coalition of Human Rights (yesterday) NGO and CSo groups welcomed the petition process and is also urging its networks and citizens of Fiji to support the signature drive.

For more information contact: Ravesi Johnston Ph 679 3370861

Text of the petition:
We represent a cross section of Fiji ?s society comprising individuals, organizations, parents, women and youths who strongly support the mothers' concerns. Our objection to the Bill is twofold. Firstly the provisions of The Bill raises issues that contradict the principles that our democratic system of government stands for. Secondly there has not been adequate consultation with all sectors of the community.

The issues of concern that the proposed Bill raises are as follows:

1.The proposed Bill has the main objectives:
a) to grant amnesty to those accused of political crime and
b) to compensate those who are victims of such crimes.
While these are understandable objectives the means by which the Bill proposes to address them are highly questionable.

2. If passed, the Bill violates - the independence of the judiciary and honoring of its ruling in particular with respect to those convicted of criminal acts under pretense of political motivation.
.
3. Fiji's Human Rights Commission already has in place the legal mechanism for people to seek redress for any act of injustice they face or the violation of one's political rights. Section 3-(1) (e) of the proposed Bill duplicates the functions of the said Commission.

4. The proposed Bill we fear will result in unequal treatment of people involved in political unrest such as coups, mutinies, etc as the
demarcation between criminal and political acts in many such situations will be difficult to determine.

5. Because the Bill proposes to give amnesty to people whose actions are dictated by their political beliefs, it is strongly conveying the message that any political party can overthrow an elected government without fear.

6. The Bill is divisive. It encourages hatred instead of tolerance, affirms, violence instead of accommodation, deepens insecurity instead of contentment, and nurtures conflict instead of reconciliation. Focused in the finer arguments over what is criminal and what is political, we fear that justice will be lost.

We strongly believe that the bill seriously threatens the future stability and prosperity of our country and beg your government?s withdrawal of the bill in order that wider consultations are held throughout Fiji before the Bill?s passage through Parliament."